By Dave Dunbar

The art and science of drain cleaning is arguably the most challenging aspect of the plumbing trade, requiring patience, perseverance, creativity and determination. Root incursions can be the most difficult drain-cleaning problem for contractors in this field. Tree roots have an uncanny ability to find and penetrate all types and ages of drains, causing obstructions, reducing water flow and degrading the pipe’s integrity. They have been known to encircle and squeeze a drainpipe, exerting more and more pressure until it’s crushed like an acorn in a nutcracker.

Because of roots, plumbers and drain cleaning specialists engage in a never-ending struggle with the plant kingdom to keep our sewage treatment system clear of their relentless search for water and nutrients.

So…the question of the day is, how do trees do what they do? How do roots from trees that might be dozens of feet away find their way to the drainpipe you are attempting to clear? And most importantly, is there anything you can do to prevent it?

The short answer to the last question is…not much! However, researchers are making progress towards answering what draws roots to your pipes.

You would think roots would grow away from a tree in all directions, evenly distributed around 365 degrees. At first, this is precisely what happens. However, before long, the tree narrows its search, marshaling its resources into a limited number of directions. It’s almost as if the tree is deciding how to spend its assets, which is interesting since trees don’t have brains. This process is a below-ground version of what happens when you put a potted plant on a windowsill. Anyone who has ever done this knows that you must turn the plant every day or two, or all the leaves will point in the same direction…towards the light. The same thing is happening below ground, except with roots, they are moving towards available water. At first, researchers believed that the microscopic hairs on the surface of the root were sensing water molecules in the soil and steering growth in that direction, but that didn’t explain how roots could travel dozens of feet toward a drainpipe through dry soil. Surprisingly, the answer turned out to be vibration. It turns out that the sound of water running in a pipe is irresistible to a root, even if it is a frisbee toss away from the drain. Again, researchers found this quite interesting because trees have neither ears nor brains, yet they manage to find ingenious ways to eat and drink.

This also explains why tree roots aren’t enticed to disrupt electrical conduits, gas lines, or anything else buried in the ground that doesn’t contain running water. Yes, roots can cause damage to these utilities, but it is generally more incidental. Although many scientists are loath to use the word intelligence in the same sentence as plants, they find this research about how roots navigate toward water and nutrients intriguing and admit that more study needs to be done.

Advancements in Drain Cleaning Equipment

In the battle against root incursions, having the right root cutting tools is a must for any plumber. These tools are specifically designed to tackle the toughest root challenges within your pipes.

With the robust construction of these cutting tools, they’re capable of dealing with everything from thick roots to compacted soil and other debris. They are designed to work in various pipe diameters, ensuring that no matter the size of the root ball or the branch of the tree roots, the job can be done efficiently. Some cutters even feature interchangeable blades, allowing for quick adjustments on-site, depending on the severity and type of root intrusion encountered. While mechanical cutting is highly effective, it can sometimes be complemented by the use of certain chemicals that help dissolve remaining root particles, ensuring a clear flow and reducing the likelihood of immediate re-encroachment. Always ensure that any chemical used is safe for both the environment and the plumbing system. By investing in specialized tools, professionals can significantly reduce the labor intensity and increase the success rate of clearing root-infested pipes, making them an indispensable part of the modern plumber’s arsenal.

For more additional information on how these cutting methods can enhance your plumbing services, read the rest of our informative series.

To learn more about this phenomenon, please click HERE for the NPR Radio Lab presentation titled Smarty Plants. Remember, the more you know, the more effective you can be at your job! Also, watch for the second part of this blog to find out how to outsmart root incursions after they occur.

For more information about how to gain the upper hand on root incursions, contact the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200 or go to www.drainbrain.com