Why Tree Roots Are a Major Cause of Pipe Damage and How Relining Fixes the Issue

Tree roots are one of the most common and destructive causes of pipe damage for homeowners, particularly in older properties with aging plumbing systems. While trees add beauty and shade to your property, their roots can infiltrate underground pipes in search of water, leading to cracks, blockages, and even pipe collapses. Fortunately, pipe relining offers a reliable and long-lasting solution to this problem. In this blog, we’ll explore how tree roots damage pipes and how pipe relining effectively repairs the issue for Adelaide homeowners.

1. How Tree Roots Damage Pipes

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and nutrients, and your underground pipes are an ideal source of both. Even small cracks or loose joints in pipes can allow tree roots to enter, and once inside, the roots begin to grow and expand. Over time, these roots can cause significant damage to your plumbing system, leading to a range of problems.

Here are the key ways tree roots can damage your pipes:

A skilled plumber prepares for pipe relining to address tree root damage.

A. Infiltration Through Cracks and Joints

As tree roots grow, they seek out tiny cracks or weak points in your pipes. Once they find an entry point, they infiltrate the pipe in search of water. Over time, the roots continue to grow and expand, making the cracks larger and weakening the structure of the pipe.

B. Blockages

As tree roots grow inside the pipes, they can trap debris such as toilet paper, grease, and other waste materials. This leads to blockages that restrict water flow, causing slow drains or even complete clogs. Blocked pipes can also cause wastewater to back up into your home, leading to unpleasant smells and potential health hazards.

C. Pipe Collapse

In severe cases, tree roots can cause pipes to collapse entirely. This happens when the roots grow large enough to displace or break apart the pipe, leading to significant damage that requires urgent repair.

2. Signs of Tree Root Damage in Pipes

It’s important to recognise the early signs of tree root damage in your plumbing system. Here are some common indicators:

• Slow Drains: If you notice that your sinks, showers, or toilets are draining more slowly than usual, it could be a sign that tree roots are blocking the pipes.
• Frequent Blockages: Recurring blockages in your plumbing system, despite your efforts to clear them, may indicate that tree roots have infiltrated the pipes.
• Gurgling Sounds: Unusual gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your drains can indicate that tree roots are causing air to be trapped in the pipes.
• Foul Odours: If you smell unpleasant odours coming from your drains, it could be due to wastewater backing up as a result of tree root blockages.
• Water Backups: In more severe cases, water may back up into your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets, indicating a significant blockage in your pipes.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to have your pipes inspected by a professional plumber in Adelaide to determine whether tree roots are the cause.

3. How Pipe Relining Fixes Tree Root Damage

Pipe relining is a modern and highly effective solution for repairing pipes damaged by tree roots. Unlike traditional pipe replacement, which involves digging up and replacing the damaged pipes, pipe relining allows plumbers to repair the pipes from the inside without the need for excavation.

Here’s how pipe relining works to fix tree root damage:

A. Inspection and Diagnosis

The first step in the pipe relining process is to inspect the damaged pipes using a CCTV drain camera. This allows the plumber to see the extent of the damage caused by the tree roots and determine if pipe relining is the best solution.

B. Clearing the Blockage

Before the relining process can begin, the plumber will use high-pressure water jetting and other specialised tools to clear the blockage caused by the tree roots. This powerful stream of water removes the roots and any debris trapped in the pipes, allowing for a clean surface on which the new lining can be applied.

C. Inserting the Liner

Once the pipes are cleared and prepared for relining, the plumber will insert a flexible liner coated with resin into the damaged section of the pipe. The liner is inflated so that it fits snugly against the interior walls of the pipe, sealing any cracks, gaps, or entry points for tree roots.

D. Curing the Resin

The epoxy or silicone resin is then left to cure and harden, creating a new, seamless pipe within the old one. This new pipe is strong, durable, and resistant to further root intrusion, effectively preventing tree roots from entering the pipes again.

E. Final Inspection

After the resin has fully cured, a final CCTV camera inspection along with other tests are performed to ensure that the relining was successful and that the pipe is fully restored. The plumber will confirm that water flows smoothly through the relined pipe and that no further damage remains.

4. Benefits of Pipe Relining for Tree Root Damage

Pipe relining offers several advantages for homeowners dealing with tree root damage:

• Non-invasive: Pipe relining doesn’t require digging up your yard or driveway, making it a much less disruptive option than traditional pipe replacement.
• Long-lasting: The new lining created through pipe relining is highly durable and resistant to future damage, providing a long-term solution to tree root issues.
• Cost-effective: Since there’s no need for excavation, pipe relining is often more affordable than traditional pipe replacement, particularly for pipes located under concrete or landscaping.
• Quick and Efficient: Pipe relining can typically be completed in just a few days, allowing homeowners to restore their plumbing system with minimal downtime.
• Preventative: By sealing cracks and joints, pipe relining prevents further root infiltration, ensuring that your pipes remain in good condition for years to come.

Tree roots can cause significant damage to your plumbing system, leading to costly repairs and major disruptions to your home. However, pipe relining provides a reliable and long-lasting solution for fixing pipes damaged by tree roots without the need for excavation. At Will’s Plumbing Adelaide, we specialise in pipe relining services that restore your pipes to full functionality and protect them from future damage. If you’re experiencing slow drains, frequent blockages, or water backups, contact our Adelaide plumbers today on 0484600095 to schedule an inspection and learn how pipe relining can resolve your plumbing issues.