If your drains have been acting up lately – slow to clear, weird gurgling sounds, or that not-so-lovely smell coming from the sink, it might not be a clog from last night’s dinner. It could be something a little sneakier: tree roots. Yep, those beautiful gum trees or shady figs in your yard might be quietly creeping into your pipes.

This guide will explain how tree roots block drains, the signs to look out for, and how to remove tree roots from a drain pipe without tearing up your entire yard.

How Do Tree Roots End Up in Pipes?

Roots are naturally drawn to moisture. If there’s a tiny crack or weakness in your pipes (especially older clay ones) the roots will find it. Once they sneak inside, they keep growing, branching out, and eventually form a tangled mess that traps anything else trying to pass through (like toilet paper, grease, and debris).

This is one of the most common causes of blocked drains, especially in leafy Melbourne suburbs where trees and pipes often sit side-by-side.

Signs You’ve Got Tree Roots in Pipes

It’s not always obvious at first, but here are some telltale signs of tree roots in pipes:

Drains backing up regularly
Slow-draining sinks, toilets, or showers
Gurgling sounds when water is draining
Bad smells coming from your drains
Damp or sunken patches in your yard

If you’re spotting more than one of these, there’s a good chance you’ve got tree roots in your pipes. You can also check out more signs of blocked drains here.

How to Remove Tree Roots from Drain Pipes

Here’s the thing: once roots are inside, they won’t go away on their own. DIY drain cleaners won’t do much. To properly fix it, professionals usually use one (or more) of the following ways on how to remove tree roots from a drain pipe:

Mechanical cutting – A rotating blade is sent down the pipe to slice through the roots.
Hydro jetting – High-pressure water blasts the roots out and clears any other buildup.
Root-killing treatments – Special foams or solutions that kill the roots and stop them from growing back.

Once the drain is clear, a camera inspection is usually done to make sure the damage isn’t worse than expected. And if you’re not sure what method is right for you or want peace of mind, we always recommend speaking to a specialist blocked drains Melbourne specialist.

Can You Stop Tree Roots from Coming Back?

Short answer: yes. Here’s how:

Get a regular drain inspection (once a year is ideal)
Avoid planting trees near your main sewer line
Install a root barrier if you’re landscaping near pipes
Upgrade old pipes to modern, root-resistant materials

Staying on top of maintenance is the best way to avoid bigger plumbing headaches later. If you’re following our seasonal plumbing care tips, this kind of check-up should already be on your radar.

Got Blocked Drains? Let Locality Plumbing Sort It Out

If you’ve noticed slow drains, weird gurgling, unpleasant smells, or patches of soggy grass in your yard, chances are tree roots could be creeping into your pipes. And the longer you leave it, the worse (and more expensive) it can get.

At Locality Plumbing, we specialise in tackling tree root intrusions and all the messy problems they cause. Whether you need a drain inspection, urgent clearing, or expert advice on how to clear blocked drains for good, we’re ready to help. And fast.

Don’t let a minor blockage turn into major damage. Call Locality Plumbing today and keep your drains flowing the way they should.