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From the job site: tree roots in downpipe

If your drains are working, you will never realise they are there. So naturally, the moment you notice them, something is wrong.


Our team of roof plumbers at Newk’s Plumbing Gympie aim to protect your home from water damage by channelling stormwater off your roof and into the right drainage spot. Most commonly, channelling rain water into either a water tank or stormwater drainage.


This can be hard to do if the stormwater drainage is affected by tree roots.


Pictured below - a recent downpipe replacement from the house to the kerb. Why? The downpipe was frequently driven over which broke the drain and allowed tree roots to enter, causing a blockage.


Roots – they love water and will naturally seek it out. And guess what carries a lot of water? You guessed it: your stormwater pipes and drains.


Tiny cracks, joins or imperfections in your stormwater pipes can be great access points for roots. With a water source, roots will grow and grow until the drain is full of a matted net of fibre which water can’t flow through.


A tell-tale sign of a blocked stormwater drainage is water backing up in your gutters and flooding over the edge of them, either onto the ground below or into your internal walls.


The best way to avoid this happening to you is to:

  • Try to plant trees at least 5 metres away from your property’s sewer or stormwater pipes.

  • Keep trees pruned and watered regularly so they don't need to send out roots in search of water.

  • Don’t drive anything heavier than a ride on mower over the drainage as this can cause the ground to break the underground pipes.


What do tree roots in a drain look like?

Watch the video below to see a tree root removal from a drain.


Newk’s Plumbing Gympie are available 24/7 for emergency plumbing and carry all the tools and equipment to locate, clear and fix your blocked drains. Phone Andrew on 0418 800 018 to get a plumber to you.

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