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Tree Roots in Drains? How to Save Thousands on Costly Pipe Repairs with Vaporooter

Hi, David Conroy, here from Vaporooter Australia.

I’ve been in the blocked drain industry for nearly 50 years, and in that time, we’ve cleared many blocked drains, most of which are caused by tree roots. In fact, 85% of blockages are caused by tree roots.

Over the years, I’ve had the unfortunate situation of having to go to homeowners in houses on streets like this and tell them it could cost 10 or 20 or even $30,000 to renew the sewer pipes around their homes because they’re badly affected by the roots of trees like this growing into their pipes.

Now, I want you to know that there are several different ways to stop those trees from growing in your pipes.

The first thing to do is to cut the tree roots out.

Plumbers sometimes use high-pressure water or an electric eel to cut tree roots from your sewer pipes.

The modern way in 2025 is to look for other ways to keep the tree roots out. I think you may have heard of pipe relining.

The cost of pipe relining in today’s money is about $1000 per metre, so if you have 30 metres of affected pipes that would cost you about $30,000.

If you were to treat the sewer pipes with a product that I know quite a bit about, Vaporooter, it would cost you about $900 to do the same pipe.

So there’s a choice for spending $30,000 or $900 on Vaporooter.

Vaporooter Stops Tree Roots in drains!

If you’re interested in finding out more about how to keep Tree roots out of the drains and pipes serving your home, Then contact me on 1800 637 600 Or go to www.VaporooterAustralia.com.au.

Hybrid Solution for Tree Roots in Drains: Combining Vaporooter Treatment and Pipe Relining in Watsons Bay

G’day, and welcome to another Vaporooter Australia case study!

Today, we’re tackling a drainage challenge that’s all too common in areas with established trees: how to stop tree roots from blocking drains without sacrificing the beauty and privacy those trees provide. In this post, we’ll explore how we used a hybrid approach—combining Vaporooter treatment and pipe relining—to solve repeated blockages caused by a large tree at a property in Watsons Bay, Sydney.

The Problem: Persistent Tree Roots in Terracotta Pipes

We were called out to this property after the owners experienced repeated drain blockages. The culprit? A large umbrella tree providing shade and privacy between two buildings. Removing the tree would have been a drastic measure, but the alternative—constant blockages—wasn’t a long-term solution. The problem was further complicated by the fact that this property has older terracotta pipes, which are prone to cracking over time. To replace them entirely would mean extensive excavation, damage to the footpath, and significant disruption to the residents’ lives.

Our Solution: A Hybrid of Pipe relining and Vaporooter Treatment

After conducting a thorough inspection with a camera, we identified two sections of pipe that were broken and needed immediate repair. Additionally, the rest of the drainage line was heavily affected by roots from the umbrella tree, which were seeking out any weak points in the joints to enter the pipes.

Given the situation, we designed a hybrid solution:

Pipe Lining for Structural Repair: We engaged a pipe rellining specialist to repair the two broken sections of the sewer line. Pipe relining, also known as trenchless or “no-dig” repair, reinforces the interior of the existing pipes without disturbing the surface. This allowed us to restore the pipe’s integrity without costly and disruptive excavation work.

Vaporooter Treatment for Ongoing Protection: Next, we treated the entire sewer line with Vaporooter, a foaming herbicide that stops roots from penetrating the pipe joints. This non-toxic solution kills any root growth in the pipes but leaves the tree itself unharmed. With Vaporooter, we can effectively prevent future root intrusion without affecting the health of the surrounding vegetation.

Why a Hybrid Solution?

In many cases, property owners might only need one approach: either a structural pipe repair or a chemical treatment like Vaporooter. But this project highlights why a combined approach can sometimes be the most effective. The two broken sections of pipe needed a structural fix to prevent further leaks, while the remaining segments benefited from Vaporooter’s protective barrier. By blending these two methods, we’ve provided the property with a long-lasting solution that keeps the tree intact and the drains clear.

Benefits of Combining Pipe Relining and Vaporooter

  • Minimally Invasive: By avoiding a full excavation, we minimized the impact on the property, the footpath, and the residents. Pipe Relining offers a quick and effective repair without disrupting the area.
  • Long-Term Solution: Vaporooter stops roots from re-entering the pipes, ensuring that this property won’t face repeat blockages from root intrusion.
  • Tree Preservation: Vaporooter kills only the roots that enter the pipes, meaning the umbrella tree can stay and continue to provide shade and privacy.

Watch the Full Case Study Video

For a detailed walkthrough of this hybrid solution in action, check out the embedded video below.

Considering Vaporooter and Pipe Relining for Your Property?

If your property is facing similar issues with tree roots in drains, a hybrid solution might be right for you. Combining pipe relining and Vaporooter can protect your drainage system without major disruption or the need to remove cherished trees. For more information on Vaporooter and tree root management, or to find out if a hybrid approach suits your property, give us a call at 1800 637 600 or visit our website at vaporooteraustralia.com.au.

If you found this post helpful, please give us a like, share it with others facing tree root issues, and consider subscribing to our channel for more insights and case studies from Vaporooter Australia!

