Why tree roots want to get into your drains
Apart from sunshine, trees need two things to grow: water and nutrients. Their roots are built to search out both.
Tree roots mostly find these in the soil. But there’s somewhere with even more water and nutrients than plain old soil. Your drains!
Your sewer drain is the big one. It’s where everything from your toilet, sink, shower and bath goes. You might not think that’s very tasty, but for a tree root it is.
Once tree roots get into your drains, they stay there. They send lots of water and nutrients up into the tree. If you do nothing about it, the roots grow bigger and longer as they spread down the drain looking for more.
Tree roots also get into your stormwater drains. These take all the water from your roof gutters and downpipes, and sometimes your garden as well.
How tree roots get into your drains
All it takes is the smallest crack or gap in your drain. A thin tree root finds its way in. Once inside, it grows thicker and stronger, and it slowly makes the crack or gap bigger.
Ways to deal with tree roots in your drains
Once you have tree roots in your drains, there are a few ways to try to fix the problem.
Cut down or kill the tree
This is the most extreme option. It’s a very harsh fix, and not one we’d suggest if you like trees!
Pour root killer down the drain
These products are usually quite toxic poisons. Once they wash down the drain, they can have really nasty effects on other living things along the way. You also risk killing the tree by killing its roots.
Cut the roots out
A plumber can send a high pressure water jetter or another tool down the drain. It cuts through the roots, then flushes them away or drags them out. But this is only a short term fix. The roots will grow back unless you also seal the crack or gap that let them in.
Dig up the drain
Some plumbers suggest digging up your drains to replace them if they’ve collapsed or have big gaps and cracks. But that can cost a huge amount. It can also mean digging up your whole garden or backyard, which can ruin it.
The best fix: reline your drain
The best solution is to have your drain relined. Relining is like putting a whole new drain inside your old one.
If you have a PVC plastic drain, relining makes it stronger. It fills all the cracks and makes the drain more than twice as strong as before. In fact, the lining The Drain Man uses is guaranteed for life. That’s a longer guarantee than the original PVC drain had.
Older drains may be made of terracotta, cast iron or other materials. They might be built in sections, and those sections can come apart and leave gaps. Parts of your drain can also collapse, leaving gaps and holes that let tree roots in.
Whatever your pipes are made of, relining creates a solid sleeve inside the drain. It closes up all the gaps and cracks. With nowhere for tree roots to get in, your problems are gone for life!
How The Drain Man gets rid of tree roots
Got ongoing problems with tree roots in your drains? Don’t waste time on other methods. Call The Drain Man on 1800 843 372 and let us come and talk to you about it.
Inspect
We put a camera down your drains to check the tree root problem and find exactly where the roots are getting in.
Clear
We clear all the tree roots out of the drain.
Reline
We reline your drain to stop the roots coming back.
We guarantee our work and the materials we use. Call now or send us an enquiry to book a visit. We look forward to getting rid of the tree roots in your drains, for good!