14 signs & risks of tree roots in stormwater pipes.
Blocked Drainage Canberra Sewer
We clear stormwater pipes across Canberra – Belconnen, Gungahlin, Queanbeyan, Tuggeranong, Woden – same day
We can help with all your blocked stormwater drain systems in Canberra by using an eel or hydro-jetting to clear tree roots. Call 0448 844 911 to remove tree roots from your drain today.
Blocked stormwater pipes are a major contributor to flooding during storms. They contribute to subsidence and structural damage and create health risks. Once tree roots get into pipes, they can cause chokes and blockages in cement and concrete stormwater pipes, clay stormwater pipes and plastic stormwater pipes.
Blocked drain Canberra signs & risks of tree roots in stormwater
These are 14 signs of tree roots in stormwater drains in Canberra
- Dampness under the house;
- Dampness in basements and other rooms below external ground level;
- Water flowing out of stormwater pits;
- Water bubbling out of the ground, externally or in the basement and subfloor areas;
- Overflowing roof gutters and leaking downpipes;
- Subsidence and cracks in walls;
- Mould and mildew;
- Sinkholes in lawns and gardens;
- Sunken paving;
- Overflowing rainwater tanks;
- Rainwater tanks that are not filling;
- Cracked driveways and paths;
- Termites; and
- Rotting timber.
Stormwater pits and channels are designed to take rainwater away. Sometimes tree root blockages will cause nutrient-rich water to flood out of the pit, allowing that water to rise and enter buildings or flood floor spaces under buildings. This can cause severe damage to floor linings, contribute to subsidence and contribute to mould.
Tree roots in stormwater drains can stop water from roof gutters and downpipes from draining away. This can lead to rainwater flooding from roof gutters back into roof spaces and eaves.
Stormwater pipes installed before 1980 are likely to be made of concrete with a joint every 600mm. Joints are the easiest place for roots to get into your stormwater drain, especially when the pipes have moved or degraded over time. When older concrete stormwater pipes block with tree roots, rainwater will leak from the joints. These leaks can cause subsidence and contribute to mould growth.
Subsoil drains (or ag drains) are full of small holes designed to collect groundwater and channel it away from your house and into the stormwater drainage. When a subsoil drain is connected to a stormwater drain that is blocked or choked with tree roots, rainwater will likely flow out of the subsoil drain. This can cause flooding in basements and other rooms that are below ground level. The result may be subsidence and moving of the house’s foundations, damage to floor coverings and stored items, and mould.
Tree roots can also cause blockages in UPVC (plastic) stormwater drains. Tree roots may enter the pipes at joints and large tree roots can squash drains, restricting the amount of water that can flow through them and collecting leaves, dirt, and other debris.
What are the 9 risks associated with blocked stormwater drains?
- Health issues from mould and mildew;
- Subsidence and cracking of walls, slabs and foundations;
- Rotting of structural timbers;
- Rising damp;
- Termites and the presence of other bugs;
- Swelling timber;
- Overflowing roof gutters;
- Flooding;
- Damage to stored goods.
Clearing tree roots from stormwater drains is fast and easy with the right equipment and experience. Tree root blockages in UPVC (plastic) and clay stormwater pipes and clearing tree roots effectively can be done with an electric eel or a high-pressure water jet blaster.
Cement and concrete pipes from pre-1980s are very fragile. Regardless of how careful the plumber is, water jetters and electric eels can sometimes add to the damage already caused by the tree roots that have invaded your drains. Precautionary root clearing, rather than waiting for a large blockage can reduce the likelihood of further damaging pipes.
Our aim is to keep our customers’ costs down and we will always try to clear a drain before we recommend a drain replacement. However, given tree roots regrow very quickly in stormwater drains which are already quite fragile, owners should consider the benefits of a repair or replacement using heavy-duty UPVC piping.
Blocked drains Canberra tree roots in sewers signs and risks
Learn more about the 14 signs and 9 risks of tree roots in sewer drains
We can help with stormwater drain cleaning, replacement and repairs at affordable prices.
Call 0448 844 911
14 signs & risks of tree roots in stormwater pipes.
We clear stormwater pipes across Canberra – Belconnen, Gungahlin, Queanbeyan, Tuggeranong, Woden – same day