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What can you do about drain damage from tree roots?

Many of us enjoy having established trees and shrubs in our yards; for shade, and windbreaks and to beautify the area. However, do you realise that underground, these large beauties may be slowly terrorising your drains and sewers ?

As homeowners, we’re all responsible for the maintenance of the sewer pipes that are buried on our property. Once they connect to the mains, which are usually out in the street, they become the responsibility of the local council. You’re probably not even aware of the hive of activity that’s occurring underground, every day, that can be potentially plotting to block your pipes.

How do tree roots get into sewer pipes?

The flow of warm water through sewer pipes creates a vapour that escapes through even the tiniest crack or loose connection in the pipes. This vapour escapes into the cooler soil surrounding the pipes. Tree roots gradually grow towards the vapour, once they reach the source, they continue to grow through the crack to reach the abundance of nutrients and water inside. Tree roots are extremely aggressive, and, during dry periods, in particular, they will search for any trace of moisture. Once inside the pipe, the roots will continue to grow, and their hair-like masses will continue for long distances inside the pipes.

Over time, food waste and debris going through the pipes will get caught, until it becomes completely blocked. As the root continues to grow in diameter, it exerts pressure on the small crack, spreading it open and can eventually cause the pipe to collapse. A slow-flowing drain or gurgling noise from the toilet bowl is the first sign of a blockage. As homeowners, we should all be aware of the location of our drains and sewer cleanout pipe. Avoid planting large trees and hedges near the sewer lines; trees should be located more than three metres from sewer lines to minimise root intrusion.

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What can you do once the roots are in the pipes?

In the past, if you suspect a blocked drain, you would call a plumber who would take a guess at the blockage and dig. Not anymore. With the use of state-of-the-art technology, Reline Solutions can locate the blockage, find a solution, clear it and fix any damage to prevent future blockages.

  • Using a camera drain, we can find the exact location of the blockage, the cause and the size of the obstruction.
  • If the blockage is small roots and debris, we can simply use high-pressure water jetting to dislodge the problem.
  • For a large, solid obstruction, we send down a robotic cutter. This is a remotely controlled piece of machinery with a high-speed cutting head that will slice through almost any material.
  • If necessary, we will cut away any section of the damaged pipe.
  • To prevent future problems, we can reline the existing sewer pipe with a specially designed product that will make the pipes stronger than they were originally.

How much damage will be caused to the area when fixing a blocked drain?

In most cases, the above steps can be carried out without digging. By using the latest technology, Reline Solutions can carry out all of the work from above the ground; so there’s no need to dig up pathways, retaining walls, or driveways or destroy your landscaping. This means the job is done faster, tidier and with less inconvenience and cost to you.

For all your drain clearing needs give us a call at 0403 355 550 or complete our quote request form today.

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