Tree Root Removal & Drain Root Cutting
Trees and shrubs can invade your drainage system, creating a net that catches toilet paper and waste. High-pressure jetting isn’t enough to stop them. We use industrial root-cutting equipment and structural lining to provide a guaranteed, permanent fix.
Instant Free Quote
No obligation, no hidden fees. Just a clear, honest price.
Over 150 Genuine 5-Star Reviews From Happy Customers
Are Roots Causing Your Repeated Blockages?
Tree roots are the number one cause of recurring drain blockages in the UK. If you find yourself unblocking your drain every few months, only for it to block again, the culprit is likely root ingress.
Tree and shrub roots are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside sewer pipes. They enter through tiny hairline cracks or loose joints.
Once inside, they grow rapidly, forming a thick “root mass” that acts like a net, catching toilet paper, grease, and waste until the pipe is totally choked.
Why High-Pressure Jetting Isn't Enough
Many drainage companies will just jet the drain to clear the immediate blockage.
- The Problem: Water jetting might snap off the loose roots, but it doesn’t kill the root structure. In fact, like pruning a hedge, cutting the roots often stimulates them to grow back thicker and faster.
- The Cycle: You end up paying for unblocking every 6 months forever.
The Permanent Solution: Cut and Line
At Drain 247, we stop the cycle. We don’t just clear the pipe; we seal it.
Step 1: Specialist Root Cutting
We use a high-torque mechanical cutter (such as a Picote or flail cutter) driven by water pressure or electromechanical cable. This spins inside the pipe, shaving the roots right back to the pipe wall, removing the obstruction completely.
Step 2: Structural Patch Repair
Removing the root leaves the original crack open. If left, the roots will return. To fix this, we install a Structural Patch Liner over the crack. This seals the hole so roots can no longer sniff out the water or penetrate the pipe.
5-Star Reviews.
Signs of Root Intrusion
The “Recurring” Blockage: You clear the drain, but it blocks again a few months later. This is the #1 sign that roots are growing back and catching waste.
Nearby Vegetation: Roots can spread up to 10 metres. If you have large trees or hedges near your drain run, they are likely the cause.
The “Root Net” Effect: Roots form a cobweb-like net inside the pipe. Water can squeeze through slowly, but toilet paper gets caught, causing gurgling noises.
Sinkholes: In severe cases, expanding roots crack the pipe, allowing water to escape and wash away the soil, creating dips in your lawn or patio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you have to cut down my tree?
Usually, no. By lining the pipe, we cut off the water source for that specific root. The tree survives, but it stops attacking your drain.
Can roots break pipes?
Yes. As roots thicken, they expand. This pressure can crack ceramic/clay collars and eventually shatter the pipe, leading to a collapse. Catching it early is vital.
Is the work guaranteed?
Yes. Once we have lined the pipe, it is structurally sealed against future root ingress.
Is tree root damage covered by my buildings insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most standard buildings insurance policies cover “accidental damage to underground services,” which includes root intrusion.
However, you will need proof. We provide a full CCTV Survey Report and video evidence which you can submit to your insurer to validate your claim.
How do you remove the roots without digging?
We use specialist electromechanical equipment (often called a “Picote” or flail cutter) that goes inside the pipe.
It spins at high speed, acting like a heavy-duty strimmer. It shaves the roots right back to the pipe wall, restoring the flow diameter without needing to excavate your garden or driveway.
If I just cut the roots, will they grow back?
Yes, almost certainly. If you only pay for root cutting but decline the structural lining, the roots will return—often thicker and faster than before (usually within 6–12 months).
Lining the pipe is the only way to permanently seal the entry point and stop the cycle.
Do chemical root killers work?
We generally do not recommend them for established blockages. While some chemicals can kill root tips, they take a long time to work and cannot remove the thick, fibrous root mass that is already blocking your flow. Mechanical cutting is the only way to physically clear the pipe.
Get in Touch
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *