5 Common Signs of Tree Roots in Pipes (And What To Do About Them)

Living in the Adelaide Hills has its perks. You've got fresh air, lush landscapes, and just about artisanal everything. But all that leafy loveliness comes with one underground menace: tree roots in pipes. Yep. Those majestic gums and charming ornamental pears? Their root systems are out here waging war on your plumbing pipes.

As the roots of your existing trees grow in search of moisture (which, spoiler alert, your underground pipes have in abundance), they sneak into tiny cracks or joints, settle in like unwanted houseguests, and eventually cause full-blown chaos: blocked drains, burst pipes, even structural damage.

If that sounds like your personal plumbing horror story – and it should – the following signs of tree root damage are what you need to watch for. Plus, we’ll also look at what to do before your toilet turns on you.

1. Frequent Blocked Drains and Slow Draining Water

If it feels like you’ve perhaps become a little too dependent on your plunger these days, it’s time to face facts: you may have tree roots in pipes underground. Looking to wreak havoc on your plumbing systems. And in these instances, you’re going to want something a little stronger than a homemade drain cleaner.

When roots grow into drain pipes, they don’t just sip on the water, they block it. They tangle up with debris, hair and grease (and probably the last remaining thread of your patience). It might start with one slow drain. Maybe the kitchen sink. But then the shower joins in. The toilet starts sulking. Next thing you know, everything is backing up like traffic in heavy roadworks.

If your drains are starting to resemble whirlpools of doom, tree root blockage is a strong suspect.

2. Gurgling Noises and Foul Odours from Your Drains

Have you ever flushed the toilet and heard it gurgle back at you like it’s alive? That’s not ambience; it’s a big problem. Tree root obstruction creates partial clogs that trap air and waste, so water bubbles and gurgles its way through your pipe system like it’s auditioning for a horror film.

And then there’s the smell. That charming foul odour wafting up from your sink or shower? It’s fermented organic matter stuck behind those roots, slowly rotting in your pipes like forgotten leftovers. If your house smells like compost and your drains sound like gremlins, it’s time to take action.

3. Soggy or Wet Patches in Your Garden

The Adelaide Hills does get its fair share of rainfall at this time of the year, so a patch of wet soil is certainly not out of the ordinary. But if it hasn’t rained in days and your lawn looks like it’s trying to become a swamp, that is certainly a problem.

Watch out for any of the following red flags:

• Sunken ground.
• Unusually green patches of grass.
• Areas where your boots squelch a little too enthusiastically.

These aren’t charming landscaping quirks—they’re your pipes crying for help beneath the surface.

Chances are, you might have a sneaky leak caused by tree roots in your pipes. These leaks send water into the surrounding soil, encouraging more root intrusion and leaving your yard feeling like a poorly designed sponge.

4. Rising Water Bills Without Increased Usage

Unless you’ve started bottling spring water in your backyard, a rising water bill with no expected change in usage is a red flag. Tree roots don’t just block pipes—they crack them, letting water leak into the soil where nobody benefits (except, perhaps, the local earthworms).

Because these leaks are underground, you’ll likely not see them until the bill arrives. You’re not imagining it. If your plumbing system seems fine but your wallet is begging for mercy, invisible root damage could possibly be siphoning off litres every day.

5. Toilets That Overflow or Back Up Without Warning

Imagine flushing the loo, only to discover that your toilet doesn’t flush. It rises instead. Your life flashes before your eyes.

This is what happens when tree roots in pipes, specifically the sewer line, cause total flow failure. Your toilet becomes the villain in your own home.

Overflowing toilets are never cute. They’re also rarely random. If you’re not seeing any visible clog but your toilet’s behaving like it’s possessed, the issue is probably lurking deeper in your sewer pipes. And spoiler: tree roots are often to blame.

What To Do If You Suspect Tree Roots in Pipes

Left unchecked, tree roots in pipes will soon leave you bathing in regret (and almost certainly some backed-up water). If any of those signs hit a little too close to home, here’s how to stop the invasion before your plumbing problems graduate to full-on property damage.

• Call a plumber with a drain camera: Call a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes and sewer line with a CCTV drain camera. They’ll confirm whether you’re dealing with a tree root invasion or just an unfortunate clump of soap scum and other debris.
• Clear tree roots with the right tools: Professionals have mechanical augers and hydro jetting equipment designed to remove tree roots without shredding your pipe system. This isn’t the time for baking soda and vinegar—this is root warfare.
• Use root-killing chemicals: Chemicals like copper sulphate or rock salt can help kill roots that have weaselled their way into your pipes. But please—don’t freestyle this. Get advice from your plumber to avoid killing your garden along with the problem.
• Reline pipes instead of digging: Pipe relining work is the upgrade your drain pipes didn’t know they needed. Using an epoxy resin filled liner, it seals off cracks, reinforces damaged pipes, and blocks future root intrusion. No digging or excavation necessary!
• Install root barriers and plant smarter: Future-proof your plumbing. Install root barriers near sewer pipes and avoid planting trees with aggressive root systems right on top of your drainage.

Above all, if you’re planting new trees, always pick species with non-aggressive root systems. Like you’re curating a plant collection that won’t destroy your house.

Why Use a Plumber To Clear Tree Roots From Drain Pipes

Look, you could try a few DIY methods and hope for the best. Or you could let someone who knows what a mechanical auger actually is handle it. A professional plumber has the tools, the training, and the ability to see inside your pipes without guessing. And here in South Australia, only a licensed plumber can legally alter any pipework.

And a plumber won’t just treat the symptoms. They’ll determine the underlying cause, suggest lasting fixes like pipe relining or root barriers, and stop the problem before it turns your home into an indoor water feature.

When it comes to tree roots in pipes, trust the expert who really knows how to clear them. Not your uncle who “once fixed a tap.”

Don’t Let Roots Rule Your Pipes

Sure, it starts small. A slow drain. The occasional weird gurgle. Maybe even a lush patch of grass you were weirdly proud of. But if you don’t act fast, those tree roots in pipes will turn your dream home into a plumbing nightmare.

The good news? You can beat the roots. From clearing roots and pipe relining to keeping future growth at bay with smart landscaping and root barriers, the best solution always involves professional help. Don’t wait until your toilet gives up entirely—protect your pipes, your property, and your sanity.

Please note: Thank you for reading our blog “5 Common Signs of Tree Roots in Pipes (And What To Do About Them)”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.