Your blocked drain might have nothing to do with what’s going down the sink and everything to do with what’s growing in your yard. Tree roots are a leading cause of blocked drains in residential homes, especially in established suburbs in Ipswich where older pipes and large trees go hand in hand. As roots search for moisture, they can sneak into tiny cracks in your pipes and expand, creating blockages and long-term damage. In this post, we’ll break down the signs to watch out for, how to prevent root intrusion, and the modern tools used to remove roots quickly and cleanly.
Signs Tree Roots May Be Blocking Your Drains
1. Slow Draining Fixtures
If your sinks, showers, or toilets are draining more slowly than usual and you’ve already tried clearing them, it could be a sign of a developing blockage deeper in the pipes. This often starts with just one fixture and gradually spreads to others in the home. Tree roots can restrict water flow by growing through small cracks or joints, eventually making it harder for water to drain properly.
2. Gurgling or Bubbling Noises
Hearing strange sounds from your drains when water is flowing? Gurgling or bubbling is usually caused by air trapped behind a partial blockage. As water tries to get past the roots clogging the pipe, it creates pockets of pressure that release bubbles. It’s subtle, but it’s an important early warning sign that something’s wrong underground.
3. Frequent Blockages or Recurring Clogs
If your drain keeps backing up despite your best efforts with plungers, drain cleaner, or even snaking, it may be a sign of something deeper. Tree roots can grow inside the pipe and catch debris like hair, grease, and water, leading to frequent clogs that never seem to stay gone for long.
4. Foul Odour Near Drains
Tree roots can trap organic waste inside your pipes, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and smells to build up. These odours might be the strongest in the bathroom or laundry, but can also be noticeable near outside drains. If you’re noticing a persistent sewage smell, it could be linked to blocked or cracked pipes below ground.
5. Unusual Green Patches or Soggy Spots on the Lawn
If parts of your lawn seem unusually green, healthy, or constantly damp even in dry weather, it might be a cracked drainage pipe leaking underground or another hidden water supply leak. A broken pipe can release water and nutrients into the soil, giving the nearby lawn an unnatural boost. It’s a subtle but useful clue when checking for root damage.
6. Sinkholes or Soft Patches in the Yard
In more advanced cases, broken pipes can cause soil erosion around the damaged area. This can lead to soft, sunken, or uneven patches in your yard. If the ground feels soggy or dips when you step on it, it’s a sign of serious pipe failure and should be inspected as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Roots From Entering Your Drains
Stopping root intrusion before it starts is always easier and cheaper than digging up damaged pipes later on. Here are some smart steps you can take to reduce the risk:
1. Plant Trees Strategically
Before planting trees or large shrubs, check where your sewer and stormwater lines run. Pipes are often closer to the surface than people realise. Keeping trees well away from these lines reduces the chance of roots reaching them as they grow. When in doubt, ask your plumber, or consult property plans which can be accessed for free from Before You Dig Australia before planting large trees.
2. Choose Non-Invasive or Native Trees
Some tree species have aggressive root systems that are notorious for invading pipes. Fig trees, camphor laurels, and rubber trees are common offenders. Instead, choose smaller and less invasive options like lilly pilly, bottlebrush, or other native species that are better suited to Queensland gardens.
3. Install Root Barriers
Root barriers are physical barriers installed underground to redirect roots away from sensitive areas like drainage pipes. They’re especially useful in landscaped yards, near retaining walls, or around garden beds with nearby plumbing. Installing them before problems start can save you from future hassle and major repair costs down the track. You can find products like this garden root barrier from Bunnings that are easy to install and designed for residential use.
4. Get Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
Even if your drains seem fine on the surface, regular inspections can reveal early signs of tree root growth or small cracks in the pipe. A plumber can use a CCTV drain camera to check the inside of your pipes and spot issues long before they cause blockages or backups.
5. Consider Pipe Relining
If your home has older clay or concrete pipes that have cracked, pipe relining might be a better solution than digging them up and replacing them, or worse, continuing to allow water to leak ou,t encouraging invasive root growth. Relining involves creating a seamless new pipe inside the old one, sealing off cracks and joints that roots could enter. Best of all, it can be done without digging up your yard.
Modern Tree Root Removal Techniques
If roots have already worked their way into your pipes, there’s no need to dig up your yard to fix the problem. Plumbers now use a range of modern tools to safely and efficiently remove them:
- Hydro jetting. This refers to the use of high-pressure water to blast away roots and debris inside the pipes. It’s quick and effective, but doesn’t prevent roots from growing back, so it’s often combined with other treatments.
- Robotic cutting tools. Controlled with a CCTV camera, these tools cut through thick roots with precision. Ideal for severe blockages or areas where pipes are heavily damaged.
- Mechanical drain snakes (augers). These are flexible machines that grind through smaller root clumps. They are commonly used for lighter jobs as a first step before applying longer-term solutions.
- Chemical root killers. These are foam or liquid treatments that kill roots inside the pipe without damaging the tree. They help slow regrowth and are often used after physical clearing.
Keep Roots Out and Drains Flowing
Tree roots might grow slowly, but the damage they cause can build up quickly. If left unchecked, they can lead to recurring blockages, cracked pipes, water waste, and costly repairs. Thankfully, there are simple ways to stay ahead of the problem. Smart planting choices, regular CCTV drain inspections, and non-invasive repair methods can all help keep your drains clear and your plumbing protected. But if you’re already noticing warning signs, it’s a good time to bring in a licensed local plumber to take a look.
If you need help clearing tree roots from your drains, we provide fast, professional root removal and drain repair services across Ipswich and South West Suburbs of Brisbane. Call us on (07) 4515 0062 or contact us online to book an inspection. We’ll get to the root of the problem before it gets worse.
