One of the most common causes of drainage system problems is tree roots growing into the drain pipes. Root ingress can eventually completely block the drain pipe and could even lead to the pipe collapsing. At Rider Drains, our drainage engineers are well experienced with dealing with this common problem and will be able to come up with a solution to fix the issue in no time. Call us today for your free no-obligation quote.
The only job of tree roots is to find sources of water to nourish the tree and they can spread far and wide beneath the surface of the ground to find the best areas of moisture. If the tree is close enough to your drainage system, the roots will be able to find a very abundant source of moisture in the water that runs through your drain or sewer pipes.
The tree roots won't always be able to access this water. If your pipes are properly sealed and undamaged, then they will be unpenetrable to tree roots. If, however, they have any cracks or the joins weren't glued together, this can be an entry point for root ingress.
Even the tiniest crack or gap in the pipes or sewer lines can be enough for tiny hair-like roots to enter the drainage system. Over time, these will eventually grow to completely fill the pipes and will lead to blocked drains and can be a major problem that causes significant damage.
Tree roots growing into drainage systems is a problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible because the damage caused if they are left for too long can be quite substantial. Our engineers can use a variety of different methods for plant root removal, depending on the extent of the tree root ingress.
For smaller root intrusions, there is often no need to dig out the entire drainage system. In this situation, it can be sufficient to clear the tree roots out of the pipes before moving on to preventing the tree roots.
A CCTV drain survey can be carried out beforehand to fully visualise exactly where the roots have entered the drains or sewer systems so that removing tree roots can be a precise process.
Three main methods can be used to remove a smaller root system from drainage pipes and sewer lines.
If the plant roots have made an extensive intrusion into the system and the root mass is causing damage that is seriously affecting the integrity of the drainage, then the best solution is often to take a more drastic approach to root removal.
Removing roots in this situation will often involve full excavating the site. The tree roots will need to be removed and a replacement pipe or sewer pipe will need to be installed. Then the area will need to be backfilled and the drain reinstated.
This is, of course, a much bigger job than clearing out the pipe system using water, chemicals, or mechanical means, but it is necessary if extensive damage is being caused.
Once the roots have been removed from the drains and pipe system or sewer system, it is always a good idea to prevent them from coming back. If you don't, then root ingress will likely be a constant source of stress because they will come back if left to their own devices and cause drainage problems in the future.
If the plant roots have made an extensive intrusion into the system and the root mass is causing damage that is seriously affecting the integrity of the drainage, then the best solution is often to take a more drastic approach to root removal.
Removing roots in this situation will often involve full excavating the site. The tree roots will need to be removed and a replacement pipe or sewer pipe will need to be installed. Then the area will need to be backfilled and the drain reinstated.
This is, of course, a much bigger job than clearing out the pipe system using water, chemicals, or mechanical means, but it is necessary if extensive damage is being caused.
Poisoning the roots and the soil will also help to prevent roots from re-entering your system. Using copperulphate or other chemicals will create a poisonous soil area around your system, which will stop any nearby root systems from getting close.
Some people prefer not to use this method as it means that other plants like shrubs are also unable to grow.
Either way, it is often best to use this method alongisde pipe-relining for full protection.
We are a drainage company with a large amount of experience in dealing with a blocked drain, and other drainage issues resulting from trees and their roots. We will carry out an extensive CCTV survey to assess the extent of the problem and will work through the process of how we will remove any blockages, fix any damage to your system, and prevent it from happening again.
If you think you have a blockage or other drainage issue caused by roots, contact us today for a free no-obligation quote to find out how we can help.
Your insurance company may cover damage caused by roots, so many people can successfully make insurance claims to cover the cost.
If you think you are dealing with an emergency, call our emergency drainage service line which is open 24/7 so that we can help you as soon as possible.
