Whilst having an attractive, mature tree can make your property more appealing, the roots can cause several unseen problems. One of the most common issues is tree root infiltration. Often, there will be a small crack or loose joint in your main drain pipe. This will cause tree roots to push inside and cause build-up over time. Signs that you may have tree roots infiltrating your drain as a homeowner in Vaughan can include frequent toilet blockages, multiple slow drains and an unpleasant sewage smell. Whilst these may seem like small issues, they can indicate a damaged underground drain. Thankfully, there is no need to dig up your garden to resolve the issue. A professional CCTV inspection can pinpoint exactly where the tree roots have pushed into your drain. Once the correct tree root removal method is used, you will be able to restore drainage and prevent further damage. Here are some things you should know about identifying tree root infiltration and resolving it.
Why Do Tree Roots Push Into Drain Pipes?
Tree roots will push into drain pipes due to looking for moisture and nutrients. If your underground drain develops a crack or a leaking joint, this can cause moisture to seep out. Tree roots nearby may then begin to grow towards the moisture and push into your drain. Once the roots are inside, they will continue to grow and spread out. This will cause toilet paper and debris to become stuck in your drain. Over time, the tree roots will cause a build-up and limit the flow of wastewater. There are a number of reasons why your drain may be more susceptible.
- Old Pipes – Older clay and cast iron piping can cause cracks, corrosion and loosened joints.
- Ground Movement – This can cause the sections of your drain to move and separate.
- Trees Nearby – Large mature trees with lots of roots can be attracted to your underground piping.
- Poor Connections – If your piping doesn’t connect well, or has been damaged or repaired in the past, this makes it easy for tree roots to push in.
- Tree roots will not often push through a completely intact and watertight pipe. They will usually enter through existing weaknesses.
6 Signs You Have Tree Roots In Your Main Drain
Tree roots can cause issues with your drainpipe. Identifying them can help you get an inspection carried out before you face a full blockage.
Multiple Slow Drains
Whilst a slow kitchen sink may be a simple issue with a local blockage, if you are experiencing slow drains in your toilets, showers, baths and sinks then your main drain may be blocked. The tree roots will cause a blockage inside your pipe by taking up space. This will cause the wastewater to struggle to flow through. The issues will often become more apparent across your home.
Toilet Blockages
Occasional toilet blockages are common, but if you are facing frequent blockages then you should take notice. Particularly if other fixtures are also being impacted. Tree roots can cause waste and toilet paper to become trapped in your main drain. This can cause blockages. Whilst clearing your toilet may temporarily help, it won’t resolve the issue.
Gurgling Drains
If you are hearing gurgling and bubbling sounds after flushing your toilet or turning on water, this can indicate that there is partially blocked main drain. This can cause issues with air flow and drainage. Whilst this doesn’t necessarily mean you have tree roots in your drain, if you are hearing frequent gurgling sounds along with slow drains, you should investigate.
Sewage Smell
If you are experiencing a constant sewage smell in your basement, floor drains or outside of your home, this can indicate drainage issues or a damaged pipe. Blockages can cause wastewater to become stagnant. Cracks or poor connections can cause sewer gases to escape. As there can be a number of plumbing issues causing sewage smells, getting a professional inspection can help identify the cause.
Wet Areas in Your Garden
If you have an unusual patch of grass that is very wet, looks greener and has soft ground this can indicate that there is a leak underground. If your sewer has become damaged and is leaking wastewater, this can cause the ground to become very wet. Tree roots can cause this issue, but irrigation leaks and other plumbing issues can cause similar symptoms.
Frequent Backups
One of the strongest reasons to get your main drain inspected would be if you are experiencing frequent backups. If wastewater is backing up through your basement floor drain, bath or other low level fixtures, this indicates there could be a severe blockage.
If you are experiencing sewage backing up into your home, stop using water if you can and get a plumber in as soon as possible. Try not to deal with the wastewater as it can contain harmful contaminants.
How Can A Drain CCTV Help Identify Tree Roots?
If you are unsure whether the issue is due to roots being underground, getting a CCTV inspection can help. A plumber will be able to inspect the inside of your drain. Typically, a drain CCTV inspection will be carried out by inserting a waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable into an accessible area of your drainage system. As the camera moves through your drain, the technician will look for:
Thin tree roots entering through cracks or joints.
Thick tree root build up causing blockages.
Cracks, damage and separation in the drain.
Debris trapped around the tree roots.
Low points causing build-up of water and waste.
Signs of deformation.
Depending on the equipment used, the inspection can help identify where the issue is. This makes it easier to identify where repairs are needed.
How Will My Inspection Work?
Most inspections will be simple for residential properties.
Talk Through Issues: The plumber will ask about any recurring blockages, slow drains, sewage smells and any previous repairs.
Insert Camera: The camera will be inserted through an existing drain cleanout or suitable opening.
Inspect Drain: The technician will manoeuvre the camera through your drain to inspect for tree roots, blockage and damage.
Identify Issue: Depending on the equipment, the technician will note how far away the issue is and where it is underground.
Repair Recommendations: The plumber will explain whether cutting the tree roots will be sufficient or if repairs or replacements are required.
Getting a CCTV inspection is particularly useful if you are experiencing recurring blockages after clearing your drains. This helps identify whether it is a recurring issue or a structural issue.
How Can I Remove Tree Roots From My Drain?
