If your drains keep blocking up or running slowly, tree roots could be the real issue. In New Zealand, this is a pretty common problem, especially in older homes or properties with established trees nearby. Roots naturally hunt for water, and even a tiny crack in a pipe is enough for them to get inside.
Once they’re in, they don’t just sit there. They grow, spread out, and slowly start causing increasingly serious issues. At Grantham Hydro, we see this a lot during drain inspections across Waikato, and it’s one of those problems that only gets worse if it’s left too long.
Why Tree Roots Go for Underground Pipes
Tree roots are always looking for moisture, and your underground drainage system is basically an easy target. Pipes often carry water and organic waste, which makes them even more attractive.
The trouble usually starts when pipes get older or develop small cracks or loose joints. Moisture leaks out into the surrounding soil, and that’s what draws the roots in. From there, they follow the moisture straight into the pipe and start growing inside it.
How Roots Get Inside and Cause Blockages
Roots don’t need a big opening to get in. Small cracks in old pipework, slightly separated joints, worn-out clay or older PVC pipes, or even weak points in the system are enough.
Once inside, the roots spread through the pipe, forming a tight mesh. This then catches toilet paper, grease, and other debris as they pass through the system. Over time, this builds up and causes slow drains or full blockages.
Signs You Might Have Tree Roots in Your Drains
There are a few common signs to watch out for. You might notice water draining more slowly than usual in sinks, showers, or toilets. Blockages may recur even after being cleared. You might hear gurgling sounds in the pipes or notice a bad smell coming from drains. In some cases, you might even see wet patches or soft ground in the garden where underground pipes run.
If a few of these are happening at once, there’s a good chance tree roots are involved.
What Kind of Damage Can Roots Do?
If nothing is done, tree roots can cause serious damage. They can completely block pipes, crack or break sections of pipework, cause sewage to back up into your home, and lead to expensive digging and repairs. In the worst cases, entire sections of pipe may need to be replaced.
The sooner it’s picked up, the easier and cheaper it usually is to fix.
How Professionals Deal with Tree Roots
At Grantham Hydro, we start with a CCTV drain inspection to see exactly what’s going on underground. From there, we might use high-pressure water jetting to clear out blockages or mechanical cutting tools if the roots are more stubborn.
In some cases, pipe relining can be used to seal damaged areas, so roots can’t get back in. The goal is always to resolve the issue properly and help prevent it from recurring.