How and Why Tree Roots Get Into Your Pipes

A tree can be a nice extension of a family garden. However, put it in the wrong place, and it can cause all sorts of havoc. 

Water backing up, slow drains, and plumbing in shambles. It sounds almost like a joke at first. You think, “How could a tree, that doesn’t move a muscle, wreak that much havoc underground?” But the truth is, tree roots are a very common (and sneaky) cause of blocked pipes. So let’s talk about what’s really going on down there and why it matters more than you might think.

Why Tree Roots Even Bother

Trees are designed to get as much water and nutrients needed to grow and survive. Roots act as a little straw to drag all the water inside the plant. And, they constantly grow in the direction of where nutrients and water are located.

Unfortunately for us, our plumbing systems are basically like a haven of hydration in the dry Aussie soil. Even a crack or gap in your pipework can release just enough water vapor to attract thirsty roots.

Once those roots detect the moisture, they zero in on that scent like a sniffer dog and start pushing toward the source.

How They Get In

You are probably wondering how an entire tree root can fit inside a sealed pipe.

Well, most plumbing systems aren’t totally airtight, especially older ones. Over time, soil shifts, and tiny cracks can appear in joints or pipe walls. A root can make its way into the pipe through a small crack and grow into something bigger which can block the entire pipe.

Here’s a step-by-step of what typically happens:

1. Moisture Escapes the Pipe: A small leak or worn joint lets out a bit of vapor or water
2. Roots Detect It: Tree roots sense that moisture and start moving toward the source.
3. Penetration Begins: A gap in the pipe like a crack can give the roots their entry point.
4. Growth Inside the Pipe: Once inside, the roots have a constant supply of nutrients and water. As a result, they continue to grow even more inside the pipe.
5. Blockage and Damage: Eventually, the roots fill the pipe or damage it enough that waste can’t flow through.  This is when you start to have major problems occurring. Some issues can include slow drains, backups, gurgling toilets, or even burst pipes.

It’s Not Just Trees Either

It’s easy to blame the biggest tree that you see for blocking your pipe. However, other plants can get inside as well. Shrubs and smaller plants that are too close to the plumbing line can make their way into the pipes.

Not all plants are equal. Some trees, including some plants native to Queensland, can wreak more havoc on your plumbing. Here are some notable culprits.

• Birch tree
• Willow tree
• Oak tree
• Magnolia tree
• Lemon and orange trees
• Box shrubs
• Banksia
• Wattles
• Palm trees
• Fig tree
• Jacaranda
• Gum trees
• Pine tree
• Silver Maple

What It Can Lead To

Once roots are inside your pipes, it’s only a matter of time before you start noticing signs above ground. Here’s what they can cause:

• Slow-draining sinks, tubs, and showers
• Gurgling toilets or strange noises in the plumbing
• Sewage smells inside
• Backups
• Cracked or burst pipes

Tree roots that are left unchecked or ignored can result in costly repairs or even plumbing emergencies.

It’s not recommended to just get a chainsaw and home for the best. If you suspect an issue with a tree root blocking your pipe, it’s best to be sure. At Plumbers Rockhampton, you can get a free, no-obligation quote in seconds.

Your pipes deserve an expert look from someone with experience. They’ll inspect it and remove the root from the pipe so that everything is running smoothly.

In the meantime, keep an eye (and an ear) out for weird signs from your plumbing. And maybe think twice before planting that thirsty new tree too close to the pipelines.