Root intrusion is one of the common causes of damaged pipes and blocked drains in Rockingham and Baldivis. Often, the problem goes undetected until a professional plumber thoroughly inspects your home’s plumbing system. Whether you’re planning to enhance your exterior landscape or just moved into a property with a lovely garden, knowing the plants or trees that can potentially threaten your sewer line will save you hundreds and thousands on future plumbing repair costs.
How Tree Roots Invade Your Plumbing System
Pipes get damaged over time because of the natural movement and shifting of the ground structure. When a pipe cracks, it leaks the water that flows through it, seeping into the soil and attracting tree roots. As the roots enter the pipe, they grow into a mass that restrains water flow and eventually blocks drains.
In most cases, homeowners don’t know if clogged drains are due to root intrusion until a plumber is called in to check the source of the problem. It isn’t exactly surprising because other factors can cause blocked drains. For one, the drains in your home serve as a catch basin for different objects like tissue paper, cooking oil, food, hair strands, and other things.
If you suspect that tree root invasion is the reason it’s taking forever to drain water in your sink or bathroom, call us now at Kenec Plumbing & Gas, and our plumber in Rockingham or Baldivis will look into your drains and pipes.
Notorious Trees and Plants That Cause Plumbing Problems
Shrubs, trees, climbers, and creepers can turn any residential property into a lovely and relaxing oasis. They add colour and texture to the yard, provide shade and privacy, and improve the air quality in your surroundings. But they can also give homeowners serious headaches when their roots creep and grow in the plumbing system.
Trees that are known for their invasive root systems and are not permitted in residential spaces include:
- Cedar and cypress
- Camphor laurel
- Rubber tree
- Coral tree
- Silky Oak
- Evergreen alder
- Bamboos
- Oleander
- Pine trees
- Willows
- Mulberry
- Magnolias
- Crepe Myrtle
- Maples
Certain types of climbers, such as the following, are also prohibited because they can easily find their way into cracked pipes:
- Bougainvillea
- English Ivy
- Creeping fig
- Chinese Jasmine
- Blackberry
- Wisterias
Signs You May Have Plumbing Problems
Root intrusion doesn’t block pipes instantly or overnight. It often starts with a fine, hair-like root entering one of your underground pipes with a leak or crack. The plumbing system is a rich source of air, moisture, and nutrients that help the root grow fast. Soon plant roots will begin to inhibit water flow, and you may notice that it’s taking unusually long to drain the sinks in your home – this is one of the early manifestations of a blocked drain.
There may also be a weird noise coming from nearby drains when you flush the toilet or empty a sink. The water struggles to get through whatever is blocking its way.
Another tell-tale sign of a blocked drain is the presence of foul odour coming from the drains. It isn’t hard to miss because it may resemble a rotten egg smell.
You may also notice a sudden decrease in the water pressure and an increase in your water bills.
How To Clear Roots From Drain Pipes
Here are some common DIY tips on how to clear roots from drain pipes. One popular suggestion is to use hot water, vinegar, and baking soda concoction. But while it can help clear the built-up grease in your drains, it does nothing to the tree roots that have accumulated, grown, and blocked the pipes.
Similarly, using a weed killer or herbicide only offers a temporary fix to the problem. Some roots may not be destroyed when you use this method. Thus, they are bound to regrow and continue to block the pipes.
Another remedy is using chemical solutions like copper sulphate. It’s toxic enough to destroy tree roots and other problematic plants. However, it can cause skin irritation to people and pets. Moreover, it’s hard to tell how much damage this chemical solution can do to your drainage system if not used correctly. For this reason, it’s always best to seek the help of our local plumber in Rockingham or plumber in Baldivis to check for plant root ingress in your water pipes.
How To Avoid Root Intrusion In The Plumbing System
Responsible planting is one of the keys to avoiding tree root intrusion and plumbing emergencies. It’s good practice to find out where underground pipes are located. You can do this with the help of your plumber or even the local public works department.
Talk to a professional landscape planner to learn about Australian plants and trees with invasive roots. Some trees, such as those mentioned above, are not allowed on residential properties because of their aggressive and intrusive root systems that can damage sewer pipes. Other trees may be permitted, provided they are at least six metres away from a sewer, water line, or storm pipe.
Choosing slow-growing trees with small root balls can be a good option. You may also use barriers to contain root growth.
Despite these precautions, a root may still find its way to your water pipes. Regular check-ups of your plumbing system by our expert plumber at Kenec Plumbing & Gas may help prevent blocked sewer drains.
When To Call For Help
Occasionally, you may notice a gurgling sound in your drain or water backs up to your sinks, shower, or even the commode. It may be time to contact our local plumber in Rockingham and Baldivis if it’s frequently happening and coupled with foul odours.
As trusted local plumbers, we have the expertise and equipment to look for tree roots that may have infiltrated your pipes and clear them out so that your sewer drains will be in their optimum working condition.
Kenec Plumbing & Gas is a full-service plumbing company solving plumbing problems like getting rid of any tree roots in your pipe. Our plumber in Baldivis and plumber in Rockingham use CCTV cameras to inspect pipes and locate any blockage. We also have high-pressure equipment that can flush out tree roots and extract them without digging for the pipes in your yard. Request a job estimate or book online now and enjoy a 10% discount on labour.
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