How to Remove Tree Roots From Drain Pipes

As a homeowner, blocked drains can be a frustrating problem to deal with. They are often persistent and it can be tricky to figure out its root cause. To make things worse, blocked sewage pipes typically don’t go away on their own. Without treatment, blocked pipes can actually get worse, causing slow drainage, leaks and overflowing drains, and leading to unsanitary and potential harmful conditions.

One of the most common causes of blocked drains are tree roots. If you want to keep your drains clear and flowing, it’s important to understand this common problem.

In this blog, we’re going to discuss how tree roots end up in your pipes and what you can do about them.

How roots block your pipes

Beneath the ground, tree roots are constantly looking for moisture and nutrients. Since our plumbing systems carry with water and other organic materials, tree roots are inevitably going to be attracted to drain pipes.

Thin, fibrous roots can find their way into your pipes via small gaps or cracks on the outer surface. Once the roots have reached the water and nutrients within the pipes, they will continue to develop and grow. Eventually, this will cause debris and other organic materials to build up around the affected area, completely blocking the sewage flow.

If your plumbing system is in good condition, the roots won’t be able to get inside of the pipes. However, by virtue of condensation, your pipes will still have moisture on the outside. This causes tree roots to wrap around the pipes. If this is left unaddressed, the roots will eventually become strong enough to damage the pipes. Once the pipe collapses, it will lead to either serious leakage or a blockage.

How to remove tree roots

Now that you understand what causes tree root blockage, you need to learn how to fix it.

1.  Have the damage assessed

The very first thing you should do is to call an experienced blocked drain plumber to assess the damage. Most professional plumbers use CCTV drain cameras to conduct a thorough inspection of your drainage pipes. This will allow the plumber to find out the exact cause of the blockage and advise you of the best possible solution.

In this case, accurate diagnosis is extremely important. Applying the improper solution can cause more problems for you later down the line. For example, if you believe tree roots have penetrated through your pipes, you might be tempted to use an auger to push through it. However, if the problem ends up being a collapsed pipe, using an auger will likely cause more damage to your plumbing system.

2. Use the proper tools

High-pressure jet cleaners and mechanical augers are common tools used by professional plumbers. They require a high level of expertise to operate and are often used as a permanent solution for root blockages. If you’re inexperienced with these tools, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Another solution is to use a chemical root killer. However, such chemical products are often used as a temporary solution. It’s also important to note that a considerable number of off-the-shelf items are alkaline-based cleaners. Not only do alkaline residues harm the environment, they can also cause skin burns if you’re exposed to them.

In order to ensure that you’re using the right tool for the job, be sure to consult your local plumber.

3. Make necessary repairs and upgrades

Once your pipes are clear, you will need to conduct all the repairs and upgrades necessary. This might be a simple relining of the pipes or a major overhaul of your plumbing system.

Either way, the goal will be to prevent tree roots from damaging your pipes in the future. If your property’s plumbing system is decades old, it’s best to ask your local plumber if an upgrade is needed.

In some cases, you might also need to install plastic blockers underneath the soil to prevent the roots from reaching the pipes in the first place.

We hope that the guide above has helped you better understand tree root blockage. As a homeowner, you will likely encounter this problem at one point or another. As such, it’s important to prepare when the issue does arise.