How Vaporooter Solved Tree Root Blocked Drains in Bondi, Sydney

Stop Tree Roots from Blocking Your Drains with Vaporooter: A Case Study from Bondi

Did you know, When it comes to blocked drains, 85% are caused by tree roots? These roots can invade pipes, causing severe blockages that disrupt your drainage system and lead to costly repairs. At Vaporooter Australia, we specialize in a solution designed to stop tree roots in drains without damaging the trees or requiring extensive plumbing work. In this blog post, we’re showcasing a real-life example from Bondi, Sydney, where a massive Morton Bay fig tree’s roots were causing repeated blockages for a local homeowner.

Check out our YouTube video below to see how Vaporooter works and hear about the results directly from Dave at Vaporooter Australia!

Why Do Tree Roots Cause Blocked Drains?

Tree roots are naturally drawn to the moisture in sewer and stormwater pipes. They find even the tiniest crack, break in a joint, or weak spot to infiltrate, causing blocked drains that worsen over time. Without treatment, these roots can expand and eventually rupture pipes, requiring costly replacements.

The Solution: Vaporooter Treatment

Vaporooter is a unique, eco-friendly chemical foam designed specifically to eliminate invasive tree roots inside drains while preserving the health of surrounding trees and plants. Unlike physical removal methods that are often only temporary, Vaporooter kills the roots inside the pipes, stopping regrowth for an extended period.

At this Bondi property, the homeowners were dealing with recurring drain blockages caused by their own Morton Bay fig tree. The tree is a landmark and the local council wont allow it’s removal. After discussing solutions, they decided to try Vaporooter to stop the tree roots from invading their drains once and for all.

The Vaporooter Guarantee: Blocked Drains Cleared for Free!

One of the biggest advantages of Vaporooter is the guarantee we offer to our clients. If a tree root-related blockage occurs after treatment, Vaporooter Australia will clear it free of charge. This guarantee reflects our commitment to providing an effective, lasting solution for blocked drains due to tree roots.

Interested in Vaporooter?

If you’re struggling with blocked drains caused by tree roots, Vaporooter could be the solution you need. Contact us at 1800 637 600 or visit our website at VaporooterAustralia.com.au for more information. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips and real-life case studies!

Benefits of Using Vaporooter for Tree Root Blockages:

  • Eco-Friendly: Targets roots in pipes without harming surrounding trees or plants.
  • Cost-Effective: Prevents future costly repairs and pipe replacements.
  • Guaranteed Results: Our free clearance guarantee gives you peace of mind.
  • Long-Lasting Solution: Kills roots within pipes to stop regrowth for years.

Contact us today, and say goodbye to tree-root blockages in your drains!

Why you should see inside your drains.

G’day it’s Dave

I’m walking through a tree lined street in Bondi Junction. I’ve just been to see my eye surgeon because I have a problem with my eyes. But walking down this tree lined street, I’ve walked passed a pipe relining truck and another plumbing truck. I’m sure that in the street behind me there are loads of houses with tree roots growing in their sewer pipes and it made me think, sometimes plumbers tell us there are things going on in our drains but they don’t show us.

Most of those plumbers have drain cameras as we do. If your plumber tells you that you have problems in your drains ask him if you can see the vision of what is going on in your pipes.

Yes, if you have a broken pipe, caused by the roots of the wonderful trees in this street then you may need to have your pipes relined. But if you only have roots growing into the pipes through the pipe joints then you may not. And rather than spending $1000 dollars per metre on relining all of your pipes, you don’t need to spend all of that money.

Vaporooter is a viable alternative. It’s cost effective and it works!

The key to todays’ video is all about the eyes. If your plumber tells you he sees tree roots in your drains or you have broken pipes that need relining, ask him if you can see that video. It’s a reasonable request. The plumber is going to charge you for putting his drain camera in your pipes I am recommending you ask the plumber to see the footage. In todays electronic world he should be able to share that with you without much fuss.

If you have any questions about blocked drains caused by tree roots, I invite you to ask me.

Call me on 1800 637 600 or go to www.VaporooterAustralia.com.au

Can tree roots crush drain pipes?

Yes, tree roots can crush drain pipes. As tree roots grow, they can exert a lot of force and pressure on pipes, particularly older or pipes with any structural damage. The tree roots can also grow into small cracks or in the pipe joints, causing them to expand and eventually crush or break the pipe.

Additionally, if the roots are able to penetrate the pipe and grow inside it, they can cause blocked drains.

It’s also worth noting that, tree roots can cause more damage to clay pipes, and cast iron pipes because of their rigid structure but, more durable and flexible materials like copper or PVC pipes can still be crushed.

We have seen instances where tree roots growing through the excavated soil of the trench under a PVC sewer system, squash the pipe from beneath as they get thicker and stronger. The pipe line needed excavation for repairs and to cut out the offending tree root which was about 200mm in diameter.

The PVC pipeline was only twelve years old!

The Hills Weeping fig (Ficus microcarpa var. hillii) was about fifty years old.

Tree roots crush pipes

If you think your stormwater or sewer pipes are being crushed by tree roots, it’s important to regularly inspect the pipes and address any issues promptly, because leaks through the cracks will only attract more tree roots.

