Tree Roots Taking Over Your Drains? Here’s What You Need to Know

Tree roots might be beautiful in your garden — but underground, they can be a nightmare for your plumbing. Across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, and Southern Highlands, tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of blocked drains — especially in older homes with clay or earthenware pipes.
Why Tree Roots Invade Drains
Roots naturally seek out moisture, and small cracks in aging pipes offer just enough of a water source to attract them. Once inside, the roots thrive in the damp environment and grow rapidly, creating blockages and weakening the pipe structure — which can eventually lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.
Signs Tree Roots Are Blocking Your Drains
If you’ve noticed any of the following issues, tree roots could be the cause:
Frequent drain blockages or slow-draining water
Gurgling sounds from sinks, showers, or toilets
Unpleasant smells from indoor or outdoor drains
Overflowing stormwater drains, especially after rain
These symptoms often start small but can escalate quickly once roots take hold.
How We Detect and Fix Tree Root Damage
At Waterite Plumbing & Sealing, we take the guesswork out of diagnosing blocked drains. Our team uses high-resolution CCTV drain cameras to inspect your pipes and pinpoint exactly where and how severe the root intrusion is.
Depending on the damage, we offer a range of professional solutions:
Root cutting – We use mechanical cutting tools to slice through and remove invasive roots
Pipe replacement – For severely damaged sections, we can upgrade old clay pipes to modern, durable PVC
Pipe relining – A no-dig option that seals and reinforces damaged pipes from the inside
Why Locals Trust Waterite
We know how stressful plumbing issues can be, especially when there’s a risk of long-term damage. That’s why we offer:
Same-day service where available
$0 call-out fees
Free, no-obligation quotes
Honest advice and practical, long-lasting solutions
We treat every home like it’s our own — no hidden fees, just reliable service that gets results.
Suspect Tree Roots in Your Pipes?
The longer roots are left to grow inside your drains, the worse (and more expensive) the problem becomes. If you’re in Sydney, the Central Coast, Southern Highlands or Blue Mountains, and think roots might be invading your plumbing, get in touch with Waterite Plumbing & Sealing today.
We’ll help you get things flowing smoothly again — before bigger problems take root.