How to Remove Tree Roots from Drain Pipe

If you’re dealing with a blocked drain in Auckland and think tree roots might be the culprit, don’t panic! There are several ways to remove tree roots from drains, most of which are relatively straightforward.

The first step is to understand how the tree roots got into your drain in the first place. Roots grow towards moisture, so if there is a tiny fracture or gap in your sewer or stormwater pipe (at the pipe join or caused by ground movement), they can penetrate the cracks looking for water. Once inside, these tiny roots can grow into a mass, blocking and damaging the pipes and causing messy sewage spills.

The tree roots in the sewer line will eventually start to catch onto larger pieces of waste, such as toilet paper, which will create clogs. This is when you’ll start noticing issues in the house, such as slow drains or strange odours from the drains.

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, fixing your broken pipe as soon as possible is essential. Not only will it prevent further damage to your plumbing system, but it will also prevent any potential health hazards from sewage spills.

So, how do you unblock a drain with tree roots? Let’s start with answering the question, how do plumbers remove roots?

How plumbers remove roots

Plumbers use various methods to remove roots, including high-pressure water jets, electrohydraulic machines, and mechanical snakes. So, let’s take a closer look at each method.

High-pressure water jets

When a plumber encounters a clog in a drain pipe or sewer line, the first step is often to clear it with a high-pressure water jet. The jet of water blasts away the clog, whether it is caused by hair, food, grease, or tree roots. The roots are especially difficult to remove, as they can grow into the pipes and cause blockages.

The plumber will attach a hydro-jet to a hose and insert it into the drain or sewer line. The hydro-jet will then blast the roots with high-pressure water jets. The force of the jets will break apart the roots and flush them out of the pipe. The process can be messy, but it is an effective way to clear stubborn clogs.

Electrohydraulic machines

Plumbers may also use an electrohydraulic machine such as a hydraulic root cutter or rooter machine to clear a drain pipe or sewer line of tree roots. The machine has a blade attachment made of durable hardened steel connected to the cable by a blade holder. The blade is then fed down the line to remove the roots. It works in conjunction with a water jet to cut and clear tree roots quickly. The process is repeated several times until the pipe is cleared of all blockages and debris.

Mechanical snakes

Finally, plumbers may turn to the handy old mechanical snake! Mechanical snakes are long, coiled tubes with a cutting head on one end. The snakes are inserted into the drain or sewer line and then rotated to cut through the roots. The roots are then removed from the pipe, and the obstruction is cleared.

The snakes are typically used to clear clogs caused by tree roots, but they can also remove other types of obstructions, such as grease and sludge.

There you have it, how plumbers remove tree roots. However, if you want to give it a crack without professional help, continue reading. Below you’ll find answers to our most asked questions regarding tree root invasion and DIY tree root removal.

FAQs about Removing Tree Roots from Drain Pipes

Which trees cause the most pipe damage?

Certain trees are more likely to damage pipes than others. The roots of these trees grow aggressively, and they can easily wrap around and crack pipes. Pōhutukawa, Maple, Magnolia, Oak, Sycamore, and Elm are the most common culprits.

In Wellington, a pōhutukawa root system caused $6000 to $8000 damage to one poor homeowner’s plumbing system.

These trees have deep roots that can easily penetrate underground pipes. In addition, their leaves tend to clog drains, leading to flooding and water damage. If you have any of these trees on your property, it’s important to inspect your pipes for damage regularly. Taking preventive measures can save you a lot of money in the long run.

For advice on choosing the right tree to prevent root invasion, refer to the Wastercare website.

What will dissolve tree roots?

Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive liquid frequently used as a drain cleaner. When it is poured down a clogged drain, the acid will quickly dissolve any organic matter, such as tree roots, grease, and food residue. This allows the clog to be easily flushed away by water.

In addition, the sulfuric acid will create a hydrophobic layer on the surface of the roots that will repel water and further aid in their removal.

Plumbers also often use the chemical copper sulphate to kill tree roots in drain and sewer pipes. Copper sulphate can also be used to dissolve tree roots in two ways. One way is injecting the copper sulphate directly into the tree’s root system. Another way is by creating a copper sulphate solution and soaking the tree’s roots. When copper sulphate comes into contact with water, it dissolves and creates a copper sulphate solution. This solution is what is used to dissolve tree roots. The copper sulphate dissolves the roots’ cell walls, killing the root.

Copper sulphate kills tree roots by preventing them from absorbing water and essential nutrients. It is important to be careful when using copper sulphate, as it can also damage other plants and animals if it comes into contact with them. For this reason, it is always best to hire a professional plumber to treat tree root problems.

How long does it take copper sulphate to dissolve roots?

Copper sulphate may take up to four weeks to start the process of root decay. Consider using a foaming root killer, such as Roebic’s FRK-1LB Foaming Root Killer or Foaming Root Killerroebic Foaming Root Killer, for a quicker method.

According to the manufacturer’s documentation, FRK-1LB Foaming Root Killer takes between 2-days to 2 weeks to work, and Foaming Root Killerroebic Foaming Root Killer takes 2-days to 1 week to work.

How often should I use a root killer in my pipes?

Root killer is a great way to clear your pipes and prevent blockages. However, you don’t want to use it too often, as it can be caustic and damage your pipes if used too frequently.

The general rule of thumb is to use a root killer once a year or whenever you notice any signs of roots in your pipes.

If you have a particularly bad root problem, you may need to use it more often. However, if you use it more than once or twice a year, you should have your pipes checked by a professional to make sure they’re not damaged.

What happens if tree roots are in the sewer line?

Tree roots in a sewer line are a common problem that plumbers are called to deal with. The roots of trees and shrubs can grow into the sewer line through cracks or breaks in the pipe. Once inside the pipe, they can quickly grow and block the sewer line. This can cause sewage to back up into homes and businesses, causing health and sanitation problems. In some cases, tree roots can even break the sewer line.

Plumbers must first locate the blockage and remove the tree roots to fix this problem. This is usually done using one of the methods mentioned above. Once the roots are removed, the plumber will repair any damage to the sewer line and then flush it out to remove any debris.

If you suspect tree roots are in your drains, call iSpecialise, the blocked drain specialists, on 09-2322 895. We have all the tools and equipment needed to clear and repair drains invaded by tree roots.

How long do tree roots take to grow back in the sewer line?

Tree roots invading sewer lines can take anywhere from a month to a few years, depending on the different conditions and moisture levels. The soil, erosion, and available food source for the tree roots affect how quickly the process happens. The roots will grow back quickly if plenty of food and water is available. However, if the soil is dry or there is significant erosion, it will take longer for the roots to re-grow.

Conclusion

If tree roots are in the sewer line, they can cause a blockage because they can grow into the pipe and block the sewage flow. In addition, the roots can also break the pipe, which can lead to leaks.

If you think tree roots may be causing a problem with your sewer line, it is important to call iSpecialise. Whether you live in South Auckland, East Auckland or Hauraki Plains, we have the tools and experience to remove tree roots from sewer lines and repair any damage they have caused.