Potential Tree Root Blockage? Signs & Solutions Cairns
- Lewis New
- 16 minutes ago
- 6 min read
A recurring blocked drain is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues for a homeowner. While there can be many causes, in a leafy tropical area like Cairns, the primary culprit is often aggressive tree roots invading your underground pipes. This isn't a simple clog; it's a serious problem that requires a professional solution to prevent costly pipe damage.
This includes guidance on:
Signs of Tree Roots in Your Drains
How We Find the Root of the Problem: CCTV Inspections
Clearing the Blockage: Hydro-Jetting vs. The Electric Eel
Long-Term Solutions to Prevent Roots from Returning
Understanding the unique challenges of drain blockages is key. For a broader overview, please see our Blocked Drain Plumber Guide: Signs, Fixes & When to Call Us.
At Oakland Plumbing, we specialise in diagnosing and clearing complex drain blockages caused by tree roots. Our advanced equipment and local experience mean we can find and fix the problem efficiently. If you suspect you have a tree root issue, contact our Cairns Blocked Drains experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions Cairns homeowners ask us about tree root blockages.
Q1. How much does it cost to remove tree roots from a drain?
The cost varies depending on the severity of the blockage and the method required. A simple clearing will cost less than a job that also requires significant pipe repairs. We always provide a clear, upfront quote after a CCTV camera inspection has diagnosed the exact problem.
Q2. Will cutting down the tree solve my drain problem?
Unfortunately, no. The roots already in the pipe will remain and can continue to cause blockages as they decay. Furthermore, the tree's stump can continue to produce fine roots for some time. The only solution is to address the pipes themselves.
Q3. Can tree roots grow back after being cleared from the pipe?
Yes. If the pipe has any cracks or weak points where the roots first entered, they will eventually grow back seeking the same water source. This is why after clearing the roots, discussing long-term solutions like pipe relining is so important.
Q4. Is hydro-jetting safe for my old clay pipes?
When performed by a trained professional, yes. Our process ensures safety for all pipe types:
CCTV Inspection First: We always inspect the pipe with a camera beforehand to assess its structural condition and integrity.
Calibrated Pressure: We then adjust the hydro-jetter's pressure to a level that is powerful enough to clear roots without damaging older clay pipes.
Signs of Tree Roots in Your Drains
Tree roots are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside your sewer and stormwater pipes. They can enter through the tiniest crack or joint, then grow rapidly, creating a dense web that catches debris and causes a complete blockage. Often, your plumbing will give you several warning signs that this is happening.
A single, isolated clog in one sink is usually not a tree root problem. However, if you notice multiple fixtures draining slowly, or the same drain blocking up every few months, you are likely dealing with a more significant issue in your main drain line. Ignoring these signs can lead to completely blocked pipes and even raw sewage backing up into your home.
Recurring Blockages:
If you have to clear the same drain every few months, it's a strong indication of a persistent obstruction like a tree root that keeps growing back.
Multiple Slow Drains:
When your toilet, shower, and bathroom sink all start draining slowly at the same time, it points to a blockage in the main sewer line, not an individual fixture.
Gurgling Sounds:
Hearing gurgling sounds from your toilet or floor drains when you use the sink or shower means air is being trapped in the line by a blockage and is struggling to escape.
Sinkholes or Lush Patches of Grass:
If a specific patch of your lawn is suddenly much greener and lusher than the rest, it could be getting "fertiliser" from a leaking, root-damaged sewer pipe underneath.
How We Find the Root of the Problem: CCTV Inspections
Guesswork has no place in modern plumbing. Before we can provide an effective solution, we must first diagnose the exact cause, location, and severity of the blockage. We do this using a specialised CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) drain camera, which gives us a clear, live view of the inside of your pipes.
The process is simple and non-invasive. We feed a flexible rod with a high-resolution camera on the end into your drain. As it travels through the pipe, we can see any tree root intrusions, cracks, collapses, or blockages on a screen in real-time. This is similar to the advanced detection technology we use for water leaks. To see this technology in action on a complex Cairns job, read our recent Case Study: Whitfield Stormwater Blocked Drain.
Pinpoint Accuracy:
The camera's transmitter allows us to locate the exact position and depth of the problem from above ground, eliminating guesswork.
Damage Assessment:
We can see if the roots have just caused a blockage or if they have physically cracked or collapsed the pipe, which requires a different solution.
Provides Clear Evidence:
We can show you the footage on-screen so you can see the problem for yourself, allowing you to make an informed decision on the best repair method.
Clearing the Blockage: Hydro-Jetting vs. The Electric Eel
Once we have diagnosed the problem, the next step is to clear the blockage. For tree roots, there are two main methods: the traditional electric eel and the modern hydro-jetter. While both can be effective, hydro-jetting is by far the superior solution for thoroughly removing tree root infestations.
An electric eel (or drain snake) is a motorised tool that punches a hole through the blockage, which can provide temporary relief. A hydro-jetter, however, uses a hose with a specialised nozzle to blast the inside of the pipe with extremely high-pressure water. This doesn't just punch a hole; it obliterates the root mass and scours the pipe walls clean, providing a much longer-lasting solution.
The Electric Eel:
This traditional tool can break up a solid clog but often leaves root fragments behind, which can regrow quickly.
Hydro-Jetting: The Superior Method:
The high-pressure water jets cut through the entire root mass and flush it out of the system, restoring the pipe to its full diameter.
More Than Just Clearing:
Hydro-jetting also cleans the entire pipe wall, removing grease and sludge that roots can cling to, which helps prevent future blockages.
Long-Term Solutions to Prevent Roots from Returning
Clearing the tree roots is only half the battle. If the pipe is cracked or damaged, the roots will inevitably grow back. To solve the problem permanently, you need to address the entry point. This involves repairing or replacing the damaged section of the pipe to create a sealed, root-proof system.
The best long-term solution depends on the condition of your pipes. In some cases, a targeted excavation and repair of a single damaged section is all that's needed. However, if you have old, deteriorating earthenware pipes with multiple cracks and weak joints, the most cost-effective permanent solution is often a full replacement, a service we detail in our guide on plumbing upgrades for old pipes that need to be replaced.
Targeted Pipe Repair:
If only one section of the pipe is damaged, we can excavate and replace just that part, which is a cost-effective permanent fix.
Pipe Relining ("No-Dig" Repair):
In some cases, we can use trenchless technology to insert a new, seamless liner inside the old pipe, sealing all cracks without major excavation.
Full Pipe Replacement:
For old, deteriorating pipes that are beyond repair, replacing the entire line with modern, fully-sealed PVC is the ultimate long-term solution.
Conclusion
Tree roots in your drains are a serious issue that can lead to recurring blockages and expensive pipe damage if not handled correctly. While the signs can be frustrating, modern plumbing technology offers clear and effective solutions. The process of a CCTV diagnosis, a thorough hydro-jet clean, and a discussion about long-term prevention is the only way to solve the problem for good.
Don't put up with drains that constantly block up. If you're seeing the signs of a tree root blockage in your Cairns home, it's time to call in the experts. For a professional diagnosis and a definitive, long-lasting solution, contact our Cairns Blocked Drains specialists today.