If you or your close neighbours have trees, then their roots may spread in inappropriate places. Sometimes, tree roots gravitate towards drains and their pipes. Given enough time and the right conditions, these roots can even get into drains and continue growing inside. This is a common cause of blocked drains.

In some cases, a water jet can deal with and even prevent root growth problems. How does this work?

Clear Existing Growth

If tree roots get into your drains or pipes, then they can cause partial or full blockages. In the past, the only way to deal with this was usually to dig up the area and clear the roots out. However, modern plumbing tools have made this a smaller and easier job.

For example, if roots are giving you drain problems, then a water jet treatment may fix the problem. This treatment jets high-pressure water down a drain. As the jet runs through, it pushes away anything in its path.

So, if you have young or new growth in your drain, then your plumber may be able to use water jetting to break the growth up and force it through your drainage system. The force of the water detaches some roots and clears them out.

Prevent Future Growth

If you have your drains water jet cleaned periodically, then you may stop future root growth from breaching your pipes. Even if your drains are running OK, their pipes aren't necessarily clean. General dirt, debris and silt may sit on the bottom of pipes or stick to their inner surfaces.

If the drains aren't working completely efficiently because there is stuff inside them, then water may start to pool in the pipes rather than running completely away. While these pools aren't a problem in themselves, they may attract tree roots.

Roots seek out moisture and nutrients. These pools and the other stuff stuck in your pipes may encourage growth towards your drains. If roots grow in this direction, there is more of a chance they'll get inside the pipes and cause a blockage.

Water jetting can also fix this problem. This is a deep clean that removes anything that is inside pipes, including anything stuck on the sides. Once your pipes are completely clear, you shouldn't have too much pooling either. This may help keep roots away from the area.

For more advice on tree root drainage problems, talk to your plumber. They can take a look at your system and assess whether this drain cleaning treatment is a good idea.

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