All of us take the utmost care to follow basic sanitary rules like, not putting stuff down the drains that do not belong there, like grease, food scraps, wet wipes, and foreign objects. So, one would think as long as you follow these rules your drains would remain clear and you will have water flowing through them all the time.
But unfortunately, there are some other culprits that can cause your home plumbing to go awry, and these may not be under your control. Tree roots growing inside your drains can be the cause of horribly blocked drains or stormwater pipes. Since these pipes may run underneath your yard, there is a chance of tree roots growing right through them causing slow drainage and damage to the pipes as well. Unfortunately, you can’t do much to prevent this from happening, but it is essential to understand why this happens and to know the signs to look out for.
Why do tree roots block a drain?
The root system is in constant search of moisture and nutrients in order to make sure the tree grows to its optimum. The roots have an inbuilt ability to sense where the water is situated and if there is even a tiny gap or crack along the pipe, it is enough for the roots to reach through and spread through the pipe. In their search for a source of water, the roots will take over parts of the underground pipes leaving your pipes blocked and causing messy plumbing problems.
PVC Pipes vs Clay Pipes
Pipes are fabricated from two types of materials, clay and PVC. Clay pipes are an older generation that are more susceptible to tree root harm. Minor ground movements can damage these pipes and lead to cracks, which makes it easy for the roots to enter.
PVC pipes are stronger and somewhat resistant to blockage from tree roots as they do not crack easily. But since they are connected by glued rubber, there is a chance the joints may not be installed properly, which provides a way for the tree roots to get in.
Before figuring out how to tackle the issue of tree roots, it is most important that you know how to spot tree root blockage symptoms.
Signs of Having Tree Roots in Drains
Since all this is happening underground, it is difficult to spot the signs until the problem goes out of hand. But knowing what to look out for will help you tackle the issue in time to save yourself major plumbing repairs.
- Slow drainage of water in the sinks and bathtubs.
- Gurgling sounds when flushing the toilet and a backed-up toilet.
- Unpleasant odours, like rotten eggs from around the plumbing fixtures.
- Visible sinkholes around your yard where the water is leaking out and creating soft spots.
- Some trees or one tree is greener or suddenly growing faster than the others.
How to Fix Tree Roots Ingress
If you see any of the signs that tell you that you may tree roots in your drains it is imperative to take quick action. Call the experts at Ruttley Services to come and inspect your drains to professionally clear away the obstruction.
Trenchless Pipe Relining
This is a no-dig solution to clearing out the tree roots from your pipes. In the first part of this process, a camera is used to identify and locate the problem. It allows the plumbers to take a first-hand look at the insides of the pipes to assess the extent of the damage. In the second part the plumber will clear the roots. Finally, they will fix the damaged pipe using a pipe liner that has been resin-impregnated. This is called a no-dig solution as it is completed without disturbing the soil.
Even if you have the smallest suspicion that you have a tree root obstruction, you will want to call in the professionals to tackle it as soon as possible. Schedule a convenient time for our team of trained professionals to visit you. In order to keep your water flowing and to avoid bigger problems in the future, call us today.
Book an appointment for a free consultation. We have years of experience in plumbing and are known for our high work standards.
