Whether you own your own home or are renting, it is likely that you have experienced blocked drains at some point in your life. Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues that South Australian homeowners face, and one of the leading causes is tree roots impacting water flow and destroying your pipes.
Understanding Tree Root Damage
Tree roots can grow into pipes and damage pipes, especially ones that are near your stormwater drains or sewer line, such as fig trees and palm trees. As trees grow, their roots can penetrate small cracks in pipes, and as these roots continue to grow, they can cause significant damage, including leaks and water damage. If you have a tree that is too close to your sewer or stormwater line, it’s important to address the issue before it becomes a major problem to your entire pluming system.
Preventing Tree Root Damage to Drains
Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with blocked drains caused by tree roots. There are several ways to prevent tree roots from causing damage to your drains. One effective method is to plant trees further away from your pipes. If you have existing trees near your sewer line, you can use root barriers to prevent the roots from growing into your pipes. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting your pipes, is also important to detect and prevent tree root damage.
Signs of Blocked Drains Caused by Tree Roots
However, if it is already causing a problem in your house, how do you tell if the blockage is a tree root problem without a camera inspection? This isn’t always possible to know but common signs of blocked drains caused by tree roots include slow draining sinks, gurgling toilets, and foul odours. You may also notice that multiple drains in your home are blocked at the same time, which is a clear indication of a larger issue.
Dealing with Blocked Drains Caused by Tree Roots
If you have blocked drains caused by tree roots, there are several methods for dealing with the problem. One option is to use drain cleaning products, which can dissolve small tree roots and other blockages. Another option is hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to blast away blockages. However, it’s important to note that DIY methods may not always be effective, especially if the tree roots are large and often cause further damage to your pipes. If in doubt, always ask a plumber to come out for an inspection as it will often end up saving you time, money and you will be able to fix the problem properly.
At Plum Pride Plumbing and Gas we use a 3 step process to fix your drains.
- Step 1 – First off, our team will carry out a comprehensive inspection and diagnosis to determine the source of the blockage. This could be a straightforward examination of the blocked sink or toilet in question, or it could involve a more in-depth analysis of your drainage system to uncover the cause.
- Step 2 – Once we’ve identified the issue, we will be able to issue you with an obligation-free quote detailing what’s involved for us to fix it. After you’re happy with our quote, our experts will clear the blockage and resolve the issue. This can involve running follow-up tests to double check the blockage is definitely cleared
- Step 3 – Sometimes the blockage can lead to permanent damage to your property’s pipes. If necessary, our plumbers have the knowledge and expertise to repair or replace any broken pipe fixtures to make sure future issues don’t occur, saving you more money in the long run.
Blocked drains caused by tree roots are a common problem for South Australian homeowners. However, with proper prevention and maintenance, you can avoid this issue and prevent costly damage to your plumbing system. If you notice any signs of blocked drains caused by tree roots, it’s important to address the issue promptly.
Call us at Plum Pride to ensure that your pipes are properly cleaned and maintained. With these tips, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.
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