There are few things more frustrating for a homeowner than a blocked or overflowing sewer line. But what happens when the problem lies deeper than expected, hidden below the surface, intertwined with nature itself?
That’s exactly what STS Plumbing and Ben Nolan Plumbing Services discovered on a recent job. What began as a routine blocked drain call-out quickly turned into a dramatic excavation and a powerful reminder of just how destructive tree roots can be to underground plumbing.
In this blog, we’ll unpack exactly what happened, how tree roots can wreak havoc on sewer lines, and what every Sydney homeowner should know to protect their property (and their wallet).
The unexpected discovery
The job began like many others: a client on Sydney’s North Shore was experiencing ongoing drainage issues. Gurgling toilets. Slow drainage. Unpleasant smells. All the telltale signs of a blocked sewer line.
After performing a CCTV inspection, the team at STS Plumbing quickly spotted the culprit, an obstruction in the sewer main. But this wasn’t just your average grease build-up or collapsed pipe.
Upon excavation, the cause became clear: the sewer pipe had been completely crushed by an enormous, tangled mass of tree roots. The roots had grown directly through the old pipe, wrapping tightly around it, compressing it until it cracked and finally collapsed.
It was one of the worst examples of root damage the team had seen.
Why tree roots are a plumber’s worst enemy
Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and nutrients, both of which are found in abundance inside sewer pipes. If there’s even the tiniest crack or joint in an ageing pipe, roots will find their way in.
Once inside, they grow rapidly. As the roots expand, they cause further cracking, catch debris, and eventually block the pipe completely. If left untreated, this can result in:
- Collapsed pipes
- Sewage backflow into the home or garden
- Extensive water damage
- Expensive excavation and replacement work
In older Sydney suburbs, many homes still rely on original earthenware or clay pipes. These materials are especially vulnerable to root intrusion due to their joints and tendency to crack over time.
What made this job different
This wasn’t just a few roots poking through a joint. The photos show the reality: solid stumps had formed around the pipe, growing over, under, and completely engulfing the line.
In fact, part of the root mass looked more like a chopped tree trunk than underground growth. The STS team carefully excavated the area, removed the invasive roots, and replaced the damaged section of pipe.
To ensure no further damage occurred, the new pipework was installed using durable, modern materials, and care was taken to protect the surrounding area. The site was then restored to its original condition, leaving no trace of the dramatic surgery that had just taken place beneath the surface.
Another hidden underground surprise, expertly solved.
What can you do to prevent this from happening?
While not every case is as extreme as this one, root intrusion is a common cause of sewer issues in Sydney. Here are a few tips to reduce your risk:
1. Know where your sewer line runs
Before planting trees, know where your sewer and stormwater lines are. Avoid planting deep-rooted species near pipes, or use root barriers if needed.
2. Schedule regular drain inspections
A yearly CCTV drain inspection can catch root intrusion early – before it becomes a costly repair. STS Plumbing offers diagnostic inspections across the North Shore.
3. Watch for early warning signs
Don’t ignore the signs: slow drains, foul smells, gurgling sounds, or patches of overly lush lawn could all point to sewer trouble below.
4. Replace ageing pipework
If your home still has clay or old PVC pipes, consider upgrading to a more durable option. Pipe relining or full replacement may be a smart investment.
5. Act early
The sooner a blockage is addressed, the more options (and lower costs) you have. Delaying repairs can lead to emergency excavation jobs like this one.
STS Plumbing: Your North Shore blocked drain experts
With over 30 years of experience, STS Plumbing has seen (and fixed) just about every plumbing issue under the sun… and underground. As a local business based in Lane Cove, we understand the unique challenges of North Shore homes, from ageing infrastructure to tree-lined streets.
When it comes to blocked drains, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and offer a full range of solutions, including:
- CCTV drain inspections
- High-pressure jet blasting
- Root removal
- Pipe relining
- Pipe replacement
Whether you’re dealing with a minor blockage or a major root intrusion, our team is ready to respond with honest advice and quality workmanship.
Need help now? Don’t wait for it to get worse.
If you suspect a blocked sewer line at your home, don’t wait for it to turn into an emergency. Let STS Plumbing take a look. We’ll give you a clear diagnosis and a plan to fix it, whether it’s a quick jetting job or a full pipe replacement.
Call STS Plumbing on 9904 3074 or contact us to arrange a drain inspection today.
