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How Tree Roots Cause Blocked Drains in Summer Months

Tree Root Intrusions

Table of Contents

Tree-lined streets and green gardens are part of what makes Portsmouth such a pleasant place to live — but beneath the surface, those trees can be silently damaging your drainage system. As temperatures rise in summer, tree roots become more active, spreading in search of moisture and nutrients — and often finding it inside your drainpipes.

At Drains24, we regularly deal with root intrusion during warmer months. In this post, we’ll explain how tree roots cause blocked drains, what signs to look out for, and why a CCTV drain survey can stop a small issue from becoming an expensive problem.

Why Root Intrusion Gets Worse in Summer

During the summer months, the ground tends to dry out. As a result, tree and shrub roots become more aggressive in seeking water sources. Your underground drainage pipes — especially older ones — can leak tiny amounts of water through joints or cracks, which sends out a strong signal to nearby roots.

Once roots detect that moisture, they begin to infiltrate the pipe, often through hairline fractures or loose joints. Over time, they grow inside the system, catching waste, grease, and debris, until they cause a full blockage or even crack the pipe further.

This is a particularly common issue in older Portsmouth properties in areas like Southsea, North End, Cosham, and Hilsea — where clay or pitch fibre pipes are still in use.

Signs of Root Damage in Drains

Tree root problems often develop slowly, but there are key warning signs:

  • Recurring blockages, even after plunging or chemical treatments
  • Slow-draining toilets or sinks, especially after heavy use
  • Gurgling sounds from the pipes
  • Foul smells from manholes or drains outside
  • Backups or overflows in the garden after rain

If you notice any of the above, it’s a good idea to book a CCTV drain survey to identify the source before further damage occurs.

How CCTV Drain Surveys Detect Tree Root Intrusion

At Portsmouth Drains24, we use high-definition CCTV cameras to inspect the inside of your drainage system. These allow us to:

  • Identify root intrusion
  • Pinpoint cracked, collapsed, or misaligned pipes
  • Map out exactly where repairs or removal are needed
  • Provide a full report with video evidence and expert recommendations

This non-invasive method means we can diagnose the problem quickly — without digging — and plan the most efficient solution.

Repairing Root-Damaged Drains

Once we’ve located the issue, we offer several solutions depending on the severity:

🔧 Root Cutting and Clearance

We use mechanical cutting heads or high-pressure jetting tools to remove roots from within the pipe.

🧰 Drain Relining

If the pipe is still structurally sound, we can reline it with a resin sleeve that seals cracks and joints — preventing future root entry.

🕳️ Pipe Replacement

For collapsed or heavily damaged sections, we can carry out a targeted excavation to replace the affected area.

All work is completed with minimal disruption, and our team always cleans and reinstates any disturbed areas.

Preventing Future Root Intrusion

Once roots have entered a pipe, they will often return. That’s why prevention is key:

  • Book regular CCTV drain inspections, especially for tree-lined properties
  • Avoid planting trees too close to known pipe routes
  • Replace ageing pipework prone to leaks or joint failure
  • Consider root barrier installations for particularly invasive species

We recommend a proactive summer check-up for properties in Portsmouth, especially those with mature trees on or near the property boundary.

Local Drainage Experts You Can Trust

Drains24 is a trusted local drainage company working across Portsmouth — from Milton and Eastney to Drayton and Port Solent. We specialise in:

  • Emergency unblocking
  • CCTV drain inspections
  • Root removal
  • Drain repairs and relining

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or commercial property manager, we’ll help keep your drains clear and root-free this summer.

Book a CCTV Drain Survey Today

Tree roots don’t take a summer break — and your drains shouldn’t either.
📞 Contact Portsmouth Drains24 today to schedule a CCTV survey or speak to our team about root removal and long-term drain protection.

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