If you live in Bayside and your drains keep blocking, there’s a good chance tree roots and clay pipes are to blame. It’s a hidden problem that grows slowly underground — literally. Those lush trees lining your street? Their roots are constantly searching for water, and old clay drains are their favourite target.
Over time, these roots slip into tiny cracks, expand, and trap debris until your drain becomes a full-blown blockage. This is one of the most common (and costly) plumbing issues across Brighton, Sandringham, and Beaumaris.
Why Clay Pipes Fail
Clay pipes were the gold standard decades ago — tough, fireproof, and easy to install. But age and soil movement have taken their toll. Here’s what happens:
Mortar joints weaken and open slightly.
Roots sense the moisture and grow straight through the gap.
As roots thicken, they split the pipe further.
Every flush, shower, and wash adds more waste that gets trapped in the root mass.
Before you know it, your slow drain turns into an emergency.
How to Tell if Roots Are the Culprit
You don’t need X-ray vision — just a few tell-tale signs:
Gurgling sounds when the toilet flushes.
Slow shower or bath drainage.
Overflow from outdoor gullies.
Extra-green patches on your lawn.
These symptoms mean water isn’t escaping freely — and the blockage will only worsen.
The Right Way to Fix It
Pouring chemicals or cutting roots out is only temporary. To stop the problem permanently, you need a CCTV drain inspection and trenchless repair.
Here’s the process:
High-pressure jetting clears roots and debris.
CCTV inspection identifies cracks, offsets, and damage.
Sectional or full-length pipe relining seals the pipe internally with a smooth, watertight liner.
Post-job CCTV footage confirms everything’s fixed.
No digging. No mess. Just a stronger, root-proof drain system.
Case Studies Around Bayside
Brighton: Recurrent blockages under a paved courtyard fixed with sectional relining through existing access points.
St Kilda: 1950s clay sewer under concrete slab fully relined — no excavation required.
Mentone: Stormwater drain sag corrected, then relined to prevent further infiltration.
Each job prevented future call-outs and protected landscaping that would’ve been destroyed by excavation.
Why Relining Beats Replacement
Replacing an old clay drain means excavation, reinstatement, and often broken driveways or gardens. Relining, however, forms a seamless new pipe inside the old one, sealing every crack and joint permanently.
Cost & Value
Typical repair costs range depending on length and damage:
CCTV + jetting: A few hundred dollars.
Sectional reline: A few thousand dollars.
Full reline: Several thousand, depending on access.
Every job includes video proof and a fixed-price quote so you know exactly what’s included.
Protecting the Bay and Your Home
Bayside’s stormwater system drains directly into Port Phillip Bay, so leaking sewer pipes don’t just hurt your home — they pollute local waters.
Follow EPA Victoria’s environmental guidelines to prevent contamination.
When to Call Ezy-Plumb
If your drains block more than once a year, it’s not bad luck — it’s root intrusion. Our licensed team uses CCTV inspection, jetting, and pipe relining to solve it permanently.
👉 Call Ezy-Plumb for fast, reliable service across Bayside Melbourne
We service Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Cheltenham, Beaumaris, St Kilda, Caulfield, and Mentone every day.
FAQs About Tree Roots and Clay Pipes
Can roots break concrete or PVC pipes?
Yes. Clay and even old PVC can crack when roots exploit weak joints.
Do root-killing chemicals work?
Only temporarily. Unless the pipe is sealed, roots will return.
Will relining harm trees?
No. The liner cures inside the pipe — no damage to soil or roots outside.
Is this covered by insurance?
It’s best to speak to your insurance provider directly to confirm.
