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.
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