Slow drains, recurring blockages, or gurgling sounds when water runs away can all mean that tree roots are growing in your pipes. It’s one of the most common causes of blocked or broken drains along the Sapphire Coast.
Roots seek out moisture, and even the tiniest crack in a pipe can be enough for them to break through and start spreading. Once they’re in, they keep growing until they block or damage the line completely.
Here’s how it happens, what to look for, and how to stop it from becoming a major plumbing problem.
Common Signs of Tree Roots in Pipes
- Frequent or recurring blockages
- Slow-draining sinks, showers, or toilets
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds in pipes
- Foul smells from drains
- Damp patches or sinkholes in the yard
If you’ve noticed one or more of these warning signs, the problem is underground and needs professional inspection.
How Tree Roots Damage Your Plumbing
Tree roots are strong and persistent. When they find a tiny leak or gap in an old or damaged pipe, they push through and start absorbing the moisture inside. Over time, they form dense root balls that block the flow of wastewater.
The extra pressure inside the pipe can eventually cause it to crack or collapse, and you’ll have major leaks or sewage overflows.
Fixing Tree Root Damage with Pipe Relining
In the past, the only way to deal with tree roots in pipes was to dig up and replace the damaged sections. That meant heavy machinery, mess, and big cost.
Now, pipe relining offers a much simpler and more cost-effective solution. It creates a new seamless lining inside your existing pipe, sealing cracks and preventing roots from re-entering, all without digging.
Benefits of pipe relining
- No excavation or disruption to your garden
- Suitable for most pipe materials and sizes
- Stronger than standard PVC (up to four times more durable)
- Extends the life of your pipes by up to 50 years
Once relined, the pipe is completely sealed from the inside, no more root intrusion.
When Replacement Might Be Needed
Pipe relining follows the shape of your existing line. If the pipe is badly damaged or crushed, it may need replacing instead. A drain camera inspection is the only way to know for sure. The Keogh Plumbing team will locate the affected section, assess the damage, and recommend the best solution.
How to Stop Roots Coming Back
- Don’t plant trees near sewer or stormwater lines
- Get a pipe scan before landscaping or building
- Get slow drains or blockages checked early
- Watch out for damp or sunken ground in your yard
Get Help Fast
If you think tree roots are in your pipes, don’t wait until they cause a full blockage. Keogh Plumbing offers no-dig pipe relining and professional inspections with high-definition drain cameras.
We’re local to Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast, with years of experience fixing and preventing tree root damage.
Call (02) 6430 7104 or book online to fix your drains and protect your plumbing for the long term.