Tradie's 'monster' find in stormwater drain highlights $10,000 issue in Aussie gardens
Invasive tree root systems can infiltrate drains and cost thousands in repairs, an Australian plumber has warned.
Homeowners nationwide were left stunned by a video of a tradie pulling a metres-long tree root out of a blocked stormwater drain. It sparked a discussion about the common garden problem that can cost as much as $10,000 to rectify.
The tree's enormous root system was pulled from the drain on the edge of the property's driveway after digging up the lawn to where it was blocked and cutting out the pipe last week. After successfully pulling it out, the trade held the massive growth victoriously above his head.
"Check out this monster tree root that we pulled from a drain in Pimpama," Lucas Plumbing Services shared online this week, alongside the video of their plumber wrangling the giant root, adding: "Didn’t expect it to be that big."
While it's unknown what tree was to blame for the shocking scene, Shaun Ridley, director of plumbing and electrician business Moral Service told Yahoo News it's a "common issue" impacting Aussie homes, especially older properties with large trees.
Tree root blockage costly problem in gardens and roads
According to Shaun, tree roots naturally seek out moisture, and are drawn to small cracks or joints in stormwater drains and sewer pipes where water can leak out. "The roots are drawn to these leaks, eventually infiltrating and growing inside the pipes, which can block or damage them over time," he said.
It can cause "extensive damage" to pipes by cracking and breaking the pipes or completely blocking the flow of water.
"If left unchecked, this can lead to overflows, property flooding, or even damage to surrounding structures like driveways or foundations. Ignoring the problem can escalate repair costs significantly, as the damage worsens over time," he said.
The cost of fixing tree root blockages can vary depending on the severity and location of the issue.
"A simple blockage removal might cost between $300 and $600, while replacing damaged pipes could range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair required, such as excavation or pipe relining," he said.
'Prevention' is key to avoiding backyard disasters caused by roots
Steven Hussey, Suncorp's head of assessing and supply chain told Yahoo that insurance claims for damage caused by tree roots blocking drains do occur "from time to time" and adds that the costs to rectify the issue vary depending on the type of blocked drain.
"For example, sewerage or grey water pipes tend to be more expensive to repair, as often these pipes are located under concrete slabs, and backup of water can enter the home through toilets, bathrooms and kitchen drains," he said.
"Regardless of which type of pipe your trees are near, prevention is always more cost effective and less invasive than repairing resultant damage and pipework.
"We recommend regular maintenance, proactive inspections and thoughtful tree planning to protect your home and garden from blocked drains and pipes."
Tips for protecting drains from invasive tree roots
Plumber Shaun told Yahoo that there are several easy steps homeowners can take to ensure that tree roots don't invade stormwater drains on their properties. They include:
Choose tree species wisely: Avoid planting trees with aggressive root systems near drainage systems.
Schedule regular inspections: Periodic inspections with a plumber using a drain camera can identify issues early.
Only use highly reviewed plumbers: don’t cheap out when it comes to your plumbing. Read online reviews and choose wisely. A bad install can cost you thousands in tree root damages.
Maintain your pipes: Ensuring pipes are in good condition and free of cracks or leaks reduces the chance of roots infiltrating. Consider installing gutter guard to prevent leaves or debris going down your downpipes and causing blockages.
Replace aging pipes: Consider upgrading to modern materials like PVC, which are less susceptible to root penetration compared to older clay or concrete pipes.
Steven echoed Shaun's advice adding that if homeowners notice water coming out of a street outlet when it's not raining, pooling water in the ward, to "contact a registered plumber to check your pipes to ensure there are no blockages.
"Make sure you check your home insurance policy and understand what you are and aren’t covered for – and if you have any questions, please contact your insurer," he added.
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