Invasive Tree Roots
Invasive Tree Roots | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Bristol
When stubborn tree roots creep into your pipework, they don’t just slow the flow—they threaten the entire health of your home. HEP’s specialists in Bristol combine advanced CCTV diagnostics with precision cutting tools to locate, slice through and extract invasive roots before they cause costly structural damage. From Victorian terraced houses in Clifton to modern builds in Filton, our local team arrives fast, clears the obstruction safely and leaves your drains running as freely as the day they were laid.
Whether you’ve noticed slow gurgles, foul odours or a full-on backup, our round-the-clock service delivers hassle-free drain opening that’s as thorough as it is considerate. We dispose of root debris responsibly, offer preventative lining options, and back every job with a satisfaction guarantee—all at transparent, fixed pricing. Restore your peace of mind (and your water pressure) with HEP: Bristol’s trusted answer to invasive tree root plumbing problems.
FAQs
How do tree roots get into my drains, and what problems can they cause?
Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and nutrients. Even the smallest joint or hairline crack in a drainpipe can release vapour that attracts roots. Once a root penetrates the pipe wall, it rapidly expands, creating a dense mass that traps toilet paper, wipes, and other debris. Over time this leads to slow draining, persistent blockages, foul odours, and potentially a complete collapse of the pipe if left untreated.
What signs indicate that tree roots might be blocking my drains in Bristol?
Common symptoms include gurgling sounds from toilets or plug-holes, repeated blockages in the same section of pipe, localised patches of lush grass or ground movement above a sewer line, and foul smells in the garden or basement. In many Bristol homes with Victorian clay pipes, these symptoms are particularly common because older pipe joints are more susceptible to root penetration.
How do you confirm the presence of tree roots inside my drainage system?
We carry out a CCTV drain survey using a high-definition, self-levelling camera fed through the pipework. The live video lets our engineer pinpoint root ingress, measure the extent of damage, and identify any cracks or displaced joints. For properties in narrow Bristol terraces, we use compact camera rigs that fit through small inspection chambers, eliminating the need for excavation just to diagnose the problem.
What techniques do you use to remove invasive tree roots and restore flow?
In most cases we employ mechanical root cutting with a high-speed rotary blade attached to a drain rod or jetter hose. The blade slices through roots without harming the pipe wall. We then flush the system with high-pressure water to clear away debris. If the pipe is structurally sound, we may install a root-resistant epoxy liner (CIPP) to seal joints. Severely damaged sections are excavated and replaced with modern uPVC that roots cannot penetrate.
Will root removal damage my pipes, driveway, or the tree itself?
No. Our rotary cutting heads are designed to shave roots flush with the pipe wall without gouging or cracking it. Because we work internally through inspection chambers, driveways and landscaping are left undisturbed. The amount of root mass removed is small compared to the tree’s total root system, so the tree’s health is unaffected. Where excavation is required, we expose only the defective section and reinstate surfaces to their original condition.
How can I stop tree roots from re-invading my drains after they’ve been cleared?
After removal, we advise one or more preventative measures: 1) Installing a seamless pipe liner to create a root-proof barrier; 2) Replacing vulnerable clay sections with welded uPVC; 3) Scheduling an annual CCTV check-up, particularly in Bristol areas with mature plane or sycamore trees; and 4) Applying a slow-release, environmentally safe root inhibitor at the entry point. Together, these steps usually provide 10–20 years of root-free drainage.