Tree Root Drain Clearing Melbourne

Tree roots in your drains? We’ll clear them and stop them coming back.

Tree roots are the number one cause of blocked drains in Melbourne. The city’s big established trees and tens of thousands of ageing terracotta pipes create perfect conditions for root intrusion. We clear tree roots from drains every day using hydro jetting and mechanical root cutters, then offer permanent solutions like pipe relining to stop them growing back.

Call 1300 303 247 for same-day service.

How tree roots get into your drains

Roots are attracted to the moisture, warmth, and nutrients inside drain pipes. They don’t need a big opening - a hairline crack or slightly separated joint is enough for a root tip to find its way in. Once inside, the root grows rapidly. A single root tip can fill an entire pipe within 12-18 months.Terracotta pipes (common in Melbourne homes built before 1970) are the most vulnerable. The clay joints degrade over time, creating gaps that roots exploit. PVC pipes resist root entry better but aren’t immune - roots can enter through damaged sections or poorly sealed joints.

Signs of tree roots in your drains

Root intrusion builds up gradually. Here’s what to watch for:

• Slow drains that get worse over weeks or months, not suddenly
• Gurgling sounds as water struggles past the root mass
• Recurring blockages in the same drain line - clearing works but the problem returns
• Sewage smell from drains, particularly during warm weather when roots grow faster
• Patches of lawn that are greener and lusher directly above the drain line

How we clear tree roots from drains

Root clearing is a two-step job - remove the roots, then fix the entry point.

1. CCTV camera inspection - We find the root mass, see how bad it is, and identify where roots are entering the pipe (cracks, joints, broken sections).
2. Mechanical root cutting + hydro jetting - For heavy root masses, we use a mechanical root cutter to chew through the bulk. Then hydro jetting at up to 5,000 PSI strips the remaining roots and scours the pipe clean.
3. Post-clearing inspection - Camera goes back in to confirm the pipe is clear and to assess the pipe condition. This tells us whether the pipe needs repair to stop roots returning.
4. Permanent fix (optional) - If the pipe has cracks or open joints, pipe relining seals the entry points permanently. The liner has no joints - roots can’t find a way back in.

Without fixing the pipe, roots will grow back. Clearing alone typically buys you 12-18 months before the next blockage. Relining stops the cycle permanently.

Why Choose Drainpro?

• Root clearing specialists - We deal with root-blocked drains every single day. It’s one of the most common jobs we do across Melbourne.
• Permanent solutions - We don’t just clear roots and leave. We show you the pipe condition and offer relining to stop roots permanently.
• All clearing methods - Mechanical cutting for heavy root masses, hydro jetting for fine roots and cleanup. We use what the situation needs.
• CCTV on every job - You see the roots on screen before and after clearing. Full transparency about what’s in your pipes.
• Fixed pricing - Root clearing is quoted upfront. No surprises regardless of how much root is in there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does tree root drain clearing cost?

It depends on how bad the roots are and how easy the pipe is to access. Clearing the roots is the cheaper part. If you also want the pipe relined to stop roots coming back permanently, that costs more on top. We quote everything upfront so you can decide what makes sense.

How do tree roots get into drain pipes?

Roots are attracted to moisture inside the pipes. They enter through hairline cracks, separated joints, or any gap in the pipe wall. Terracotta pipes are the most vulnerable because the joints degrade with age.

Will tree roots grow back after clearing?

Yes, unless you fix the pipe. Clearing removes the roots inside the pipe but doesn’t seal the entry points. Roots typically grow back within 12 to 18 months. Pipe relining is the permanent solution.

Should I remove the tree to stop root problems?

Removing the tree helps but doesn’t always solve the problem - roots from other trees and plants can still find their way in. Fixing the pipe (relining) is more reliable and doesn’t require losing a mature tree.

Which trees cause the most drain problems in Melbourne?

Liquid ambers, elms, willows, figs, and large eucalypts are the worst offenders. Anything with aggressive root systems planted within 5-10 metres of a drain line will eventually find it.

Get a Free Quote

Call 1300 303 247 - fixed pricing, no surprises.