Tree roots in sewer pipes: signs, causes and how to fix it
Tree roots are the most common cause of repeat blocked drains in older Sydney homes. Roots go looking for water, find their way into small cracks and joints in the pipe, then grow into a thick mat that catches everything flushed down. This guide covers the signs, why it happens, what doesn't work, and how to stop it for good. It's written by the local plumbers who clear root-blocked drains every week across Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Botany and the southern Eastern Suburbs.
Signs you have roots in your pipes
- The toilet or shower drains slowly, then gets worse over weeks
- Gurgling from drains or the toilet when water runs elsewhere
- The outdoor gully overflows, especially after heavy use
- The same drain blocks again months after being cleared
- A sewage smell in the yard
- A lush green strip of lawn along the line of the pipe
Why roots get in
Old clay sewer pipes come in short lengths joined together. Over the decades the joints loosen and crack, and a tiny gap is all a root needs. Warm, moist sewer air draws roots towards the pipe, and once inside they grow quickly. Thirsty trees and shrubs are the usual culprits, and roots can travel a long way from the tree itself, including from a neighbour's yard or a street tree.
What doesn't fix it
- Shop-bought drain cleaners: they won't dissolve roots and can damage pipes.
- Snaking or plunging alone: it punches a hole through the roots, but they're still there and grow back.
- Root-killing products: these can slow regrowth for a while, but the cracked joint that let the roots in is still open.
How we fix it for good
1. Cut and clear
A high-pressure jetter with a root-cutting head cuts the roots back to the pipe wall and flushes the line clean.
2. Camera inspection
We put a camera through the pipe to see where the roots got in and the condition of the joints. You see the footage.
3. Your options
A regular maintenance clean keeps minor roots under control. A patch reline seals one or two bad joints. Full relining or replacement suits long runs with many entry points.
4. Stop it coming back
Sealing the joint is the only permanent fix: no gap, no roots. Relining vs digging →
Roots in southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Many homes in Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Pagewood and Botany were built after the war with clay sewer lines, and many streets have mature street trees. That combination makes root blockages one of the jobs we do most often in the area. The sandy coastal soil also lets roots spread easily and lets pipes shift, opening up joints over time.
Whose tree is it?
Inside your property boundary, the pipe is usually yours to look after, wherever the roots come from. If our camera shows the problem is in the Sydney Water sewer main, we'll tell you so you can report it. If roots are coming from a council street tree, your council (Randwick Council for Matraville, Maroubra and Malabar; Bayside Council for Pagewood, Eastgardens and Botany) can tell you what they're able to do.
Planting near your sewer line?
Before planting, find out where your sewer line runs. Sydney Water sewer diagrams can show it, and we can locate it with our camera. Keep large or thirsty trees well away from the line.
Why locals call us for root-blocked drains
- Based in Matraville, close to every southern Eastern Suburbs home
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Camera footage of your pipe is yours to keep
- A fixed price before any work starts
- Licensed plumbers and drainers (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
How do I know if tree roots are in my pipes?
Slow drains, gurgling, an overflowing gully and blockages that keep coming back are the usual signs. A camera inspection confirms it.
Will roots keep coming back after the drain is cleared?
Yes, unless the crack or joint they came through is sealed. A clean buys time; relining or replacing the damaged section stops them.
Can I use root killer in my drain?
It can slow regrowth but won't seal the gap the roots came through, so blockages usually return. Ask us before putting chemicals down the drain.
Should I remove the tree?
Usually not. Sealing the pipe is normally cheaper than removing a tree and fixes the problem whichever tree the roots come from.
Roots in your drain? See our blocked drains, CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services, our blocked drains guide, or your local page: blocked drains Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Pagewood, Eastgardens, Botany and Little Bay. More plumbing guides.