Root Intrusion in Drains

Drains are more prone to root intrusion in earthenware clay pipes and this is because the pipes are much heavier, so they have to be laid in smaller length meaning they have more joints giving the roots more opportunity to enter the pipe.

Roots seek two things: Water and fertilizer (effluent and sewerage). Roots penetrate through the tiniest of gaps and grow larger causing cracked and broken lines that can be observed on paths and near trees.

Roots are attracted to sewer pipes, due to the moist environment being warmer than the surrounding soil outside of the pipes, creating condensation at the joint of the sewer pipe, in turn giving the roots moisture for perfect growing conditions.

There are two main types of root intrusion:

- Veil roots, these grow above the flow and enter from the top and sides of the pipe, these types of roots hang like a veil which will in turn, capture solids and debris that eventually cause a blockage.

- Tail roots, these look like horse tails and enter from the bottom, top and sides of the pipe eventually filling the diameter of the drain, these are more difficult to cut because of the length they grow within the pipe.

Roots don't generally grow below the normal flow.
Roots do not just cause the blockages restricting the flow of sewerage, but they also cause structural damage. This in turn causes sewerage to leak out into the environment and can result in a collapsed drain.