Root Removal – Eliminating Invasive Tree Roots from Drain Pipes

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of drain damage, leading to blockages, leaks, and even collapsed pipes.

While trees and plants enhance our surroundings, their roots can aggressively seek out moisture, growing into underground drainage systems and causing serious plumbing issues.

At Drain Care South West, we specialise in professional root removal from drain pipes, helping homeowners and businesses in Plymouth maintain healthy, free flowing drainage systems.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How tree roots enter drain pipes

• The signs of root intrusion

• The damage they can cause

• Effective root removal solutions

• How to prevent future root growth in drains

How Do Tree Roots Enter Drain Pipes?

Tree roots naturally seek out water sources to sustain their growth.

Unfortunately, drain pipes provide a constant supply of moisture, making them a prime target.

Roots can infiltrate drainage systems through:

✔ Cracks or fractures in old pipes – Ageing or damaged pipes may have small gaps that allow roots to enter.

✔ Loose pipe joints – If pipes are not properly sealed, roots can force their way through tiny openings.

✔ Weakened or porous pipe material – Older pipes made of clay or pitch fibre are especially vulnerable to root penetration.

Once inside, roots continue to expand and grow, eventually blocking water flow and causing structural damage to the pipes.

Signs That Tree Roots Are Blocking Your Drains

It’s not always obvious that tree roots are growing inside your drainage system, but there are some clear warning signs to look out for:

🔹 Slow drainage – Water taking longer than usual to drain away from sinks, baths, and toilets.

🔹 Recurring blockages – If you frequently experience blocked drains, tree roots could be the culprit.

🔹 Gurgling sounds – Strange noises when water drains away may indicate restricted flow.

🔹 Unpleasant odours – Roots trap waste and debris, leading to foul smells coming from drains.

🔹 Sinkholes or damp patches in the garden – Roots can damage pipes underground, causing water leaks that soften the soil.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s essential to act fast to prevent further damage.

The Dangers of Ignoring Tree Roots in Drains

Leaving tree roots to grow unchecked inside your drainage system can lead to serious plumbing problems:

❌ Total drain blockages – As roots grow, they form dense masses that completely block water flow.

❌ Pipe collapses – Extensive root growth can weaken and break pipes, leading to structural failure.

❌ Sewage backups – A blocked drain can cause wastewater to back up into your home or garden.

❌ Expensive repairs – Delaying action can result in the need for costly drain replacements and excavation work.

The sooner you identify and remove intrusive roots, the better your chances of avoiding major plumbing emergencies.

How We Remove Tree Roots from Drain Pipes

At Drain Care South West, we use the latest non-invasive techniques to safely and effectively remove tree roots from your drains. Our expert team will:

1. Conduct a CCTV Drain Survey

We begin with a CCTV drain inspection, inserting a high-resolution camera into your drainage system to locate and assess the extent of root intrusion. This allows us to determine the best method for removal.

2. Remove Roots Using Specialist Equipment

Once we’ve identified the root mass, we use professional-grade tools to eliminate the blockage:

✔ High-Pressure Water Jetting – Powerful water jets break up and flush out root masses, restoring normal flow.

✔ Root Cutting Equipment – Mechanical cutting tools trim and remove stubborn roots inside pipes.

✔ Chemical Root Treatments – In some cases, we apply safe and environmentally friendly root inhibitors to prevent regrowth.

3. Repair Any Pipe Damage

After removing the roots, we assess whether the pipe needs repairs. Depending on the severity of the damage, we may recommend:

✔ Drain Relining – A no-dig solution that reinforces pipes from the inside, sealing cracks and preventing future root intrusion.

✔ Pipe Replacement – For severely damaged pipes, we may need to excavate and install a new, root-resistant drainage system.

How to Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging Your Drains

While tree roots naturally seek out moisture, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of them invading your drainage system:

✅ Choose tree species carefully – Some trees, like willows and poplars, have highly invasive root systems and should not be planted near drainage pipes.

✅ Keep trees a safe distance from drains – Avoid planting large trees too close to underground drainage systems.

✅ Regular drain maintenance – Periodic CCTV surveys and drain cleaning help catch root growth before it becomes a problem.

✅ Install root barriers – Root barriers are physical barriers placed between trees and drainage pipes to prevent roots from growing into your system.

Why Choose Drain Care South West for Root Removal?

At Drain Care South West, we have years of experience dealing with tree root intrusions in Plymouth.

Here’s why customers trust us:

✔ Fast & Effective Solutions – We use the latest equipment to remove roots quickly and safely.

✔ Non-Invasive Techniques – Where possible, we use no-dig methods to minimise disruption.

✔ Expert Drain Repairs – If your pipes are damaged, we provide cost-effective repair solutions.

✔ Affordable Pricing – Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

✔ Trading Standards Approved – A trusted and accredited drainage company.

Suspect Tree Roots Are Blocking Your Drains? Call Us Today!

If you think tree roots are causing blockages or damaging your drainage system, don’t wait for the problem to worsen.

Contact Drain Care South West for professional root removal services in Plymouth.

📞 Call us now on 01752 265672

📧 Email us at draincaresw@aol.com