Blocked drains can be a frustrating and costly problem for homeowners as you rely on your plumbing system to keep your home running smoothly. But what happens when trees start causing issues with your pipes? While there are several factors that can contribute to blocked drains, one of the most common causes is tree roots. Tree roots can cause significant damage to your plumbing, leading to costly repairs and inconvenience. In this blog, we’ll explore how tree root intrusion can cause blocked drains and other plumbing problems and provide some tips on how to prevent it.
How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Plumbing
Tree roots are attracted to moisture, making your plumbing system an ideal target. If there’s even a small crack in your pipes, tree roots can sense the moisture and begin to grow towards it. As the roots continue to grow, they can cause significant damage to your plumbing system, leading to blocked drains, sewer backups, and even burst pipes.
When tree roots invade your plumbing system, they can cause several problems. Signs of tree root damage:
- Slow draining or backed up water in sinks, toilets, and showers
- Gurgling noises coming from drains
- Foul odours coming from drains
- Patches of damp or soggy soil in your yard
- Cracks or damage to your driveway, patio or other concrete surfaces near your drain
- Blocked Drains: As the roots continue to grow, they can cause blockages in your pipes, preventing water from flowing freely.
- Sewer Backups: If tree roots penetrate your sewer line, they can cause backups and sewage to flow back into your home.
- Pipe Damage: Tree roots can cause significant damage to your pipes, leading to cracks, leaks, and even burst pipes.
Preventing Tree Root Intrusion
Preventing tree root intrusion is essential to protect your plumbing system and avoid costly repairs. Here are some tips to help prevent tree roots from causing damage to your pipes:
- Avoid Planting Trees Near Your Plumbing: If you’re planting trees in your yard, make sure to avoid planting them too close to your plumbing system. As a general rule, trees should be planted at least 7-10 feet away from your pipes.
- Know the Location of Your Pipes: Before planting trees or doing any landscaping, make sure you know the location of your pipes. This will help you avoid planting trees or shrubs in areas where they could damage your plumbing.
- Regularly maintain and inspect your drains to catch any problems before they worsen.
What to do if you suspect tree root damage
- Call a professional plumber to inspect and diagnose the problem
- Use a drain camera to locate the source of the blockage
- Depending on the severity of the damage, options for repair may include:
- Chemical treatments to kill roots
- Hydro-jetting to remove blockages and debris
- Excavation to repair or replace damaged pipes
While tree roots can be a major cause of blocked drains, there are ways to prevent and address the problem. By understanding how tree roots invade and damage your drains, you can take steps to protect your plumbing system and avoid costly repairs. If you suspect that your drains may be blocked by tree roots, don’t hesitate to call a professional blocked drain plumber for help.
Count On Your Blocked Drain Plumber For Any Drain Repairs
Contact RD Plumbing Solutions today at 0422902890 or online to schedule an appointment with our experienced blocked drain plumber in Adelaide and learn more about our tree root removal services. We’re always here to help you with your plumbing needs, no matter the time of day or night.
