From time to time, especially in severe weather, it’s possible for the tree roots on your property to infiltrate your underground pipes and drains, resulting in a major blockage. When this happens, it can be tricky to know what to do and how to fix the issue.
There are many things that can block your drains and a lot of people don’t even realise that tree roots can be the cause of your blocked-up pipes. If you have blocked pipes but aren’t sure why tree roots may be the cause. Here is some important information you should know about tree roots blocking your drains.
The Connection Between Tree Roots & Your Drains
If your pipes are relatively new or have recently been restrengthened, then you most likely don’t need to worry about tree roots blocking your drains. However, when your pipes get old and weak is when it becomes much more common for the tree roots to get into your pipes and cause a blockage. As the trees on your property grow, so do their roots, and they can end up penetrating the pipes and continue growing to cause a blockage.
Though you can’t keep a constant eye on your pipes, there are a few signs of blockages you can look out for.
Signs That Your Drains May Be Blocked
It can be very difficult to detect a tree root blockage but there are some signs that you can look out for. These signs include:
- Slow draining of sinks and bathtubs
- Strange odours
- Noises in the pipes
Simple Ways To Clear The Tree Roots
There are a few at-home solutions you can try to help in clearing the tree roots from your drains as a temporary fix. You can try a copper sulphate or sodium chloride solution to eradicate the roots. For a more permanent solution, you should call in the team of professionals from Hello Plumbing.
Remove The Risk
The best solution for tree roots blocking your drains is to try and avoid the situation altogether. The best way to reduce the risk of tree root blockages is to make sure your pipes are strengthened and not too old. We recommend pipe relining to help strengthen your existing pipes.
