Trees provide shade and beauty to Perth properties, but their roots can seriously damage your plumbing. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your drains without removing your trees.
What are the warning signs of tree roots in your drains?
Early detection prevents expensive repairs. Watch for:
Inside your home:
- Slow-draining sinks, showers, or bathtubs that worsen over time
- Gurgling noises from drains when flushing toilets or running water
- Multiple fixtures backing up simultaneously
- Foul sewage smells from drains
- Toilets that won’t flush properly or back up repeatedly
- Water backing up into your shower when you use the washing machine
Outside your home:
- Unusually lush, green grass patches above sewer lines
- One tree growing significantly faster or greener than others
- Sinkholes or soft, saturated lawn areas
- Cracked or sunken sections of driveway or paving near drain lines
- Unexpectedly high water bills indicating leaking pipes
If you notice multiple signs simultaneously, call a licensed plumber immediately. Tree roots can cause complete pipe collapse if left untreated.
How do tree roots get into drains and cause damage?
Perth’s dry climate drives tree roots to search for water. Your underground pipes release moisture through tiny cracks and joints, attracting roots like a magnet.
The invasion process:
Tree roots don’t break through intact pipes initially. Instead, they exploit hairline cracks in older pipes (especially pre-1990s clay and concrete), loose joints between pipe sections, small holes caused by ground movement, and connection points where pipes meet.
Once inside, roots find perfect conditions: constant moisture, warmth, and nutrients from wastewater. The root thickens and branches out, creating a web-like mass that catches toilet paper, hair, food scraps, and other debris, forming a dense blockage that restricts water flow.
As roots expand, they crack pipes from internal pressure, displace or separate pipe sections, create leaks that saturate surrounding soil, and in severe cases cause ground subsidence and sinkholes.
Perth’s ageing infrastructure: Many Perth and Mandurah properties built before 1990 have clay or concrete pipes that are particularly vulnerable. Newer PVC pipes resist root intrusion better but aren’t completely immune if joints loosen.
Problem trees in Perth/Mandurah:
Not all trees pose equal risk to your plumbing. These species are particularly aggressive in Perth’s climate:
High-risk trees (keep 10+ metres from drain lines):
- Jacaranda: Beautiful purple flowers, devastating root systems
- Eucalyptus (all species): Fast-growing roots that seek water aggressively
- Fig trees: Extremely invasive roots, can crack concrete and foundations
- Pepper trees: Extensive shallow root networks
- Willow trees: Thirsty roots that target any water source
- Paperbark (Melaleuca): Large root zones that penetrate clay pipes easily
Moderate-risk trees (keep 5-8 metres away):
- Lemon and citrus trees: Moderate root spread
- Bottle trees: Deep taproot with spreading lateral roots
- Some palm varieties (depends on species)
Perth’s soil considerations: In Perth’s coastal sandy soils, tree roots spread wider searching for water. In clay soils (eastern suburbs), roots grow more aggressively once they find moisture. Both conditions make Perth properties particularly vulnerable to root intrusion.
Already have these trees near your drains? Don’t panic. Many can be managed with proper barriers and regular drain inspections.
How can you prevent tree roots from damaging your drains?
Prevention costs a fraction of emergency repairs.
Physical root barriers: Install copper or plastic barriers vertically alongside pipes, extending 0.6-1 metre deep. Place during new planting or pipe installation. Particularly important in new estates around Baldivis, Secret Harbour, and Meadow Springs.
Strategic tree placement: Maintain these minimum distances from sewer lines:
- Large trees (Jacaranda, Eucalyptus, Figs): 10+ metres
- Medium trees: 5-8 metres
- Small trees and shrubs: 3-5 metres
Check where your sewer line runs before planting. Request a sewer diagram from the Water Corporation to see exact pipe locations.
Pipe upgrades: If replacing sections anyway, choose PVC over clay or concrete. Ensure proper sealing at all joints using rubber gasket joints, not cement. Consider pipe relining for old clay pipes before root problems start.
Regular preventative maintenance: For properties with mature trees nearby, schedule annual CCTV inspections to catch problems at the early stage before they become major blockages. Bi-annual chemical root treatments provide ongoing protection and cost significantly less than emergency callouts.
Water management: Fix leaking taps and pipes immediately—even small drips attract roots. Ensure irrigation doesn’t oversaturate areas near drain lines. Keep garden beds 2+ metres from sewer access points.
What should you do if tree roots have invaded your drains?
Don’t panic, but act quickly. The longer you wait, the more expensive repairs become.
Immediate action if sewage is backing up:
- Stop using all water fixtures immediately
- Don’t flush toilets or run taps, showers, or washing machines
- Call an emergency plumber if sewage is entering living areas
The professional removal process:
Step 1: CCTV inspection. Before any clearing work, a licensed plumber inserts a camera into your drain. The video shows the exact location, severity, and pipe condition, determines the best clearing method, and identifies if the pipe is damaged and needs relining.
Step 2: Root removal. For light to moderate root intrusion, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water (3,000-5,000 PSI) to blast roots clear. It’s fast, effective, provides thorough cleaning, and is safe for good-condition pipes.
For heavy root masses, mechanical cutting uses a rotating blade to cut through thick roots. This removes large blockages first and is safer for older pipes. Often followed by hydro jetting for thorough cleaning.
