How To Clear Tree Roots From Blocked Drains

How To Clear Tree Roots
From Blocked Drains

Why Drains Get Blocked?

When we think of blocked drains and sewers in Sydney, the most obvious causes that come to mind are accumulated dirt, debris, and waste deposits. What isn’t that well known is that tree root intrusion is also one of the major causes of blocked drains and sewer lines.

During dry summers or droughts, tree roots search for water and nutrients in the soil. Drain pipes, especially sewers, have mineral-rich water that attracts tree roots. If there is even a tiny crack in your drain pipe, that’s all it takes for the roots to latch on and grow inside the pipes. Gradually the root mass grows and spreads, obstructing water flow, widening the cracks and forming deep-rooted blockages inside the drain and sewer pipes. One of the most common causes of burst pipes is tree root intrusion.

While trees growing and thriving in all types of environments is a natural wonder allowing us to enjoy the lush growth around us, blocked sewer pipes and drains don’t hold the same joy. They bring smelly odours, unhygienic conditions and expensive pipe repair costs.

Is there a way to prevent tree root intrusion from drains? And what can you do to clear tree roots from blocked sewer drains?

Read on to find out.

How Can You Clear Tree Roots From Blocked Drains?

Drains blocked by tree roots cannot be cleared with a pickaxe and chemical cleaners. You can cut away small tree roots or kill them with weed killers if they are in the preliminary growth stage, but they will come back in a couple of weeks or months.

The best course of action is to call in blocked drain plumbers with the experience and knowledge to clear the roots and
ensure they don’t grow back.


Some ways professional plumbers clear blocked drains and tree roots include:

  • Hydro Jetting

    Drain jets are high-pressure cleaners that clear drain blockages with a powerful blast of water. It removes all types of obstructions, including waste, dirt, pest infestations and tree roots. It’s safe, eco-friendly and doesn’t need digging to access underground drain pipes.

    Regular drain jetting also helps with drain maintenance, helping keep drains free of blockages by clearing them before they get bigger.

  • Pipe Relining

    Pipe relining technology provides trenchless pipe repair for drain and sewer pipes. It involves making a new, reinforced pipe inside your old damaged one by inserting a composite resin liner. It hardens and cures, giving you fully repaired, functional drain pipes with smooth water flow.

    If you want to get rid of the hassle of tree root intrusion for 50 years, pipe relining is the most effective solution. It seals the pipe, preventing the tree roots from entering your pipes again.

  • Robotic Tree Cutters

    Robotic tree cutters are high-tech machines equipped with CCTV cameras and a diamond-impregnated head. It can cut through tree roots, metal, wood and even concrete. They are sent through the drain opening or manhole to remove obstructions, lateral connections, and pipe lining to smoothen the way for pipe repair and rehabilitation.

  • Temporary DIYs

    If your budget doesn’t allow you to get professional plumbing services for clearing your blocked drains from tree roots, there are a couple of DIY solutions you can try. They are not permanent and will provide a temporary respite, slowing the root growth until it can be cleared.


    Tree root killers can be poured down the drains to kill the growth. But it won’t affect stronger roots that have already burrowed deep in the pipes. Rock salt and sulphuric acid are other popular remedies to kill root growth. But be careful with sulphuric acid as it has a high chemical content and can be dangerous. You need adequate skin protection, and the chemicals in it can also damage drain pipes.

  • How To Prevent Tree Root Growth In Drain And Sewer Pipes

    Moisture, oxygen and water. That’s all tree roots need. Any moisture around drain pipes attracts tree roots searching for water they need to grow. But there are some steps you can take to block their way and protect your drains and sewers.


    Firstly, keep your drain and sewer pipes in good condition. Regular drain inspections and cleaning, especially for blocked drains in strata and commercial properties, locate pipe cracks, leaks and breakages in the early stages. A quick pipe relining or repair is enough to seal the pipes and prevent blocked drains. Even homeowners can benefit from regular drain cleaning and a CCTV drain inspection. It’s the proactive approach to drain maintenance and helps save thousands of dollars in pipe repairs and water damage.


    Locate your sewer and lateral pipes with the help of your local plumber and always plant at least 3 to 4 metres away from them. Keep an eye out for common signs of blocked drains, such as gurgling sounds, slow water pressure and nasty smells. Catching the problem before it escalates is easier to clean with fewer damages to your drain and sewer pipes.

Specialists In Blocked Drains


On The Go Plumbing are your local plumbing experts. We provide a complete range of plumbing services for homes, businesses and strata properties across Sydney. Our blocked drain plumbers use the latest equipment and technology to apply accurate and sustainable repair solutions.

If you have frequent drain blockages and nothing seems to work, we can help. Contact us for more information or get an appointment today.

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Please fill in the web form, or give us a call at 1300 589 408

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