When tree roots infiltrate drains, initially, there may be very little sign. This leaves them to grow into a serious problem requiring costly repair. By identifying the early signs of root damage, you can tackle the problem before it becomes a major one.
Early signs
The first signs of roots intruding into your drains tend to be subtle. You may get repeated blockages in the same drain that recur even after clearing, or you may notice that the drains are slow, accompanied by a gurgling sound. You should also pay attention to bad odours, as these can be caused by water trapped by the tree roots. If you notice a soggy patch in the garden that persists even in dry weather, the problem could be that a tree root has cracked or split the pipe.
Diagnosing the problem
While these signs may indicate that tree roots are damaging your pipes, it is not certain. And nor does it indicate how severe the damage is or even where the roots are intruding. The only effective way to check this is with a CCTV drain survey. To find a company in your area offering these surveys, use a relevant internet search. For example, if you search for CCTV drain survey Northampton, you will find companies like https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/northampton/.
Consequences of root damage
Ignoring the early signs can have serious consequences. As the root thickens, it can cause full blockages, joint displacement, wide pipe cracks, and collapsed drain sections. Repairing this is more time-consuming and expensive.