6 Simple Signs that Your Plumbing Issues are a Result of Tree Roots
by Soumava Goswami Blog 16 June 2025
Have you been struggling with clogged and overflowing outdoor drains? Has cleaning, plunging, and rinsing the drains with chemicals not yielded any positive results? There may be a bigger issue causing a blockage further in the pipes.
When you routinely have to deal with blockages, you should call the blocked drain plumber Melbourne locals rely on for all their plumbing needs.
The plumbing team will assess your whole drainage system, which will allow them to find the reason for any clogs and slow drains. However, what are the signs that tree roots are causing plumbing problems in your building?
Tree Roots And Plumbing
When tree roots are left alone for a long time, they can form large clumps in the pipe and block the water flow. This is a common issue in many households, and finding a suitable solution can be challenging.
Primarily, it comes down to two solutions: replacing the affected pipe or removing the source of the problem. Considering the first option can be expensive, especially if several pipes are damaged.
However, the latter might be time-consuming if not costly. Various professionals and experts must be involved to complete the task. Moreover, it is illegal to uproot a tree, as it may violate local laws, depending on your location.
Signs That Tree Roots Are Causing Plumbing Problems
Australian homeowners enjoy gardening. Moreover, they often spend a small fortune on buying a host of different trees and shrubs to accentuate their spaces.
Plumbers make use of CCTV cameras to identify potential reasons for blockages, and one culprit stands out above the rest. Tree roots!
Typically, a tree’s root system can spread 2 to 4 times the breadth of its canopy. Depending on where your plumbing pipes are situated, it’s possible for tree roots to grow over or even into the pipes.
The nutrients found in the water and sewage that flows through plumbing pipes attract roots, which are continuously reaching toward water sources.
With this in mind, our plumbers have compiled a list of the top tell-tale signs that will quickly let you know that tree roots may be to blame for your plumbing issues.
Ongoing Blocked Drains
Among the signs that tree roots are causing plumbing problems, the most obvious sign that you have something constricting or blocking your pipes is regular blockages that you can’t clear up.
If tree roots are to blame, unblocking the pipe won’t solve anything if the roots aren’t removed.
The roots might have formed quite an intricate maze inside the pipes, and trying to remove them yourself might cause more damage to the pipes. Speak to your local plumber about the best options in your particular situation.
Your Drains Always Have a Foul Smell
One of the key signs to look out for is a foul smell coming from your drains. When roots clog up your drain line, waste becomes trapped in and around the roots.
This creates a Sulphur-like smell which eventually makes its way through to your drains. Some plants have a very intricate root system, and this can result in a maze of roots growing in bunches in and through the pipes.
To counter the odour in your drains, consider pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. If the smell doesn’t clear up in a day or two, it might mean that you have a blockage further down the line.
There’s a Gurgling Sound in the Drain
Slow-draining baths, sinks, and showers are often accompanied by a strange gurgling sound. If the gurgling appears to sound “strained”, it’s an indication that water is struggling to flow past or around the roots in the pipes.
If the drain isn’t overflowing, you can plunge the drain to loosen any small blockages.
Some Trees or Shrubs Have Had an Unusual Growth Spurt
Another clear indication that there are roots in or around your plumbing pipes is by looking at the trees in your garden.
If the trees in your property are looking much healthier than usual, they may be enjoying the nutrients flowing through a nearby plumbing pipe. It’s important to note that a tree’s roots can travel hundreds of meters below ground to find desired nutrients.
Small Sinkholes are Forming in Your Yard
Not all tree roots grow the same, and some can be quite invasive. This is because some plant species form large root mazes that can easily overwhelm their surroundings.
These types of root systems can damage older plumbing pipes. Moreover, this can cause water to leak into the surrounding soil.
Eventually, these saturated spots begin to cave in and form small sinkholes. Check your whole property for these mini sinkholes, as they won’t always be right next to the drains. Be sure to point these out to your plumber.
Sinks, Showers, and Baths are Always Drained Slowly
Trees and shrubs survive in nature by sensing where there’s moisture and nutrients in the surrounding soil. When tree roots detect much-needed nourishment in the pipes, the roots “send” out smaller roots, known as feeders, to seek out and get into the pipes.
These roots can be very thin and get into the pipes through the smallest cracks. Once inside the pipes, the roots will feed off the nutrients and continue growing until they form a bunched-up root system that blocks water from passing through or around.
This causes water to drain out slowly. Older homes with dated and potentially damaged pipes are more at risk.
Speak To A Plumber Today
Trees and shrubs are important for every garden and the natural ecosystem. However, if you see any signs that tree roots are causing plumbing problems, speak to your local plumber right away.
If you are planting any trees, make sure you do it far from the drains. Moreover, if ir is possible, ask the plumbers to indicate where the pipes are, so you can avoid planting any trees close to them.
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