Are you starting to deal with slow drains, gurgling toilets, or damp patches in the yard? Unfortunately, stubbornly-lodged tree roots in pipes could be the hidden culprit. It’s actually one of the most common causes of recurring blockages in Queensland homes – and one of the trickiest to fix without the right tools. And while homeowners can try a few safe, short-term remedies, clearing roots properly really does require a solid understanding of your drainage system and often professional help.
Still, we know so many of you are pretty handy with DIY – so we’ve come up with some simple ways you can try to tackle it yourself.
1. Check what you can actually see
Before you jump to conclusions, confirm that the roots are the problem. If you can remove a drain grate or access an inspection point safely, take a look.
Try this:
- Remove the grate or trap using a screwdriver.
- Shine a torch into the pipe.
- Look for fibrous roots or dark, stringy clumps near the opening.
- Note any foul smell, wet soil, or surface seepage around outdoor drains.
If you can’t see roots directly, the blockage might be further down – or something else entirely. That’s why plumbers use CCTV cameras to confirm the exact cause before beginning tree root removal.
2. Try a high-pressure flush
A standard garden hose won’t do much, but if you have access to a domestic pressure washer, a gentle flush may help clear minor root matter near the pipe opening.
Steps:
- Fit the narrow jet nozzle.
- Feed the hose carefully into the drain.
- Use short bursts of pressure rather than continuous blasting.
- Stop immediately if water backs up or sprays out.
This can shift loose debris or tiny roots close to the surface – but it won’t reach compacted roots deeper in the line.
3. Use a root-killing foaming product
Hardware stores sell foaming root killers that slow regrowth inside pipes. They’re not instant fixes, but they can help keep clear sections cleaner for longer.
How to use:
- Read all instructions carefully and wear gloves.
- Mix and pour the solution directly into the affected drain.
- Avoid flushing water through for several hours so the foam can coat the pipe.
- Repeat every few months if needed.
Products marketed for what dissolves tree roots in sewer lines typically contain herbicidal agents that work on contact with organic matter. Use only approved drain-safe brands – not garden chemicals.
4. Mechanical cleaning tools
If you have access to a DIY plumbing auger or ‘drain snake’, you can attempt light mechanical clearing.
Steps:
- Insert the cable slowly into the drain opening.
- Rotate the handle to break up fibrous obstructions.
- Withdraw the cable and rinse with clean water.
- Repeat if necessary.
These drain cleaning tools can work for light roots in drain pipe near the surface. Deeper blockages require professional-grade cutting heads that spin at high torque to slice through dense root mats without damaging the pipe.
5. Natural remedies (With caution)
Some people attempt home mixtures – such as salt, vinegar, or baking soda – to kill roots in drains. While these may dehydrate small root hairs, they’re largely ineffective against mature roots and can corrode old metal pipes if overused.
If you decide to experiment:
- Dissolve rock salt in warm water and pour slowly into the drain.
- Leave it for several hours before flushing.
- Avoid repeated treatments – salt can damage garden soil and nearby vegetation.
- There’s no proven household method for how to kill tree roots in pipes safely and permanently. Most are temporary at best.
How the professionals handle it
It’s always great to be proactive and have a go! But if the DIY options stop working or the blockage keeps coming back, it’s time to call in licensed blocked drain plumbers who specialise in dealing with tree roots in drains and underground diagnostics.
Here’s what makes professional root clearing different:
1. CCTV drain inspection
We feed a high-resolution camera through your drainage system to identify exactly where the roots in pipes are causing problems. The footage shows whether the issue is:
- Cracked joints
- Collapsed sections
- Or invasive root systems.
This saves time, guesswork, and unnecessary digging.
2. High-pressure water jetting
Using commercial jetters that are far more powerful than any domestic pressure washer, plumbers can blast away roots and debris safely. The jets cut through roots while flushing waste downstream, restoring water flow without chemicals.
3. Mechanical root cutting
For stubborn tree roots in drain lines, rotating cutters or milling heads physically slice and clear the obstruction. These machines require trained handling to avoid damaging PVC or clay pipes.
4. Pipe relining for long-term protection
Once cleared, the best solution is to prevent roots from returning. We often recommend pipe relining – installing a seamless internal sleeve that seals cracks and joints. This stops future tree roots in sewer line intrusion and restores structural strength without excavation.
5. Expert diagnosis & maintenance plans
Professional plumbers can also advise on:
- Surrounding tree species
- Soil conditions
- And water table factors contributing to regrowth.
With scheduled maintenance, inspections, and treatment options, you can prevent how to clear roots from drain pipes from becoming an annual battle.
Why DIY can only go so far
Clearing tree roots in sewer line plumbing is one of the most complex plumbing challenges out there, because:
- The problem often lies several metres underground.
- Incorrect DIY methods can worsen cracks or collapse fragile pipes.
- Chemicals may cause environmental harm or violate council regulations.
Without inspection cameras, you’re just guessing – and wasted time equals higher repair costs later.
Professionals not only know how to clear tree roots from drains effectively, but they also understand the local plumbing codes, soil conditions, and preventative strategies that protect your system for the long term.
The Static Plumbing difference
Here at Static Plumbing, our licensed and friendly Sunshine Coast plumbers and Brisbane plumbing experts combine decades of experience with cutting-edge equipment to locate and remove tree roots in pipes quickly and safely. Whether it’s precision jetting, CCTV inspection, or full pipe relining, we deliver long-lasting results with upfront pricing and honest advice.
If your drains are backing up or you suspect tree roots might be the cause, don’t keep guessing. Get in touch with our friendly team today for expert diagnosis and a reliable fix that keeps your plumbing flowing freely.
Call today or book online for professional help you can trust.
