Archives
Hybrid Solution for Tree Roots in Drains: Combining Vaporooter Treatment and Pipe Relining in Watsons Bay
G’day, and welcome to another Vaporooter Australia case study!
Today, we’re tackling a drainage challenge that’s all too common in areas with established trees: how to stop tree roots from blocking drains without sacrificing the beauty and privacy those trees provide. In this post, we’ll explore how we used a hybrid approach—combining Vaporooter treatment and pipe relining—to solve repeated blockages caused by a large tree at a property in Watsons Bay, Sydney.
The Problem: Persistent Tree Roots in Terracotta Pipes
We were called out to this property after the owners experienced repeated drain blockages. The culprit? A large umbrella tree providing shade and privacy between two buildings. Removing the tree would have been a drastic measure, but the alternative—constant blockages—wasn’t a long-term solution. The problem was further complicated by the fact that this property has older terracotta pipes, which are prone to cracking over time. To replace them entirely would mean extensive excavation, damage to the footpath, and significant disruption to the residents’ lives.
Our Solution: A Hybrid of Pipe relining and Vaporooter Treatment
After conducting a thorough inspection with a camera, we identified two sections of pipe that were broken and needed immediate repair. Additionally, the rest of the drainage line was heavily affected by roots from the umbrella tree, which were seeking out any weak points in the joints to enter the pipes.
Given the situation, we designed a hybrid solution:
Pipe Lining for Structural Repair: We engaged a pipe rellining specialist to repair the two broken sections of the sewer line. Pipe relining, also known as trenchless or “no-dig” repair, reinforces the interior of the existing pipes without disturbing the surface. This allowed us to restore the pipe’s integrity without costly and disruptive excavation work.
Vaporooter Treatment for Ongoing Protection: Next, we treated the entire sewer line with Vaporooter, a foaming herbicide that stops roots from penetrating the pipe joints. This non-toxic solution kills any root growth in the pipes but leaves the tree itself unharmed. With Vaporooter, we can effectively prevent future root intrusion without affecting the health of the surrounding vegetation.
Why a Hybrid Solution?
In many cases, property owners might only need one approach: either a structural pipe repair or a chemical treatment like Vaporooter. But this project highlights why a combined approach can sometimes be the most effective. The two broken sections of pipe needed a structural fix to prevent further leaks, while the remaining segments benefited from Vaporooter’s protective barrier. By blending these two methods, we’ve provided the property with a long-lasting solution that keeps the tree intact and the drains clear.
Benefits of Combining Pipe Relining and Vaporooter
- Minimally Invasive: By avoiding a full excavation, we minimized the impact on the property, the footpath, and the residents. Pipe Relining offers a quick and effective repair without disrupting the area.
- Long-Term Solution: Vaporooter stops roots from re-entering the pipes, ensuring that this property won’t face repeat blockages from root intrusion.
- Tree Preservation: Vaporooter kills only the roots that enter the pipes, meaning the umbrella tree can stay and continue to provide shade and privacy.
Watch the Full Case Study Video
For a detailed walkthrough of this hybrid solution in action, check out the embedded video below.
Considering Vaporooter and Pipe Relining for Your Property?
If your property is facing similar issues with tree roots in drains, a hybrid solution might be right for you. Combining pipe relining and Vaporooter can protect your drainage system without major disruption or the need to remove cherished trees. For more information on Vaporooter and tree root management, or to find out if a hybrid approach suits your property, give us a call at 1800 637 600 or visit our website at vaporooteraustralia.com.au.
If you found this post helpful, please give us a like, share it with others facing tree root issues, and consider subscribing to our channel for more insights and case studies from Vaporooter Australia!
Why you should see inside your drains.
G’day it’s Dave
I’m walking through a tree lined street in Bondi Junction. I’ve just been to see my eye surgeon because I have a problem with my eyes. But walking down this tree lined street, I’ve walked passed a pipe relining truck and another plumbing truck. I’m sure that in the street behind me there are loads of houses with tree roots growing in their sewer pipes and it made me think, sometimes plumbers tell us there are things going on in our drains but they don’t show us.
Most of those plumbers have drain cameras as we do. If your plumber tells you that you have problems in your drains ask him if you can see the vision of what is going on in your pipes.
Yes, if you have a broken pipe, caused by the roots of the wonderful trees in this street then you may need to have your pipes relined. But if you only have roots growing into the pipes through the pipe joints then you may not. And rather than spending $1000 dollars per metre on relining all of your pipes, you don’t need to spend all of that money.
Vaporooter is a viable alternative. It’s cost effective and it works!
The key to todays’ video is all about the eyes. If your plumber tells you he sees tree roots in your drains or you have broken pipes that need relining, ask him if you can see that video. It’s a reasonable request. The plumber is going to charge you for putting his drain camera in your pipes I am recommending you ask the plumber to see the footage. In todays electronic world he should be able to share that with you without much fuss.
If you have any questions about blocked drains caused by tree roots, I invite you to ask me.
