Signs You May Have A Tree Root Intrusion

Tree root intrusion is often the unseen cause of blocked drains.

Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of blocked drains. The frustrating thing about these blockages is that they are impossible to identify from the surface.  The reason tree root intrusion takes place is that as tree roots grow and search for water, they are attracted the moisture and nutrients inside drain pipes. They start by making their way into a small opening in a pipe.  Once there, they will grow over time, which causes pipes to crack or get blocked. This type of blockage cannot be repaired by any type of home remedy since roots are so strong.

The best way to get rid of tree root intrusion and prevent it from happening again is to use pipe relining technology.  This technology inserts seamless pipes inside your old ones. By doing this, tree roots can no longer enter since there are no small spaces or misaligned pipes.  Even though tree root intrusions are impossible to see from the surface, there are some telltale signs that you may be dealing with one. Below are some preventative measures and signs that indicate you may be dealing with a tree root infestation.

Causes of Tree Root Intrusions

In some cases, tree root infestation is out of your control.  However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of making this happen.  Here are some of the most common causes of tree root infestation:

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Misaligned Pipes

If you are building a house, it is important that the drainage pipes be installed correctly.  Be sure to inspect them yourself before trenches are filled. Any misalignment or poor seal can create an easy opening for a tree root to enter.

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Tree Placement

If you decide to plant a new tree or shrub on your property, you should first check with a plumber to identify where your drain pipes are.  By doing this, you can ensure that you don’t accidentally plant a tree directly above drain lines, which causes roots to reach the drain pipes very quickly.

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Choose The Right Tree

Some trees have roots that are more invasive and grow deeper.  Trees to avoid are maple, elm and poplar. If you choose trees that grow to a maximum height of less than 20 feet, you reduce the chance of tree root intrusion occuring.  Trees such as Japanese split maple, fig and crabapple fit this description.

Signs You May Have A Tree Root Intrusion Problem

Tree root intrusion is not possible to detect without the help of a professional.  This means that by the time you notice you have a problem, it is already too late. By paying close attention, you may be able to notice some of the signs and get a head start on preventing tree root intrusion from spreading.  Here are some of the signs that you may be dealing with a tree root intrusion:

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Sinkholes

Sinkholes are a wet area that appears and never dries up or disappears.  It is often very muddy and dangerous to step in. When tree roots invade your pipes, water may be allowed to escape through the cracks.  Over time, the water will make its way to the surface and create a sinkhole.

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Faster Growing Trees

If you have a number of trees or shrubs on your property and you notice that one seems to be growing much faster and looks healthier, then that tree’s roots may be inside your pipes.  A tree root infestation enables that tree to have extra access to nutrients and water which makes it grow much faster than other trees.

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Strange Odours

When there is a blockage in your drainage system, the trapped water in there can become stagnant.  This may lead to a musty odour coming out of your drains. This standing water is also an ideal place for insect breeding so you also may notice flies and  mosquitoes coming out of your drain.

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Increased Mould and Mildew

The standing water in pipes from a blockage often results in increased moisture in your home.  The biggest sign of this is a higher amount of mould and mildew, especially in your bathroom and under the kitchen sink.

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Flooding

If a tree root infestation has blocked your sewer drains, rainwater may not be able to drain from your property.  If water is not draining like normal, this may be a sign that you have a tree root infestation.

 

How Can Willow & Co. Plumbing Clear Your Tree Root Intrusions and Blockages

By following the steps below, we guarantee that your tree root intrusion problem will be gone for good.

CCTV Drain Inspection

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By incorporating our CCTV technology, we can inspect your plumbing from the surface.  We are able to see any blockage on our monitor to ensure that the problem is correctly identified.

High Pressure Jet Blasting

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Our next step is using high pressure water to blast any blockage or debris stuck to your pipes.  This 5000 PSI system is potentially dangerous and should only be used by professionals. All of our technicians are trained and have experience using this tool.

Pipe Relining

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Once all debris and blockages are cleared from your pipes, the pipe relining process can begin.  We insert new epoxy resin pipes inside your old ones. This can be done from a single access point and guarantees against further cracking or tree root intrusion in the future.

Ready To Discuss A Job?

Our experienced team at Willow & Co. Plumbing is available 24/7 and just a phone call away.  Contact us at 1300 512 737 and our expert team will arrive within the hour to clear any drain blockage you may encounter.  When it comes to dealing with tree root intrusions, there is nobody better than us.

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