This homeowner in Freshwater reported a blocked drain that was becoming increasingly slow to drain.
What we found
After inspecting the sewer, we found significant tree root intrusion inside the pipe. The roots had entered through defects in the existing sewer line and grown to the point where they were severely restricting the flow.
As you can see from the photo, this wasn’t a small blockage.
The fix
Our team cleared the blocked sewer and removed the tree roots before carrying out a detailed inspection of the pipe.
Rather than simply clearing the blockage and leaving the damaged pipe vulnerable to further root intrusion, we relined the affected section of sewer.
Pipe relining creates a new, sealed pipe within the existing pipe, repairing the damaged section without the need for extensive excavation.
The result
The sewer was cleared, the damaged section repaired and the entry points for tree roots sealed, providing the Freshwater homeowner with a much longer-lasting solution.
Drains that keep blocking are often a sign of an underlying problem. A CCTV drain inspection can identify what’s actually happening inside the pipe and whether repair or pipe relining is required.
Blocked drains or recurring sewer problems in Freshwater?
Platinum Plumbers & Pipe Relining services Freshwater and the Northern Beaches.
Call 0421 637 410 to arrange an inspection.
Why do tree roots cause blocked drains in Freshwater?
Tree roots are attracted to moisture and can enter sewer pipes through small cracks, damaged joints or other defects. Once inside, the roots continue to grow and can eventually restrict the flow of wastewater or completely block the pipe.
How do you know if tree roots are inside a sewer pipe?
A CCTV drain inspection allows a plumber to inspect inside the sewer and identify tree roots, cracks, displaced joints and other damage. In this Freshwater job, significant tree root intrusion was found inside the sewer after investigating the recurring blockage.
Will clearing tree roots stop the drain from blocking again?
Not necessarily. Removing the roots clears the immediate blockage, but if the defect that allowed the roots into the pipe remains, they may grow back. Repairing or relining the damaged section can seal those entry points.
What is pipe relining?
Pipe relining repairs a damaged pipe from the inside by installing a new lining within the existing pipe. Once cured, the liner creates a strong, sealed internal pipe without needing to excavate and replace the entire existing sewer line.
Can pipe relining prevent tree roots from coming back?
Relining can seal cracks and defective joints in the relined section that previously allowed tree roots to enter. This helps prevent roots from re-entering through those repaired defects.
Do you need to dig up the yard to repair a tree-root-damaged sewer?
Not always. If the existing pipe is suitable for relining, the damaged section can often be repaired internally with significantly less excavation than conventional pipe replacement. A CCTV inspection is needed to determine whether relining is suitable.
Do you provide blocked drain and pipe relining services in Freshwater?
Yes. Platinum Plumbers & Pipe Relining provides blocked drain inspections, CCTV drain inspections, sewer repairs and pipe relining in Freshwater and across Sydney’s Northern Beaches.