So you have a Drain Root Problems!
Drain Roots not only pose an issue with blocked drains. But they can cause a lot of damage and possible subsidence to your property or surrounding structures if not addressed.
So how do you remove Roots from your drains ?
Lets start with how the roots get in your drains in the first place.
Root ingress is caused by the fibrous roots of a tree or bush looking for water. They usually enter through open collars in a drain line or through damaged parts of the system such as faulty brickwork within an inspection chamber.
In the UK other than modern drain installations most drainage systems were installed using a salt glazed clay material for the drain lines. Although this is a very good long lasting material to use it does have its draw backs.
Firstly each section of a clay drain has a male and female fitting in which the pieces are pushed together and bonded using a sand and cement joint at each drain collar. These cement bonds can deteriorate over a period of time and allow the roots around the drain line to enter.
As water & foul waste pass through your drain line, not only does it fertilize the roots and encourages growth, but it also erodes the soil away at the broken collar which can lead to displaced offset joints in the drain line or a full drain collapse needing extensive drain repairs.
The other issue with clay drains is that the material is very brittle. Any compounded weight from lets say heavy vehicles being parked above the drains can cause accidental damage and allow the roots of a nearby tree inside.
As a rule of thumb usually the mass of a tree above ground is mirrored beneath in its root system.
Removing Drain roots and preventing further damage.
Small fibrous roots that have not yet caused any damage to the structure of your drains can usually be cleared using high pressure drain cleaning and the use of special nozzles designed to cut away the roots present.
More substantial roots that have grown in size and diameter may need excavation and or removal of the offending tree to protect from any further damage. Permitting any preservation orders to the tree type.
Once the roots are removed it is usually the case that minor drain repairs such as repointing cement work or drain patch repair are needed to stop further ingress. This is usually assessed using Drain CCTV when the roots are removed.
If our services for Drain Roots are needed and you live in the southeast of England (UK) Please contact our staff and we will be happy to help.
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