Sewer blockages from trees

How do tree roots damage pipes?

Roots anchor and support trees, but they also seek and supply moisture and nutrients for continued growth. Roots normally extend around 1.5 times the length of an adult plant's branches. During dry periods, in particular, tree roots will search for any trace of moisture and nutrient, both of which can be found in sewer pipes.

Tree roots are very persistent and surprisingly strong, they will take advantage of any and every opportunity to get inside sewer pipes. Often this is achieved through small cracks or fractures, or through ill-fitting pipe joints.

Few people realise how aggressive the roots of certain trees and shrubs can be in their search for moisture. Tree roots start as fine fibrous feeding masses, with their 'tails' spreading long distances through the pipe, resulting in reduced flow rates and eventually complete blockages.

The degree of risk and damage caused by tree roots depends on the species concerned, its proximity to sewer pipes, and the composition of your sewer pipes (clay, pvc, etc).

Where are my sewer pipes located?

Sewer and drainage lines are the most common victims of root intrusion. The problem affects both Bundaberg Regional Council and private property owners - causing great inconvenience and costs for both. Many people are unaware that Council sewer mains run through residential properties, connecting up to the sewer pipes owned by homeowners.

The location of our mains and your pipes can be hard to identify without plans. Bundaberg Regional Council can provide you with a plan showing sewer mains on your property and also a corresponding plan showing where your sewer pipes are located.

To request a drainage plan, please complete the Plumbing Compliance Plan Request Form.

Alternatively, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 883 699 or visit us in person at:

East Operations Centre - 2 Victoria Street, Bundaberg East (from 7.30 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday)

Please note, drainage plans can only be issued to the:

Property Owner/s;
Licensed Plumber; or
Solicitor as part of a property settlement.

Should you wish to obtain a drainage plan and you do not meet the above criteria, you must obtain written consent from the property owner.

What can I plant near sewer pipes?

The following three categories are a basic guide only - distances can vary depending on the type and condition of both the pipes and soil on your property. But remember that too far from a pipe is much better than too close. You should consult your local nursery if you still have concerns about planting a particular species.

Plant at least 5 meters away from sewer pipes

Baekea - all species
Banksia
Bleeding Heart Tree
Escalionia - all varieties
Gordonia
Grevillea
Hakea
Hawthorn / Maytree
Karo
Lady of the Night
Lilac Chaste Tree
Mexican Hawthorn
Mock Orange
Night Scented Jassamine
Orchid Tree Bauhinia
Rondeletia
Skyflower / Duranta
Teatree
Wattle / Acacia
Yellow Throat

Plant at least 10 meters away from sewer pipes

Arizona Cypress
Almonds
Barberry / Berberis
Boobialla
Cherries
Crepe Myrtle
Fiddlewood
Flowing Tamarisk
Hibiscus
Irish Strawberry
Apricots
Ash
Belah
Camellia
Christmas Bush
Ebony Tree
Flame Tree
Frangipani
Hybrid Flame Tree
Japanese Maple
Jerusalem Thorn
Judas Tree
Juniper
Kurrajong
Laburnum
Lilly Pilly
Mealy Stringy Bark
Monstera
Myrtle
Pampas Grass
Peaches
Plums
Rose She Oak
Saucer Magnolia
Silver Leaved Mountain
Washington Thorn
Weeping Pittosporu
Yorell

Species not recommended for planting

Bottle Brush / Callistemon
Athel Tree
Brush Box
Canary Island or Date
Chinese Hawthorn
Coral Trees
Elms
Evergreen Spindle Tree
Figs - all species
Flowering Crabs and Apples
Bamboo
Bougainvilleas
Camphor Laurel
Ceanothus
Claret Ash
Desert or Caucasian Ash
Eucalyptus / Gums
False Acacia / Black Locust
Firethorn
Hollies
Jacaranda
Liquid Amber
Magnolias
Mango Tree
Oleander
Pepper Tree
Pine
Pineapple Guava
Planes - all species
Poinciana
Poplars
Privets
Pyramid Tree
Rhus Trees and Scrubs
Robur Banksia
Rubber Tree
Silk Oak
Tipu Tree
Umbrella Tree
White Cedar
Willow
Wisteria

What about trees causing problems now?

Planting the right tree at the right distance will ensure that you don't experience damage to your sewer pipes. But what do you do about trees that may have begun to cause damage? Bundaberg Regional Council will remove tree roots causing blockages from our sewer mains, at no cost.

Council does provide a service for removing tree roots located within your own pipes, however, charges do apply. To find out the relevant costs in providing this service, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 883 699 as costs do vary between working hours and after hours.

This service provided by Council does not include the repair of homeowner's sewer pipes. A licensed plumber of your choice will be able to repair or replace the affected sewer pipes.