Also, when planting trees near pipes or underground utilities, proper plant selection can prevent potential problems.

Is pipe relining the only way to Stop Tree Roots in Drains?

No! Pipe relining is definitely NOT the only way to keep tree roots out of drains.

Some other methods include:

  1. Chemical treatments: Chemical root killers can be put down the drain to kill the roots and prevent future growth.
  2. Cut the roots: Tree roots can be physically cut out of the pipes using specialized tools like High-Pressure water drain cleaning or an electric eel. Depending on the circumstance both are great ways to cut roots.
  3. Regular maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of your pipes can help prevent root re-growth by removing debris and preventing blockages.
  4. Excavation and renewal: Just as it sounds, excavate the existing pipe line and replace it with PVC pipe and fittings. That usually includes excavation by hand or a machine like a back-hoe and depending on where the pipes are located under your lawns and gardens, driveway or swimming pool, reparations to your site can be huge.
  5. Tree root barrier installation: A barrier, like a root-resistant liner or metal mesh, can be installed around the pipes to prevent roots growing around and into the pipes.

In some cases, a combination of these methods may be used for an effective solution.

When fixing your blocked drains, a “one size fits all” approach is outdated!

The best approach depends on your circumstance and specifically, what is going on with the drains at your place.

If you’re not sure which method is best for your circumstance, ask me. Call 1800 637 6oo

No Bull

Do summer rains make stronger tree root growth?

 

Summer rain can encourage stronger tree root growth. Trees need water to survive, and during the summer months, when the weather is hot and dry, adequate water is essential for the tree’s survival. Rainfall during the summer can provide the necessary water for the tree’s roots to absorb and grow.

Additionally, summer rain can also help to loosen compacted soil, allowing the roots to penetrate deeper and spread out more easily. This can lead to stronger, healthier root systems that are better able to support the tree.

However, it’s worth noting that heavy rainfall can also cause soil erosion and can lead to waterlogged soil, which can suffocate tree roots and inhibit their growth. It’s also good to note that, while water is important for tree growth, too much water can also be harmful.

It’s important to note that while water is important, it’s not the only factor that affects tree growth. Other factors like temperature, sunlight, soil nutrients, and pests also play a significant role. A well-balanced environment with adequate water and other factors is essential for a tree’s healthy growth.

Whether we have wet or dry summers, the nutrients or natural fertiliser available in sewer pipes makes them a magnet for the searching tree roots of many species. Our experience has seen that if trees can “drink” the abundant water available during summer rains, the tree roots will swell and cause more blocked drains.

Tree Roots are a pain in the drain!

Tree Roots never stop growing in your sewer pipes.

Cut them out and they just grow back!

Depending on the tree, it can take up to 3, 6 or 12 months, or sometimes more, but they do grow back…Like a time bomb ticking away.

When you get a blocked drain and have your plumber cut tree roots from your sewer pipes, every 3, 6 or 12  months, the cutting action, whether by electric eel or high-pressure water damages the pipes.

The cutting action is like pruning. Any gardener will tell you that pruning will make the tree grow stronger, and thats what happens with your tree roots.

You cut the tree roots, and they grow back Thicker and Stronger.

You know all the symptoms.

The smell, the gurgling, ankle deep shower water, you lift the lid on the loo, AND IT’S STILL THERE!

Now your plumber is a likable bloke.

His number is on your auto dial. He knows where the door keys are, and the dog just wags his tail when he shows up.

He’s put his kids through private school because the tree out the front of your home keeps growing in your sewer, blocking your drains

There must be another way to Stop Tree Roots in Drains

There is. It’s called Vaporooter!

When you’re ready to talk about it, Call us on 1800 637 600

Vaporooter or pipe re-lining – A cost comparison

Hello, its Dave Conroy here and I’m here to talk about my favourite subject, stopping tree roots in sewer pipes.
And in particular with Vaporooter!

Now, one of the most common questions that is asked of me is “Should I re-line my pipes or Should I use Vaporooter?”

Simply put, relining is a great process in the right place. To re-line a single metre, one metre of pipeline here in Sydney will cost you about one thousand dollars. For that amount of money, you could treat a 30 metre section of pipeline! So, economically, Vaporooter is a great option.

To reline 30 metres it’s about 30 grand.

To treat 30 metres with Vaporooter will cost you about $1000.00. It will keep tree roots away and give you an opportunity to work out what to do with your pipes in the long term.

If you have any questions about whether you should re-line or apply Vaporooter to your home,
Call me on 1800 637 600 or go to www.VaporooterAustralia.com.au

Why trees choose sewer over stormwater pipes

Trees are more likely to grow into sewer pipes than stormwater pipes.

Every day we use our plumbing sending that water and fertiliser combination along the pipeline for the trees and their root systems to drink their fill. BUT, stormwater pipes only carry water when it rains, which in this country is fairly unreliable.

If I was a tree and had a choice of putting my roots into a sewer pipe or a stormwater pipe, I would choose the sewer pipes because every day, as regular as clockwork, I will be fed and watered. If I chose the stormwater pipes, I may die of thirst!