Yes, tree roots can crush drain pipes. As tree roots grow, they can exert a lot of force and pressure on pipes, particularly older or pipes with any structural damage. The tree roots can also grow into small cracks or in the pipe joints, causing them to expand and eventually crush or break the pipe.
Additionally, if the roots are able to penetrate the pipe and grow inside it, they can cause blocked drains.
It’s also worth noting that, tree roots can cause more damage to clay pipes, and cast iron pipes because of their rigid structure but, more durable and flexible materials like copper or PVC pipes can still be crushed.
We have seen instances where tree roots growing through the excavated soil of the trench under a PVC sewer system, squash the pipe from beneath as they get thicker and stronger. The pipe line needed excavation for repairs and to cut out the offending tree root which was about 200mm in diameter.
The PVC pipeline was only twelve years old!
The Hills Weeping fig (Ficus microcarpa var. hillii) was about fifty years old.
If you think your stormwater or sewer pipes are being crushed by tree roots, it’s important to regularly inspect the pipes and address any issues promptly, because leaks through the cracks will only attract more tree roots.
Also, when planting trees near pipes or underground utilities, proper plant selection can prevent potential problems.
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