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Tree Roots in Drains Brisbane

Tree roots in pipes get in through cracks and joints, then grow until the drain blocks. We clear the roots, film the pipe to show you where they got in, and quote any repair, like relining that section, as a separate item.

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Why roots end up in pipes

Tree roots are one of the four main causes of blockages that Urban Utilities names (Urban Utilities). Once roots find a gap, a joint or a crack, they can grow inside and catch everything flowing past.

Clearing removes the roots, but the gap is still there. That's why the camera matters: it shows whether you have one entry point that a patch could seal, or a pipe that needs more.

Signs you need it

  • Drains that block again a few months after clearing
  • Gurgling or slow drains with a tree nearby
  • Roots coming out on the clearing gear
  • The overflow relief gully filling up
  • Footage showing fine roots at the joints

Step by step

  1. We clear the roots and get the drain flowing.
  2. We film the line to find every entry point.
  3. We show you the footage and explain the options.
  4. You get an itemised quote: clearing, and repair if needed, on separate lines.
  5. If you go ahead, we fix it and film again so you can see the result.

The rules in Queensland

Unblocking a sanitary drain is regulated minor work that must be done by a licensed person (QBCC).

The property owner is responsible for private pipes up to the sewer connection point (Urban Utilities). If the roots are past that point, in Urban Utilities' pipes, call 13 23 64.

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How it works. Easy as.

  1. Fill out the quick form

    A name, a number and what the drain is doing. Photos help if you have them.

  2. We'll be in touch within 30 minutes

    We ask a few questions and book a time that suits you.

  3. We come out, clear what we can and run a camera through the pipe

    If it is blocked, we get it flowing first. Then the camera goes in to find the cause.

  4. We show you the footage and explain what is wrong

    You watch it with us. We point out the crack, the roots or the sag, and roughly where it sits in the yard.

  5. Itemised fixed quote, inspection and repair costs shown separately

    Every line on its own, so you can see what the inspection cost and what the fix would cost.

  6. Say yes, flexible payment options if cash flow's tight

    No pressure to decide on the spot. If you go ahead, we can talk through ways to spread the cost.

  7. Fixed and checked on camera again, so you can see it's done

    Once the work is finished, the camera goes back in and you see the result for yourself.

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What changes the cost

Costs depend on how much root growth there is, how long the pipe is, and whether a repair follows. Our guide prices are shown here. Relining is priced per metre; see the relining cost guide.

See the full cost guide

Blocked drain cleared: Usually $250 to $650 (including GST).Prices are a guide only and depend on pipe length, access and condition. You'll get an itemised fixed price before any work starts.
Blocked drain with camera inspection and jetting: Usually $350 to $800 (including GST).Prices are a guide only and depend on pipe length, access and condition. You'll get an itemised fixed price before any work starts.
Patch relining: Quoted on sitePrices are a guide only and depend on pipe length, access and condition. You'll get an itemised fixed price before any work starts.

Questions people ask us

My neighbour's tree roots are in my drain. What now?

First, get the drain flowing and filmed so you know exactly where the roots are getting in. The footage shows the entry point and how far along your pipe it sits, which is the most useful thing to have before talking with your neighbour. We stick to what the camera shows and don't guess about whose tree it is.

Does home insurance cover tree root damage?

It depends on your policy. Some home insurance policies exclude the cost of repairing pipes damaged by tree roots but may cover resulting water damage. Always check your own policy. Our itemised quote and footage can help when you ask your insurer.

Will jetting fix roots in clay pipes?

Jetting can clear roots out and get water flowing, but it doesn't close the gap or crack the roots came in through. That's why we film after jetting: if the footage shows open joints or cracks, we'll explain whether relining that section is worth it, and price it as a separate item.

Should I pay for a camera inspection first?

Usually, yes. Older homes can have original drains, replaced drains or a mix of materials, so the actual pipe has to be checked before anyone recommends a fix. Without footage, a quote for relining or digging is a guess. We show the inspection as its own line, separate from any repair.

Relining or replacing: which is better?

Neither is better every time. Relining puts a new pipe inside the old one without a trench, but the pipe has to be suitable, which only a camera inspection confirms. Digging and replacing may be the right call when a pipe can't be lined. We'll tell you honestly which fits your pipe, and our plain-words guide explains each option.

Can I see the camera footage?

Yes. That's the whole point of how we work. You watch the footage with us on the day, we point out what we're seeing, and we explain where the problem is before we talk about any repair.

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