For many rural homeowners around Salisbury, Amesbury, and Shaftesbury, tree-lined gardens and large properties come with a hidden threat — root intrusion. Beneath the lawn, thirsty roots seek out moisture in your drains, forcing their way into joints or cracks. Left unchecked, they can cause blockages, leaks, and full pipe collapses.
Why Root Intrusion Happens
Roots naturally seek water and nutrients. In older clay or pitch-fibre pipes, small cracks or weak joints let moisture escape — an open invitation for nearby roots. Once inside, they multiply fast, forming dense blockages that trap debris and slow the system.
In some Salisbury villages, CCTV drain surveys have revealed roots running over 6 metres inside a single drain run!
Signs of Root Intrusion in Your Drains
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or sinks 🚽
- Slow drainage across multiple fixtures 🚿
- Foul odours near inspection chambers 💨
- Overflow or flooding around soakaways 🌧️
- Recurring blockages that chemical cleaners don’t fix
If these sound familiar, it’s time to schedule a CCTV drain survey to confirm the cause.
The Rural Risk Factor
Countryside properties are more prone because:
- Mature trees sit close to older underground systems 🌳
- Many homes still use clay or pitch-fibre pipes
- Private soakaways and septic tanks often share tree zones
- Lack of routine CCTV checks compared to newer estates
Rural roots can grow undisturbed for years before the first symptom appears.
Professional Solutions for Root Intrusion
- CCTV Inspection – Pinpoints the entry point and extent of growth.
- Mechanical Root Cutting – A rotating chain tool removes roots without excavation.
- Hydro-Jet Flushing – Clears debris and loose root fragments.
- CIPP Lining – Seals cracks permanently with a resin liner to stop regrowth.
This “no-dig” approach restores full pipe strength while preserving your garden landscape.
Preventing Future Root Problems
- Avoid planting water-hungry trees near drain routes (willow, poplar, birch).
- Install root barriers when re-landscaping.
- Schedule a drain survey every 2 years for early detection.
- Keep soakaway and septic systems serviced regularly.
Small maintenance = major savings later 💧
📞 If you suspect root intrusion in Salisbury, don’t wait for the next rainfall to make it worse.
Contact Drains24 today for CCTV inspection and long-term root-proof repairs.
Drain Root Intrusion FAQs
How do roots enter drainage pipes?
Roots enter through small cracks or loose joints, usually in old clay or pitch-fibre pipes.
Can root removal damage pipes?
Professional mechanical cutting is safe — it clears roots without harming pipe structure.
Will the roots come back?
Once a CIPP liner is installed, the pipe is sealed and roots can’t re-enter.
Can root intrusion affect my soakaway?
Yes, nearby trees can block soakaway trenches, reducing soak rate and causing surface flooding.