We all know the usual suspects for clogged drains: grease, hair, fat, the occasional rogue toy. But there's another culprit to watch out for; tree roots.

Tree roots can slowly creep into your drains, growing bigger and stronger over time. Left unchecked, they can lead to major blockages, cracks, and expensive repairs.

If you're worried about rogue roots wreaking havoc on your plumbing, let the drainage experts at Greenstar help you out. Below, we'll look at the damage tree roots can cause and how to stop them before they turn into a major problem.

How Do Tree Roots Damage Drains?

Tree roots are drawn to moisture and nutrients. Unfortunately, this can make drain pipes a magnet for them. Here's how they can wreak havoc on your drainage system:

  • Tree roots are persistent and can find their way into even small cracks, gaps in pipe joints, or damaged areas of your drain system. Older clay pipes with sand and cement joints are particularly vulnerable.
  • Once inside, the roots have access to a steady water source and will continue to grow. This growth can significantly narrow the pipe diameter, causing blockages that slow down drainage or completely obstruct the flow. Debris can then accumulate around the roots, making the blockage even worse.
  • As the roots grow larger, they can exert a lot of pressure, causing cracks and breaks in the pipes. This can lead to leaks and even sinkholes if enough water escapes underground.

Removal can be a headache, so the best thing to do is take steps to prevent roots from reaching the pipes in the first place - you'll save yourself a lot of grief and money in the long run.

How to Prevent Tree Roots From Damaging Your Pipes

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent tree roots from damaging your pipes. Here are some of the most effective:

1. Install Root Barriers

Root barriers are physical barriers that can be installed around your pipes to redirect root growth away from them. They're typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a strong and durable plastic, but they can also be made from metal or stone.

Root barriers come in sheets that you can trench around the perimeter of the area you want to protect, as well as panels that help create root channels for trees planted in confined spaces. While they're most useful for established trees with large root systems, they can also be used for new plantings.

2. Choose the Right Trees

Contrary to popular belief, tree roots typically grow in the topmost layer of soil, so planting trees far away from your house might not be enough. The roots can still reach your drains if there's a direct path.

Instead, if you're planting new trees, consider species with non-invasive root systems. Trees with taproots tend to grow straight down and are less likely to cause problems than trees with spreading lateral roots.

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Regular inspections and cleanings of your sewer line can help identify root problems early on before they cause major damage. A professional plumber can use mechanical methods or root-killing chemicals to clear blockages.

4. Maintain Proper Drainage

Standing water can attract tree roots seeking moisture, so make sure you have proper grading around your house to divert water away from the foundation and prevent pooling near drain lines. This will create a less hospitable environment for tree roots near your drains.

What to Do if Tree Roots Grow Into Your Drains

Despite your best efforts, you think tree roots might have invaded your drains. What should you do?

Unfortunately, once roots have infiltrated your pipes, it's very difficult to remove them on your own. Your best option is to call a professional plumber - they can assess the damage and use methods like mechanical root removal, drain jetting (using high-pressure water to clear roots), or even pipe replacement in severe cases. A less invasive option is pipe relining, which creates a smooth interior lining to prevent roots from taking hold.

After addressing the issue, the plumber can take steps to prevent future root invasions and provide personalised advice on how to prevent recurrence.

Get Your Drains Flowing Again With Greenstar

Whether you suspect tree roots or just want to prevent future problems, Greenstar's accredited drainage experts can help!

Our team have over 30 years of experience tackling all types of blocked drains and offer a range of solutions, from pinpointing the problem with CCTV surveys to clearing tough clogs with drain jetting and even fixing damaged pipes with drain repairs and relining. Whatever you need, we've got you covered.

We serve customers across the South, including Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and beyond. Book your service online or call us on 01202 355 344 today to get started!