When drought conditions take over, flora and fauna alike may suffer. Wild animals may struggle to find any water source to quench their thirst, while plants may shrivel up or die if they cannot get this vital resource. The trees in your back garden may also stress in this situation and will rely on their underground root network to forage for more water. This is why people often encounter issues with their underground drainage, as these roots could penetrate pipes in an effort to divert the moisture within. So, what can you do if your subterranean network has been affected in this way?
The Quest for Moisture
While tree roots may move very slowly as they seek out moisture and nourishment, they can certainly be stubborn. If they encounter an underground pipe and a trace of water, they will look for a way to penetrate it. This could be through an existing hairline crack or a joint of some kind, but one thing is for sure, once they sense more moisture inside, you might pay the price.
Signs of a Problem
Tree roots can often block an existing drain completely, and this could cause a significant backup. Your first signs of a problem may be a slow-to-empty sink, and you'll want to find out why this should be the case so that you can take action.
Times Move on
In previous decades, you may have had to excavate large areas of your back garden to look for signs of a blockage. Thankfully, plumbers will now bring a range of sophisticated tools with them so they can pinpoint the source of the issue without major disruption.
Remote-Control Work
One of these tools is a tiny camera on the end of a flexible cable that is fed down into the drain from above. This camera will be attached to a powerful light and will send signals back to the operator. Once they discover the offending root, they can then send down another tool equipped with a rotary saw. Sometimes, plumbers are able to affect a complete repair without any excavation, but if some digging is required, they will now be able to keep it to a minimum.
What You Need to Do
So as the widespread drought conditions continue, it's good to know that there are efficient ways to keep your foraging tree roots in place. Should you suspect that thirsty trees are the culprit if you come across a blocked drain, get in touch with a plumber who has the right gear for the job.