Tree Root Intrusion

What is a tree root intrusion?

It is the fancy way of saying you have tree roots growing in your sewer pipes.

How does tree root intrusion occur?

Unfortunately tree root intrusion, also known as blocked sewer pipes, are a common problem on the Gold Coast. Whilst most of us love a lush garden that adds beauty to our home and shade to landscapes, mature trees and fast growing shrubs can cause extensive damage to sewer pipes.

The tree roots grow toward pipes as the flow of warm water and nutrients inside the sewer pipes causes vapour to escape to the cooler soil surrounding the pipe and in turn the roots grow in that direction. The vapour will usually escape through a crack in the pipe or a loose joint. Once the tree root reaches the pipe it continues to grow and make its way inside the pipe, filling the pipe with a hair-like root mass. If left over time, these roots can completely fill and crush pipes.

How to prevent it

The best way to prevent tree root intrusions is to schedule regular cleaning of your sewer pipes and to avoid planting certain types of trees or shrubs near the sewer lines. Ideally select small, slow growing plants and trees with less aggressive root systems and plant them at least 3 metres from known sewer pipes.

Tree root intrusions can be one of the most expensive sewer maintenance issues to rectify if left over time and as each home-owner is responsible for their sewer pipes, it is strongly recommended that Gold Coast home-owners have their sewer pipes checked for any blockages as soon as any of the common warning signs below occur:-

– Slow draining water from sinks, toilets, showers or baths
– Gurgling sounds when toilets flushed
– Overflowing drain gullies outside

If you are unsure if you have the early signs of a tree root intrusion in your sewer pipes, Blocked Drain King recommends conducting a CCTV Drain Camera Inspection that will locate any issues and give you immediate peace of mind. This can be done at a time that suits you by one of our experienced and qualified Technicians.

If you are sure you do have a blocked sewer pipe, we recommend that you book one of our experienced Technicians to conduct a high pressure jet to clear your pipes as soon as possible. With our thorough service, our experienced Technicians will include a full CCTV drain camera inspection of your pipes, this will ensure they are completely clear and diagnose how and where the root intrusion occurred and if any further repairs are necessary.

Contact Us today!