How to remove tree roots from the drain?

[mike1360]

Hi there,

Basically, I had a guy come in and unblocked my drain, but he found tree roots inside the drain and couldn't remove them with his hydro jet unit. As you can see in the photos, we've located where the tree roots are. They are about 0.5m deep and right next to the concrete footpath. I've had a plumber quote me $2200 for cutting the concrete footpath and removing the tree roots. I think it's quite expensive to get a plumber to do it, so I'm planning to do it by myself. my neighbour has already chopped down the trees next to the drain and I'm planning to dig a hole right next to the footpath and remove the tree roots. My question is Is there anything that I need to be aware of when I'm digging? Will a drain clean root control tablet helps remove the tree roots?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @mike1360,

I recommend you have another plumber specialising in drainage come in to look at the roots. Your pictures might not tell the whole story, but I'd imagine those fine roots should be quite easy to remove with a jetter. However, there might be larger roots behind them that they can't get through. I have my pipes jetted yearly as there are several 100ft+ Bluegums surrounding them, and the roots are far larger than what you have here. I've never had any issues with the plumber being unable to remove them.

It's one thing to dig down to a specific spot, remove the roots and fix the pipe, but what about if there are several areas along a 3-meter stretch of pipe? That's a whole heap of digging and repair. If the roots access is purely what you've pictured, with these fine roots and one access point, get a few more quotes and show them this picture. I'm sure you'll find someone to remove that blockage with a hydro jetter unit.

Those Drain Clean tablets won't help as they are poison for killing live roots. Now the tree is removed you'll find after some time the dead roots will decompose and rot away. However, given you look to have at least 50% blockage of the flow, you might not be able to wait that long.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[mike1360]

Thank you, Mitchell. I really appreciate your help🙏

[EricL]

Hello @mike1360

I've run into this issue before and I suggest as an option running a pipe parallel to the one you have now. Since the integrity of the old pipe has been compromised with tree roots and debris it's no longer a practical option to repair it. The new pipe can be joined onto the end turns of the old system. Cutting or digging a new channel will still be necessary but you can at least be sure that the new pipe will be free of obstruction and safe from tree root invasion in the meantime.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric