Blocked drains Glasgow tree roots

Homeowners and businesses in the city of Glasgow face the problem of blocked drains. Although it is always easy to accuse grease accumulation, debris, and foreign objects, there is often an undetected cause, which is tree roots. Root intrusion may lead to serious drainage problems, structural damage and costly repairs when not controlled. 

1.The reason Tree Roots attack drains pipes. 

The natural growth of tree roots is towards moisture and nutrient sources. Roots thrive well in underground drainage pipes. A single crack or joint loosening out of a drainpipe may allow vapor and nutrients to enter into the soil around. This moisture is sensed by the roots of trees and they start growing towards the pipe.

When roots strike a small point they force themselves in. The roots continue to grow over time forming a heavy mass within the pipe entraping waste, toilet paper, grease and other debris. After a certain period of time, this accumulation limits or even blocks water flow.

The vulnerable nature of the older properties in Glasgow is especially given the fact that most of them still use the old clay or the cast-iron pipes. Such materials have the potential to wear out and provide the perfect entry holes to invasive roots.

2.Indications that Tree roots are likely to be obstructing your drain.

Intrusion of tree root is not always apparent. Nonetheless, homeowners should be alerted to a number of warning signs:

• Delayed sinks, shower or toilets.
• Often occurring reoccurring blockages.
•  Bad smell of sewage round drains or external premises.
•  Gurgling sounds from pipes
•  Damp spots or unnaturally green lawn on the garden.

When several drains are having the troubles at the same time in your property, it can mean that there is a bigger problem with the main sewer line that can be brought about by tree roots.

3.Why Glasgow Homes Are at Risk

Glasgow has older built environment, mature trees and damp soil base that make it a place where root intrusion is fairly frequent. Large trees planted decades ago will have a large root system which extends far beyond the trunk visible on the surface. Root systems in most instances may go up to a few meters in search of water.

Moreover, Scotland has seasonal rains which make the soil always wet stimulating vigorous root development. Roots will take advantage of the situation when the drainage pipes start to leak a drop.

4.The way Professionals eliminate Tree roots.

Removal of tree roots in drains needs professional skills and machinery. The following are some of the commonly recognized methods used by drainage engineers:

5.CCTV Drain Surveys

To examine the obstruction inside the pipe, a small waterproofed camera is dropped in. This assists in detecting root intrusion and also identifying the location of the problem and in which severity.

6.High-Pressure Water Jetting

Strong jets of water are applied to cut and remove roots and debris in the pipe.

7.Mechanical Root Cutting

Root masses that clog the pipe are removed physically by special rotating blades attached to the drain rods.

8.Drain Relining or Replacement.

In case the roots have damaged the pipe seriously, engineers can place a new lining in the existing pipe or change the damaged part completely.

9.Eliminating Future Root Problems.

As much as the solution of eliminating current roots eliminates the current problem, it is also important to prevent future invasion. The property owners may mitigate risk by:

 The planting of trees near underground drains should be avoided.

 Having the old properties drained on a regular basis.

10. Fixing minor cracks or pipes leakages beforehand.

Installation of modern pipe liners which are resistant to root penetration.

Regular maintenance may provide you with a much longer and healthier life of your drainage system and may prevent expensive repairs in the future.

Another such unusual cause of blocked drains in Glasgow is tree roots especially in those places where the drainage rooms are old and where trees are already in place. The problem is usually not noticed until severe blockages are experienced because roots grow slowly and gradually within the pipes.

When you think that the roots of trees may be interfering with your drainage system then it is better to seek professional assistance as quickly as possible. Homeowners would save time, money and stress which can be achieved by early detection by observing the drain using CCTV cameras and maintaining the drain.

A clear drains system is the best way to keep your property safe as well as guaranteeing your plumbing system runs well throughout the year.