Can tree roots break a drain pipe?

Yes. Roots can grow through joints and cracks, and as they thicken they can displace or crack the pipe, leading to blockages, leaks, and in some cases collapse. Early detection and repair help avoid major damage.

Will removing the roots fix the problem permanently?

Removing the roots restores flow, but without sealing the pipe (e.g. with relining), roots can grow back. Relining creates a jointless barrier that prevents roots from re-entering and is the recommended long-term fix.

How do you remove roots from a drain?

We use specialist cutting equipment to clear roots from inside the pipe, followed by high-pressure jetting to remove debris. We then recommend relining to prevent regrowth and repair any damage to the pipe.

Tree Roots In Drains: Causes And Solutions

Introduction

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of drain damage and blocked drains. Roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside pipes and can grow through small cracks or loose joints, eventually blocking the flow or breaking the pipe. In this article we look at why roots cause so much damage, how to spot the problem, and what solutions are available. If you suspect root ingress, a CCTV drain survey will confirm it, and we can then remove the roots and reline the pipe to prevent regrowth. We serve areas including London, Ealing, and Watford.

Why Tree Roots Get Into Drains

Drain pipes carry water and organic matter, so they are an attractive source of moisture and nutrients for tree roots. Older pipes—especially clay with mortar joints—have small gaps at the joints that roots can exploit. Once inside, roots grow quickly in the warm, moist environment and can fill the pipe, causing blockages and eventually cracking or displacing the pipe. Even a single tree some distance away can send roots many metres toward a leaking or damaged drain.

Signs of Root Damage

Recurring blockages, slow drainage from multiple fixtures, gurgling sounds, and foul smells can all point to root intrusion. If you have trees near the line of your drain and these symptoms keep coming back after clearing, roots are a likely cause. A CCTV survey will show the roots inside the pipe and the extent of the damage, so that the right repair can be planned.

Solutions: Root Removal and Relining

Root removal involves cutting and clearing the roots from the pipe, usually with specialist equipment, and then jetting to flush the debris. This restores flow but does not stop roots from growing back unless the entry point is sealed. Drain relining creates a seamless new pipe inside the old one, with no joints for roots to penetrate, and is the preferred long-term solution after root removal. In severe cases where the pipe is collapsed or too damaged, excavation and replacement may be needed.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

If you are planting new trees, keep them away from known drain runs. For existing trees and drains, periodic CCTV surveys can detect root ingress early. Once roots have been removed and the pipe relined, the new liner greatly reduces the chance of regrowth. For advice specific to your property, contact us for a survey and a clear recommendation.