Established gardens and mature trees are an enticing drawcard for many people when choosing a home or investment property. Picnics under the shade of a sprawling tree, relaxing on a swing in the branches, or walking through the vibrant autumnal colours of deciduous trees are certainly attractive options.
Unfortunately, there are often unseen implications for your property when mature trees are growing over drainage systems. Of particular concern is tree roots entering pitch fibre drains.
The good news is that with professional guidance and timely action, property owners can mitigate the risk and enjoy their established gardens without the ongoing headache and expense of damaged drains.
Yes. Tree roots can enter damaged or weakened pitch fibre drains, causing blockages, further pipe damage and, in some cases, collapse.
This is particularly common around mature trees, where extensive root systems may seek out small cracks, gaps or weaknesses in underground drainage pipes. Once inside, roots can continue to grow and create increasingly serious drainage problems.
Warning signs can include recurring blockages, slow-draining water, foul smells and unusually lush patches of grass.
A professional CCTV drain survey can identify whether tree roots have entered your drainage system and determine the most appropriate repair, which may include root removal and no-dig drain relining.
Pitch fibre drains and pipes were first installed in England as a response to post-war resource limitations. They were a cheaper, more readily available plumbing material made of wood cellulose mixed with coal tar and, at times, asbestos.
Pitch fibre drains are commonly found in properties with plumbing installed in the 1950s to 1970s. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) home survey standards, pitch fibre is considered a ‘deleterious material’. It has a structural lifespan of around 40 years, which means many properties throughout Bath and Bristol are now experiencing drainage problems directly resulting from pitch fibre drains.
Pitch fibre drains are particularly susceptible to heat and pressure. Over time, these forces acting on the pipes cause them to soften and change shape, becoming ovalised rather than round, which can result in blockages and even collapse. As the pipes weaken and delaminate, they become more susceptible to tree roots entering, distorting, and blocking the pitch fibre pipes.
What does this mean for property owners in the areas surrounding Bath and Bristol? According to the Water Industry (Schemes for Adoption of Private Sewers) Regulations 2011, that depends on where the blockage occurs.
Scenario 1:
A pitch fibre drain becomes damaged or blocked on a lateral drain (the parts of the drainage system outside your property boundary). According to the legislation, the regional water company (in this case, Wessex Water) would be responsible for the work and costs involved in repairing the drainage system.
Scenario 2:
If a pitch fibre drain under your garden becomes blocked, you’re financially responsible for any maintenance and repair. It’s important to be aware that insurance companies generally will not approve claims for damage considered to be ‘wear and tear’ and many have specific clauses about pitch fibre drains. Being proactive about preventing serious damage and collapse to your drains is both a wise and financially rewarding approach.
While tree roots can enter any damaged pipe, aging pitch fibre systems are particularly vulnerable because of how they soften over time. Any small crack or gap can easily become enlarged, leading to deformed, blocked, and potentially collapsed pipes.
Some tell-tale signs that you may have blocked or collapsed pitch fibre drains are:
If you suspect you have a drainage issue, it may be tempting to try some DIY options to clear the blockage. In the case of tree root ingress and deformation of pitch fibre pipes, you’ll need a professional to manually rectify the problem.
Mega Rod‘s experienced drainage engineers use CCTV surveys to diagnose the issue and manually cut roots from the pipes and where needed can structurally reline the pipes from the inside out, often without the need for major excavation on your property.
Contact Mega Rod today for safe and accurate support before drainage problems escalate.
