A large tree is near my drain. Will I get problems from this?

Question

A large tree is near my drain. Will I get problems from this?

Answer

Generally, it is better to discourage tree growth on or near the line of drains and sewers but there need not necessarily be any cause for alarm, in practice, the risks are small. In any case, it is not always possible to control activity in remote third-party land.

As far as the law is concerned trees cannot be implicated. In a properly constructed and sound drainage system tree roots should not be able to get in. Root ingress should always be taken as indicating existing defect(s).

Roots are naturally drawn to moisture, particularly during dry spells when they can enter the pipe or an inspection chamber through these defects and cause longer-term blockages or further structural damage. Many insurance companies will consider root ingress to be accidental damage and as such may be covered by your household insurance policy. Again check with your insurers for clarification.

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