How to Prevent Root Damage to Drains

Preventing tree root damage to drains is far cheaper than repairing it. While you can't always control what trees grow near your pipes, understanding which species are most dangerous, where drains run, and what preventative measures are available can save you thousands in future repair bills.

What to Look For

• Know where your drain pipes run — get a drainage plan
• Avoid planting water-hungry species within 5m of drain runs
• Willows, poplars, oaks and ash trees are highest risk
• Root barriers can protect vulnerable pipe sections
• Regular CCTV surveys catch early root ingress before damage escalates
• Drain relining seals joints against root entry permanently

How We Diagnose the Problem

A CCTV survey shows whether roots have already started entering your pipes. Early-stage root ingress at pipe joints is easily treated — the roots are small and can be removed with jetting before they cause structural damage.

How We Fix It

We remove existing roots with mechanical cutting and jetting, then reline the pipe to seal all joints permanently. For new drain installations near trees, we use root-resistant pipes with welded or sealed joints. We can also install root barrier membranes along vulnerable pipe runs.