Tree Roots in Springvale's Old Clay Sewers
Why roots get into post-war sewer pipes, how to tell, and the options for fixing it for good.
or email info@springvaleplumbing.com.au
- Springvale based
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters
- Price agreed first
- Homes and shops
Why it happens
Springvale's post-war houses were connected with earthenware clay pipes in short lengths. Each joint is a weak point. As the ground moves through wet winters and dry summers, joints open slightly. Roots are drawn to the warm, moist air and nutrients leaking out, and fine hair roots slip in. Inside, they grow into thick mats.
Common culprits
Large trees in front yards and nature strips, ornamental pears, liquidambars, gums, figs and even hedges can all send roots into a sewer. Roots can travel a long way, so the tree does not have to be right over the pipe.
Signs
- slow drains throughout the house
- gurgling toilets
- water rising at the overflow relief gully
- blockages that come back every year or two, often in winter
Clearing and diagnosing
We cut roots out with an electric eel or a jetter with a root-cutting head, then camera the line. The footage shows where roots are entering and how damaged the pipe is.
Long-term options
- Maintenance clearing: cutting the roots back on a schedule. Cheapest in the short term but does not fix the cause.
- Pipe relining: sealing the pipe from inside with a jointless liner so roots cannot enter. Avoids digging.
- Replacement: digging and laying new PVC pipe, best when the pipe has collapsed.
Removing the tree?
Removing a tree does not always solve it, as roots in the pipe remain and other trees may be involved. Council approval may be needed for trees on the nature strip or significant trees. Fixing the pipe is usually the better approach.
Planting wisely
When planting new trees, keep them well away from the sewer line. We can locate and mark the line for you.
Springvale ground and pipes
Springvale sits on a mix of sandy loam and heavier clay, and much of the suburb was built in the 1950s and 1960s with earthenware sewer pipes and galvanised or early copper water pipe. Clay joints shift over time and let roots in, rusting galvanised pipe slowly narrows and leaks, and drains under subdivided blocks are often shared between homes. We use drain cameras, locators and pressure tests to see exactly what is going on before anyone digs.
Related services
- Emergency plumbing
- Blocked drains
- Hot water
- Gas fitting
- Hot water replacement
- Heat pumps
- Leaking taps
- Burst pipes
- Toilets
- Leak detection
- Pipe relining
- Stormwater
- Bathrooms and kitchens
- Commercial plumbing
- Grease traps
- Backflow testing
More guides
Why Springvale homes and shops call us
Homes and shopfronts
From 1950s brick veneers to restaurant kitchens on the main strip, we work on both every week.
Plain explanations
We show you what we found, in plain English, with photos when they help.
A price before work
You get a fixed price once the fault is found. Nothing starts until you say yes.
Tidy and on time
We ring ahead, protect floors and take the old parts and mess away.
Get a free quote
Tell us what is happening and a licensed Springvale plumber will call you back.
How quoting works
Ring 03 7076 1660 or send the form with a short note and a photo if you can. A licensed plumber calls you back, asks a few questions and books a time. On site they find the cause, explain your options in plain English and give you a fixed price. Nothing starts until you agree, and larger jobs get a free written quote.
Need a plumber in Springvale?
Springvale, Springvale South, Noble Park, Keysborough and nearby suburbs. Quote-only: the plumber finds the fault first, then gives you a fixed price.