3 Signs You’ve Got Tree Roots in Your Drains

Tree Roots in Drain: 3 Common Signs

There are certain symptoms that your drains may show if they have become tangled with a root. Let’s explore why each of these symptoms occur, how they can have an impact on your domestic drains, and if you have tree roots in your drains.

1. Slow Drainage 

Perhaps the most tell-tale sign of a root blockage is slow drainage. Maybe your shower is taking a while to drain or your kitchen sink. Either way, the root could be blocking the drain and trapping waste in its roots, making everything slow down.

2. Green Patches Appearing in Certain Areas

Whilst not the most obvious sign, you may notice areas of your garden are greener or growing faster than others. This may be happening as one area is more nourished than the other or a tree root is blocking your drains.

3. Sinkholes 

In some cases, a tree root can create sinkholes. These are formed when water leaks onto your garden, saturating it with wastewater. The muddy areas create a soft spot that will eventually cave in, better known as sinkholes.

How to Get Rid of Tree Roots in Drains

Assessing the severity of the problem is vital with a root blockage. If caught early, a root can easily be removed and you can avoid extensive damage to your drain pipes. However, if more severe, you should take action immediately and call a professional.

A root cut involves cutting the root from the drain and clearing it out. Then, your drain pipe cracks will be filled using a structural liner, reducing the chances of the problem returning. 

However, when a root has deeply penetrated a drain and caused significant damage to the pipes, you will require excavation. This process involves digging a hole to reach the drain and then replacing it. Though, an excavation should only be carried out if drain relining is not an option.

What Is the Danger of Tree Roots in Drains?

A tree root blocks your drain, which stops the free flow of water, leading to built-up waste in your pipes. Subsequently, this causes slow drainage around your home and doesn’t allow you the best use of your drains.

Tree roots that penetrate the pipe deeply are also known as ‘anchor roots’, which are the most meddlesome of all.

At some point, the vast majority of homes will experience tree roots in their drains. These create pesky blockages from time to time, but can lead to more severe issues down the line. It’s important to get rid of them quickly and efficiently to ensure no further damage is caused by the roots.

What Causes Tree Roots in Drains?

Tree roots thrive in warm and wet environments. They are attracted to the water vapour coming through the cracks in your pipes, navigating towards the cracks and slipping through any opening they can find.

The root will then feed off the water in the pipe and continue to grow. Whilst this is happening, the root will tangle up with your waste, often creating a blockage.

Blocked Drains? DrainCall Will Get Rid of Those Roots!

Now you’ve got all the information you need on tree roots in drains and clearing your pipes, it’s time to take action before it gets worse.

DrainCall is a professional team that boasts over 40 years of experience in drainage solutions. As the first drainage contractor in the Hertfordshire area to receive the Trading Standards Trustmark accreditation, we are committed to you.