Call me on 1800 637 600 or go to www.VaporooterAustralia.com.au
Don’t Let Tree Roots Ruin Your Easter Weekend
A Message to Property Managers
As property managers, you’re likely looking forward to a well-deserved break this Easter Long Weekend. However, while you’re enjoying some time off, it’s essential to remember that tree roots never take a holiday. They continue to grow relentlessly, posing a significant threat to sewer drains and causing potential headaches for your tenants and property owners.
One of the most common issues property managers face, especially in older neighborhoods with mature trees, is tree roots infiltrating sewer lines. These roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside the pipes, and once they find their way in, they can quickly grow and cause blockages, leading to costly repairs and inconveniences for tenants, owners and you their property manager.
But fear not, there is a solution: Vaporooter.
Vaporooter is a highly effective product designed to stop tree roots from growing in sewer drains without costing your owners a fortune. Its powerful formula penetrates the roots and inhibits their growth without harming the tree itself. By applying Vaporooter regularly, property managers can prevent root intrusion and avoid costly and disruptive sewer line repairs.
So, as you prepare to enjoy the Easter Long Weekend, don’t forget about the ongoing battle against tree roots. Take proactive measures to protect your property’s sewer lines with Vaporooter, ensuring that your tenants can enjoy a hassle-free holiday without any unexpected plumbing issues.
Remember, tree roots don’t take a break, but with Vaporooter, you can ensure that your property remains free from root-related plumbing problems year-round.
Wishing you a happy and stress-free Easter Weekend!
Wherever you are, if you want to find out more, Call us on 1800 637 600 and I will send you our Property Managers Guide to Tree Root Control
Stop Tree Roots in Drains. Property Managers Guide
I’m Dave Conroy visiting Townsville in the dry tropics in Far North Queensland.
Townsville and surrounding towns have many blocked drains caused by tree roots.
Vaporooter Stops Tree Roots in Drains and It comes with a Guarantee. If you get a blocked drain after we apply Vaporooter we’ll come and clear your blockage for FREE! It is that good!
If you’re a Property Manager in Townsville with repeat blocked drains and you’re looking for an alternative to pipe relining you might consider Vaporooter.
Check it out at www.VaporooterAustralia.com.au or Call me on 1800 637 600
Stop Tree Roots in Drains. Home Owners Guide.
G’day, Its Dave Conroy here.
I’m in Townsville in North Queensland and my mission is to Stop Tree roots in sewer pipes.
I’m from VaporooterAustralia.com.au
If you are a homeowner with tree roots growing in your sewer pipes and you are looking for a simple way to stop tree roots in your drains, then I want you to check out my little book, The Home Owners Guide to tree root control.
It’s got everything you need to know about stopping tree roots in your drains.
So contact me on 1800 637 600 or go to www.VaporooterAustralia.com.au
Looking for a plumber in Narrabeen AU to Stop Tree Roots in Drains
G’day Its Dave Conroy from The Lone Drainer and Pronto and Vaporooter Australia
I’m here at Narrabeen on the northern beaches of Sydney Australia.
I’m looking at a project where these clients have tree roots in their drains.
And they want to manage those tree roots..
I’m putting out a call to any young and enterprising plumber on Sydney’s northern beaches who knows about blocked drains, and has high pressure water drain cleaning equipment and has CCTV drain camera equipment and you would like to learn about being a Vaporooter applicator.
You’ll be able to help lots of people, like these good people here in Narrabeen.
You’ll help me And, I will help you!
So, if you’re slightly interested in learning about Vaporooter, and,
Vaporooter Stops Tree Roots in Drains
Then contact me on 1800 637 600 or www.vaporooteraustralia.com.au
I look forward to hearing from you.
How to keep tree roots out of drain pipes.
There is always more than one way to skin a cat! Here are four commonly used methods to prevent tree roots from blocking your drain pipes, along with a general cost comparison:
- Chemical Root Treatment: This method involves the use of chemical substances to inhibit root growth and entry into the pipes. The cost of chemical root treatments can vary depending on the size and length of the pipe being treated, the severity of the root intrusion, and the specific chemicals used. Typically, the cost ranges from $300 to $800 per treatment, and treatments may be required annually.
- Physical Barriers: Installing physical barriers, such as root barriers or copper sulfate-impregnated strips, can prevent tree roots from reaching and damaging terracotta pipes. The cost of physical barriers will depend on factors like the length of the barrier required and the labor involved in installation. On average, the cost can range from $200 to $400 per linear metre, including materials and installation.
- Pipe Renewal: Completely replacing the old terracotta pipes with more modern materials like PVC can effectively solve the problem of root intrusion. However, this method is typically more expensive and disruptive. The cost of pipe replacement can vary significantly depending on factors like the length of the pipe, depth of installation, and accessibility. As a rough estimate, the cost can range from $500 to $2500 per linear metre, including excavation, removal of old pipes, and installation of new ones.
- Pipe Relining: Relining creates a new and seamless pipe within the old one, which is made of a durable and long-lasting epoxy resin material. This can extend the life of your pipes for several decades and prevent future root intrusion and blockages. Estimates range between $1,000- $1,500 per metre depending on the access to the pipes to be relined.