Depending on how bad the root build up is and whether your drain is structurally sound, you may need to use the right method to remove them. If your drain has become damaged and the tree roots have entered through this, simply removing the blockage may not be enough.
Cutting Tree Roots
A plumber can use specialist cutting equipment to remove the tree roots from your drain. This will break up the tree root build up to allow more free flowing wastewater.
This can be a great option if your drain is otherwise fine but there are roots causing an issue. However, it will not fix the cracks or gaps.
As the entrance is still open, new tree roots can grow back. This means getting a CCTV inspection can be helpful.
Hydro Jetting
Using high pressure water, tree roots (and other suitable items) can be removed from your drain. This can help restore drainage, but is not suitable for all damaged drains. A plumber should inspect your drain to ensure it is suitable for high pressure equipment. Older, cracked or fragile piping may not be suitable. Similar to cutting, this will not necessarily fix any structural issues.
Trenchless Drain Repairs
If your tree roots have entered through cracks or leaking joints then repairing the damaged section can help prevent the issue from recurring. Depending on the condition of your drain, you may be able to have this repaired using a suitable trenchless method. Pipe lining can be used to create a new inner lining. This will seal any eligible defects and reduce the amount of openings for tree roots.
If your existing drain is suitable for renovation, you may be able to use professional trenchless drain repair services in Vaughan. If there are severe collapses, major misalignment or other structural issues, this may not be the case. The main benefit is that it causes less disruption to your landscaping, pathways and driveways.
Replacing Drain
Sometimes it may no longer be viable to repair your existing drain. If there is a lot of cracking caused by the tree roots, significant movement or collapse, replacing the damaged section may be more reliable. Depending on the site, the plumber may recommend replacing just the damaged section or a larger section of your drain. Traditional digging may be required however some methods can reduce the amount of digging required. This should depend on what was found during your inspection, the condition of the surrounding drain and the long term reliability of each option.
How Can I Prevent Tree Roots Damaging My Drain?
Whilst you cannot control how far all tree roots will grow, you can reduce the risk of tree roots entering your drain.
- Know Where Your Drain Is – Knowing where your drain is can help you make better landscaping choices.
- Be Careful With Planting – Don’t plant large trees directly above or too close to your underground drain.
- Be Aware Of Recurring Issues – If you are experiencing recurring blockages, investigate the issue.
- Get Older Drains Inspected – If your home has an older drain system or a history of tree roots entering your drain, getting a professional inspection can help.
- Fix Leaky Joints – Fixing any vulnerable sections will help reduce the number of openings.
- If you have tree roots in your drain, speak to your plumber about putting a maintenance schedule in place. This can help control the growth of the roots by removing them periodically. However, it is usually better to fix the entrance if your drain is damaged.
When Should I Contact A Plumber In Vaughan?
Don’t wait until you have a full blockage. If you are experiencing recurring drainage issues, contact a plumber. Whilst one slow drain may be a simple issue, if multiple fixtures are affected, you are experiencing persistent sewage smells or recurring backups, then there may be a more serious issue. If you are experiencing recurring issues, contact a professional. Particularly if you have mature trees or an older drain. If you are experiencing active backups of wastewater into your home, this is an urgent issue. Reduce your water usage and get professionals in. Don’t try to clear whatever is blocking your drain with harsh chemicals or heavy-duty equipment. Getting an early diagnosis will give you a better idea of how damaged your drain is. This will help you consider your options for repair.
Get To The Root Of The Issue
Tree roots can cause issues with your drain. Whilst they start with a small opening, they can cause persistent blockages or damage to your drain. The key is to identify what the issue is underground before you experience recurring blockages. Vaughan Plumbing & Sewer can help you investigate any issues with your drain. We can identify the cause of the issue and what the next step should be. Getting a CCTV inspection can give you a clearer idea of what condition your pipe is in, and we can offer professional tree root removal, targeted repairs or replacements depending on how bad the issue is. If you are experiencing recurring slow drains or sewer backups after cleaning, get an inspection to identify what the cause of the issue is and protect your home’s plumbing.
FAQs
- Can tree roots fully block my main drain?
Yes. Tree roots can grow into thick bundles which can trap waste and debris. This can cause blockages or even complete blockages. If they are making existing damage worse, you may need more than regular cleaning. - Will removing tree roots prevent them from coming back?
Not necessarily. Whilst cutting or flushing the roots will remove the blockage, if there are still cracks or loose joints, they can return. If the entrance can be repaired, then this will provide a longer term solution. - Should I get a drain CCTV inspection?
Often getting a drain CCTV inspection is the best way to confirm tree roots are the cause. This will help the plumber decide whether tree root removal is sufficient or structural repairs are required. - Can newer PVC drains be damaged by tree roots?
Yes. Whilst PVC drains that have been installed correctly and have intact joints are generally less susceptible to tree roots than many older systems, they can still be damaged by tree roots entering through damaged connections, cracks or installation issues. - Is Trenchless Drain Repairs Suitable For All Damaged Pipes?
Not necessarily. It will depend on the material, layout, condition and damage to your pipes. Some pipes can be lined or replaced using trenchless methods however if there are collapses or major misalignment, traditional digging may be required. - What Should I Do If I Have Sewage Backing Up Into My Basement?
Stop using water if possible. Keep people and pets away from the area and get a plumber in as soon as possible. Don’t touch the sewage and organise a proper clean up.
