How Tree Roots Cause Drain Blockages in Geelong – And What You Can Do About It

By Sewer Cure – Your Local Drain Experts in Geelong, The Bellarine & The Surf Coast

Tree roots are one of the most common and destructive causes of blocked drains across

Geelong, The Bellarine & The Surf Coast. While trees add natural beauty and shade to your

property, their root systems can wreak havoc underground—especially on ageing or damaged sewer and stormwater pipes.

If you’ve experienced frequent blockages, gurgling drains, or overflowing outdoor grates, there’s a good chance tree roots are to blame.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

● Why tree roots invade pipes

● The signs of a root-blocked drain

● What damage can occur

● Long-term and short-term solutions

● How to prevent future problems

Why Do Tree Roots Invade Drains?

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and nutrients in the soil. Cracked, leaking or old clay

pipes create the perfect environment for roots to grow toward and eventually into the drain.

Once inside, roots multiply rapidly, feeding off wastewater and expanding to fill the pipe, which slows or completely blocks the flow of water. Roots can also widen cracks or completely

collapse fragile pipes over time.

Common trees in Geelong that cause issues include:

● Willow trees

● Liquidambars

● Gums (especially in older areas like Newtown, Belmont and Jan Juc)

● Figs and other deep-rooted ornamentals

Signs of Tree Root Blockages

Not all blocked drains are caused by roots, but these symptoms are red flags:

● Toilets gurgling or slow to flush

● Overflowing stormwater grates or pits after rain

● Drains backing up during showers or when multiple fixtures are used

● Unpleasant smells near wet areas or garden beds

● Sudden outdoor sinkholes or damp patches

If you're experiencing these issues in Geelong's older suburbs or rural areas on the Surf

Coast,—tree root invasion is a likely culprit.

What Damage Can Tree Roots Cause?

Tree roots don’t just cause blockages—they can break and shift the pipes entirely. Common

issues we see include:

● Cracked or collapsed pipes

● Flooding of yards or external drains

● Sewage backups inside the home

● Repeated emergency callouts due to re-blocking

● Costly property damage if left untreated

Older homes with earthenware pipes are especially vulnerable, which includes many properties across Geelong West, East Geelong, and Herne Hill.

How We Fix It: Solutions from Sewer Cure

At Sewer Cure, we use a step-by-step approach to permanently resolve root-related drain issues:

1. CCTV Drain Inspection

We begin by inspecting your sewer or stormwater pipes with a high-definition drain camera. This

helps us identify the location, extent, and cause of the blockage without digging.

2. High-Pressure Water Jetting

Our hydro jetting equipment uses powerful, targeted water jets to cut through root blockages

and clear the line completely.

3. Root Cutting with Mechanical Eel (if needed)

For some blockages, we may also use a mechanical drain snake or “eel” to slice through the

root mass.

4. Drain Repair or Pipe Relining

If the roots have damaged the pipe, we may recommend:

● No-dig pipe relining (installing a new pipe within the old one)

● Excavation & pipe replacement

We’ll always give you options and clear pricing before any major repair work begins.

How to Prevent Future Root Blockages

Once your drains are clear, prevention is key. Here’s what we recommend:

● Avoid planting trees with aggressive roots near pipes

● Schedule annual CCTV drain inspections for high-risk homes

● Install root barriers if doing major landscaping

● Book preventive hydro jetting to keep lines clear

● Upgrade old earthenware pipes to PVC

Local Drain Experts You Can Trust

We’ve helped countless homeowners across Geelong, Melbourne and the Surf Coast deal with root-related drainage issues. Whether you’re in Newcomb, Waurn Ponds, Bannockburn or Ocean Grove—our licensed team is ready with the right tools and local knowledge to get your drains flowing again.

Call or Text Sewer Cure at 0412466367

Servicing Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, The Surf Coast and Greater Melbourne

Same-day Service | Transparent Pricing | 24/7 Emergency Support

Need a CCTV inspection or root removal today?

[Book Online] or [Call Us] and we will get back to you ASAP!