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Tree roots and sewers don't mix

Over 75% of all sewer blockages are caused by tree roots finding their way into our sewer pipes.

Trees are beautiful, shady and provide valuable shelter for local fauna, but their root systems can have a devastating effect on your sewer pipes. Planted too close to the sewer, your beautiful tree could one day end up becoming a very costly and messy problem.


How do tree roots get into the sewer?

Tree roots grow in search of water and nutrients, which makes sewers a prime target. If planted too close, a tiny fracture or small gap in the join of two sewer pipes could be wide enough for a single hair-like tree root to pass through. Once inside, a mass of roots can form and eventually lead to a sewer blockage.


What can I do?

The most effective step is prevention, as once tree roots get into the system, pipes can become damaged and require costly repairs.

We recommend:

  • Regularly maintain and clean your sewer pipes
  • Visit your nearest Water Saver Garden Centre for advice on what to plant near sewers (a list of species to avoid are listed below)
  • You can purchase a copy of your property sewerage plan to determine the location and type of any sewer pipes – and use this information to avoid planting anything above your sewer line. Visit www.yvw.com.au and click on Services and Products, Plumbing Works, Store Locations to find a store near you.


How do I report a blockage?

If you believe there is a blockage in the YVW sewer pipes serving your property, call Yarra Valley Water on 13 1721.


Who is responsible for fixing the problem?

You are responsible for any repair, replacement or maintenance for the pipes and fittings within your property until after the connection point to Yarra Valley Water’s pipes (usually near your property boundary).
 

Plant no closer than 2 metres to a sewer pipe

Acacia buxifolia Box-leaved Wattle

Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong

Euonymus Japonica Evergreen Spindle Tree

Malus (species) Flowering Crabapples

Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood

Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush

Ficus pumila Creeping Fig

Pittosporum revoluta Brisbane Laurel

Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore

Eucalyptus calophylla ‘Rosea’ Pink Marri

Genista tinctoria Broom

Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum

Alnus jorrulensis Evergreen Alder

Eucalyptus falcata White Mallee

Jacaranda spp. Jacaranda

Australian Pyracantha (species)

Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia

Eucalyptus goniocalyx Long-leaved Box

Liquidambar styraciflua Liquidambar,
Sweet Gum

 

Banksia occidentalis Water Bush

Eucalyptus largiflorens River Box, Black Box

Logerstroemia indica Pink Crepe Myrtle

 

Betula pendula (B. alba) Silver Birch

Eucalyptus pruinosa Silver Box

Nerium oeander Oleander

 

 

Plant no closer than 4 metres to a sewer pipe

Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple Myrtle

Fraxinus excelsior “Aurea” Golden Ash

Sophora japonica Pagoda Tree

Betula pendula Silver Birch

Melaleauca armillaris Bracelet Honeymyrtle

Sorbus aucuparia Rowan, Mountain Ash

Eucalyptus cinerea Argyle Apple

M. styphelioides Prickly Paperbark

Wisteria sinensis Chinese Wisteria