It’s important to note that these cost estimates are approximate and can vary depending on various factors like location, specific project requirements, labor costs, and contractor fees. It is recommended to consult with local professionals to obtain accurate cost estimates for your specific situation.
You must see this Vaporooter Case Study
If you’re a Strata Property manager or a home owner and you’ve got blocked drains caused by tree roots, you should definitely consider Vaporooter. It’s been around for 56 years because it works!
Watch this 2:00 min YouTube clip to see how tree roots grow in your pipes and the damage that can be caused.
If you’re wondering whether or not, you should have your drains and pipes treated with Vaporooter, this real case study of a drain pipe inspection should remove any doubt that you should do it.
You are going to see through high-technology CCTV cameras that we can actually put through the pipe as we’re doing now we can see inside the pipe.
One of the things very few people know is how tree roots find their way into pipes.
The way they do that is they find first the condensation on top of the pipe that’s created when warm water flows through your drains and pipes. Once they’ve found a source of water in the condensation, then they start looking for nutrients, which they get by extracting it from the fluids that actually flow through your pipes.
Tree roots find their way into your pipes through tiny little cracks, usually in joints between two pipe segments or some kind of structural damage to the pipe. You can see here that once the tree roots come into the pipe, they can create a lot of obstruction to the flow within the drain.
One of the things that a lot of people don’t know is that once you start cutting tree roots they’re going to, just like a hedge or a rose bush, grow thicker and stronger every single time they’re cut.
So to just cut tree roots out of a drain pipe is not a solution.
That’s why you need a long-term strategy like Vaporooter with the annual treatment that’s guaranteed to keep tree roots at bay.
You want to make absolutely sure that you sleep well at night knowing that your pipes are not going to look like this.
Without Vaporooter, that’s exactly what’s happening! Your drains and pipes are getting clogged one more root at a time.
Contact us now at VaporooterAustralia.com.au or Call 1800 637 600 http://www.VaporooterAustralia.com.au
5 Reasons why Pipe Relining is NOT the only solution
85% of Blocked drains are caused by tree roots!
While pipe relining can be an effective method for rehabilitating damaged pipes, there are certain scenarios where it may not be the most suitable solution. Here are five reasons why pipe relining may not be the preferred choice:
- Extensive Pipe Damage: If the pipes are severely damaged, collapsed, or have extensive cracks, relining may not be a viable option. In such cases, complete pipe replacement might be necessary to ensure long-term reliability and functionality.
- Reduced Pipe Diameter: Pipe relining involves inserting a liner inside the existing pipe, which can reduce the internal diameter of the pipe. If the reduction in diameter is significant, it may negatively impact the flow capacity of the pipe and cause potential blockages or efficiency issues.
- Incompatible Pipe Materials: Pipe relining is typically suitable for a range of pipe materials, such as PVC, clay, cast iron, and concrete. However, if the existing pipe material is incompatible with the lining material or if there are irregularities in the pipe structure, relining may not provide a secure and long-lasting solution.
- Limited Access Points: Pipe relining requires access points to insert the liner into the existing pipe. If there are limited or restricted access points, such as in densely built areas or underground locations, it may be challenging to carry out the relining process effectively.
- Cost Considerations: Pipe relining can be more expensive than traditional pipe replacement methods, particularly in cases where there is significant damage or complex pipe configurations. In such situations, it may be more cost-effective to opt for pipe replacement instead of relining.
It’s important to consult with a professional plumber or pipe rehabilitation specialist to assess the condition of the pipes and determine the most suitable solution based on your specific circumstances.
When fixing your blocked drains, a “one size fits all” approach is outdated!
The best approach depends on your circumstance and specifically, what is going on with the drains at your place.
If you’re not sure which method is best for your circumstance, ask me.
Call 1800 637 6oo
Which tree roots invade sewer pipes? Deciduous or Evergreen?
85% of Blocked Drains are caused by tree roots…
Deciduous tree roots can be more invasive to sewer pipes than evergreen tree roots. Deciduous trees have a more aggressive root system that tends to spread out widely in search of moisture and nutrients. This can cause the roots to grow into pipes and cause blocked drains or even greater damage.
On the other hand, evergreen tree roots tend to grow deeper in search of water and are less likely to spread out widely. As a result, they are less likely to cause problems with pipes. However, it’s worth noting that the infestation of tree roots can vary depending on the species of tree and the soil conditions.
It’s also worth noting that it’s not only the species of tree that matters, but also the location where the tree is planted. A tree planted near a sewer pipe is more likely to cause damage to the pipe, regardless of whether it’s an evergreen or deciduous tree.
It’s always good idea to consult with an arborist or a plumber before planting a tree near existing sewer pipes or underground utilities.
When fixing your blocked drains, a “one size fits all” approach is outdated!
The best approach depends on your circumstance and specifically, what is going on with the drains at your place.
If you’re not sure which method is best for your circumstance, ask me.
Call 1800 637 6oo