Date Published: March 8, 2022, Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Brian Doherty
Don’t let tree root infestation cause significant damage to your property’s sewerage network, and potentially burn a hole in your pocket due to costly plumbing repairs!! Let’s talk about how to protect your sewer line.
Why are tree roots a likely cause of blockage in sewer lines?
The sewer network in a property drains the wastewater from bathrooms and kitchens into the underground sewerage.
Oftentimes, tree roots expand underground searching for moisture. In the process, they can invade through tiny cracks in the sewer pipeline and begin to catch any foreign objects within the drain system.
What begins as a partial blockage within the drain can eventually lead to a complete blockage over time if not managed effectively.
How to detect if a tree root is causing sewer line blockage?
It’s not easy to zero in on tree roots as being the exact cause of a sewer line blockage. However, there are certain tell-tale signs that help locate the underlying causes of the blockage, including tree roots.
Slow drainage
When your showers or sinks take a long time to drain, this can be a sign of a blockage.
Unpleasant odour
If the sewer pipes are blocked due to the accumulation of organic debris (such as tree roots and soil), these get mixed with the stagnant water inside the pipeline and begin to decompose. This decaying organic matter gives rise to foul-smelling hydrogen sulphide gas.
Cracked drain pipes
If sewer drains show signs of cracking, this could be due to tree root infiltration. Over time, these cracks could lead to burst pipes.
If you notice these warning signs, call for professional help. Experienced plumbers with the Doherty Plumbing Solutions crew can help you detect if these signs are due to tree roots causing a blockage.
Preventing tree roots from blocking sewer lines
Here are a few easy steps to follow.
Maintenance
Regular cleaning of sewer pipes and checking them for signs of blockage will prevent long-term damage to these structures.
Aligned pipelines
When erecting the sewerage infrastructure (particularly for new building projects or renovations), using a licensed plumber will ensure the correct alignment of all pipework. This will prevent unnecessary complications in the drainage system when high volumes of water flow through these.
Filter installations
Physical installations such as leaf diverters and gutter guards will prevent the entry of unwanted objects and debris into the pipeline, thus reducing the chances of clogging. Prevention is the best course of protection.
Cable Machines
Doherty Plumbing Solutions is equipped with another effective tool at their disposal – the cable machine. With the long length of the cable, these are useful to detect clogs deeper into the drainage pipe where it would otherwise be impossible to reach.
Gardening
Consider where you are planting trees in your garden and keep them clear of sewer points. Keeping leaves cleared regularly will go a long way to preventing leaf accumulation in places you don’t want it.
Where can I get help to deal with blocked drains in Melbourne?
Whatever the cause of the drain blockage, Doherty Plumbing Solutions have the expertise to promptly resolve the issue in the home or business, with minimal disruption to you.
We have drain cameras and cable machines available that can accurately diagnose plumbing problems if required, and help with the cleaning process afterwards.
The Doherty Plumbing Solutions crew service the following regions within Melbourne across the eastern and the south-eastern suburbs.
