Why are drains vulnerable to roots?

Tree roots grow in search of nutrients and water, so they are naturally drawn to moisture from drains and pipes. The trenches and disturbed earth around pipes make it easier for roots to travel through the ground and reach drainage structures.

If there is a weakness in a pipe construction, nature has a way of finding it. A crack in a pipe (often caused by ordinary wear and tear or extreme weather) is a common point of entry for a tree root. Once the root has penetrated, it will continue to grow and enlarge the crack to exacerbate the problem. The weakened area can also become a welcome target for the root systems of other plants nearby.

Pipe joints are also a potential area of weakness exploited by roots. Misaligned joints and poorly connected pipes are especially vulnerable. Once inside, roots will continue to grow and expand, increasing the pressure on pipes. Eventually the pipe will break or collapse, requiring costly and disruptive excavation to replace it.

If you have trees within the grounds of your business premises or property, you should be wary of the potential effects on your drainage system. Even if there is no evidence of damage (e.g. slow drainage or surface pooling/saturated ground) it is prudent to carry out periodic ‘health checks’ of any drain runs which could be affected by nearby trees and other plants. Doing so can avert problems before they become more advanced and severe in their impact.