Roots and Your Drainage System

When we think of our drains being blocked, we usually think of things such as fats and grease, hair, or even plastic toys as being the culprit. However, there is something much more difficult to control which is always on the lookout for an entranceway into your drains; tree roots.

In this blog, we will outline precisely why tree roots can pose such a problem to your drainage system. If you are having trouble with the pipes within your home, give us a call now on
0808 164 0776 or fill in our contact form.

Tree Roots and Your Drains

Tree roots exist to take in water and nutrients from the ground. In the absence of water, they will grow out far and wide to find some. However, if water is present, then they will grow towards the source.

Unfortunately, because water runs through your drainage system so frequently, it is always a wet and moist environment. As a result, tree roots will naturally grow towards the pipe in an attempt to secure water for themselves.

This presents a problem. Trees are so good at tracking down water, that their roots will locate slight cracks and gaps in the pipes where the earth is slightly moister. The roots will then grow inside this gap and expand, forcing the crack to open even wider.

As if this is not bad enough, the significant source of water within the pipe means the roots can justify growing into a dense and thick formation. This means that the blockage the roots have created will create a blockage which gradually increases in size.

At first, the water within the pipe will just be disrupted. You may notice the tell-tale signs such as slow draining water or a bubbling sound from the plughole. However, it the clog may eventually become so critical that a burst or collapse may take place leading to widespread flooding.

Dealing with Tree Roots

In many ways, dealing with tree roots is just like any other clog. Many people assume that we have to carry out an excavation to access the roots directly, but this is rarely the case. Instead, we can tackle them remotely with our high-pressure jet washers.

By setting the pressure to a relatively high settling, we can cut through the tree roots like butter and wash them away down the drainage system. We can do this remotely, which means we do not need to carry out disruptive excavation to address it.

However, although the water is high enough pressure to make short work of tree roots, it is harmless to your pipes. The water will merely bounce off the plastic or metal and continue on down the drainage system, taking the cut roots with it.

Once the clog has been dealt with, we may have to deal with the crack which the roots entered through. They may well have extended the gap when making their way inside. We may have to patch up the break, or in extreme cases, replace that part of the pipe altogether.

However, it is possible that the damage will not be extensive enough that it requires immediate attention, and the pipe may be able to remain functional.

Get in Touch

Drainage problems are often an emergency, and you need to make sure that you have a company on-hand to respond to urgent situations. Clogs can quickly turn into bursts, and the widespread flooding damage can promptly rack up significant repair costs.

Clark Drainage has locally-based technicians throughout Scotland and is available for emergency service 24/7, 365 days a year. With an average response time of 1-2 hours, and often arriving even quicker than that, you will have important peace of mind that help is on the way.

We also carry out routine maintenance and repair, as well as CCTV drainage surveys. This will allow you to keep your drainage system working at optimum levels while avoiding any nasty blockage surprises.

With technicians trained to the highest standard which benefit from many years of experience, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality service. In addition, our teams are armed with industry-leading equipment which gives them the means to carry out their work both quickly and effectively.

To speak to one of our operators about an emergency service, or indeed any other kind of drainage work, give us a call now on 0808 164 0776.

Alternatively, complete our contact form, and one of our personnel will be in touch as soon as possible.