Step 3: Chemical root treatment. After clearing, chemical treatments kill remaining root fragments and prevent regrowth for 12-24 months. The foam formula coats pipe walls and doesn’t harm trees above ground. Schedule annual reapplication for ongoing protection.
Step 4: Pipe repair if needed. If CCTV inspection reveals cracks or damage, pipe relining creates a new pipe inside the old one without excavation. This is necessary when roots have cracked the pipes—clearing alone won’t fix structural damage.
Step 5: Monitor and maintain. Schedule annual CCTV check-ups to catch new growth early. Regular monitoring is much cheaper than emergency clearing and provides peace of mind.
Can you remove tree roots from drains yourself?
Chemical drain cleaners: Supermarket products like Draino don’t affect tree roots. They’re designed for hair and grease, not woody masses. They can damage pipes with repeated use and are completely ineffective against roots.
Manual augering: Hardware-hire drain snakes lack the power needed for roots. Residential models can’t handle woody blockages, risk damaging pipes if you don’t know what you’re doing, and won’t clear roots thoroughly—just poke a small hole.
Copper sulphate: Takes weeks or months to show any effect, must be applied repeatedly, can damage pipes if used incorrectly, and is illegal to use in some council areas. It doesn’t address damaged pipes.
Why do you need professionals?
- High-pressure hydro jetting requires specialised equipment
- CCTV cameras locate problems precisely
- Licensed plumbers understand pipe materials and safe pressure limits
- Professional clearing removes roots completely, not just creating a bypass
- Proper assessment identifies if pipes need repair after clearing
- Avoids health risks from sewage exposure
How do you choose the right plumber for tree root removal?
Not all plumbers have the equipment or experience for root problems. Here’s what to verify:
Essential equipment they should have:
- CCTV drain camera for inspection
- High-pressure hydro jetting unit (3,000+ PSI)
- Mechanical root cutter for heavy blockages
- Locating equipment to find pipes underground
Questions to ask before hiring:
- “Do you have CCTV equipment to inspect first?”
- “What method do you recommend and why?”
- “How long will the fix last?”
- “What if the pipes are damaged?”
- “Can I see the video footage?”
- “Do you guarantee your work?”
Red flags, avoid plumbers who:
- Quote without CCTV inspection first
- Only offer mechanical cutting without assessing pipe damage
- Won’t explain their process clearly
- Pressure immediate decisions
- Significantly undercut competitors (likely cutting corners)
- Can’t provide licensing details or insurance
What to expect from quality plumbers:
- CCTV inspection first
- Clear explanation of problem with video evidence
- Written quote for clearing and any necessary repairs
- Discussion of prevention options
- Clean-up after work
- Video documentation before and after
- Warranty on workmanship (typically 12 months)
Perth/Mandurah licensing requirements: All plumbers must display their PL licence number. Check licence status at the Building and Energy WA website. Verify they have public liability insurance. Always request written quotes before work starts.
Typical service timeline: CCTV inspection takes 30-60 minutes, root clearing takes 1-3 hours depending on severity, and follow-up inspection takes 30 minutes. Total time on-site for standard jobs is typically 2-5 hours.
What do Perth homeowners ask about tree root removal?
Will removing roots from my pipes kill my tree? No. Hydro jetting and mechanical cutting only remove roots inside the pipes—a tiny fraction of the tree’s root system. The tree remains healthy. Chemical treatments kill root tips inside pipes but won’t harm the tree itself.
How long does root clearing last? Mechanical clearing alone lasts 6-12 months before regrowth. Hydro jetting combined with chemical treatment lasts 12-24 months. Results depend on tree species, soil conditions, and pipe condition. Annual maintenance provides ongoing protection.
Can roots come back in the same spot? Yes, unless you address the entry point. If pipes are cracked, roots will return. This is why CCTV inspection is critical, it shows if relining is needed to prevent recurrence.
Does home insurance cover tree root damage? Rarely. Most policies exclude gradual damage from tree roots. Some comprehensive policies may cover sudden damage, but routine blockages typically aren’t covered. Check your specific policy.
Should I remove the tree? Not necessarily. Many trees can co-exist with plumbing through proper management: pipe relining eliminates entry points, root barriers prevent intrusion, and annual chemical treatments control growth. Tree removal is expensive and often unnecessary.
Can I prevent roots in new builds? Yes, much easier than fixing existing problems. Use PVC pipes throughout, ensure proper joint sealing, install root barriers near large trees, and maintain 5-10 metre distances from large tree plantings.
What happens if I ignore the problem? Blockages worsen progressively, causing complete sewer backup into your home, sewage flooding (health hazard), pipe collapse requiring expensive replacement, ground subsidence and sinkholes, and property damage from leaked sewage. Early intervention saves thousands in emergency repairs.
How do I know where my sewer line runs? Request a sewer diagram from the Water Corporation (free service). This shows exact pipe locations and is essential before planting trees or undertaking major landscaping. You can also hire a plumber with locating equipment to trace pipes.
Where can you get professional tree root removal in Perth?
Making sure you stay on top of tree root control by hiring professionals is not only smart but could be a money-saving strategy. At Drip Hunters Plumbing and Gas, we have the equipment and expertise to handle tree root problems throughout the Perth to Mandurah region.
Contact us today for a professional assessment of your drainage system.
