Plant tips to avoid water pipe blockages

Unitywater is urging residents to pause before they plant, with more than 30 per cent of wastewater pipe blockages and overflows caused by tree roots.

In the past six months, Unitywater crews have attended more than 1300 blockage or wastewater overflow jobs, 439 of which were caused by tree roots.

Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Delivery Rhett Duncan says the numbers speak for themselves.

“It’s clear from our data that one in every three blockages in our network is caused by tree roots and these jobs are unpleasant for our crews and the community,” Rhett says.

“Tree roots find their way into pipes to access the water and continue growing in there, effectively blocking the pipe or becoming a mass that other debris can attach to. They are then more difficult to remove and take our crews away from other jobs.

“Pipe blockages cause wastewater overflows in our infrastructure that can flow into and damage the environment, and in people’s homes, up through toilets and shower recesses, causing a smelly mess and potential health risks or property damage.

“We know how stressful it can be for our customers who experience overflows on their property, as well as the costs associated with replacing private pipes.

“We’re asking the community to pause before they plant, consider the types of trees they’re planting and plant them away from pipes.”

Unitywater has a free online mapping tool to locate its water and wastewater pipes.

“Input your address to check if there are any Unitywater pipes on your property. It’s good to know where your private pipes run too. We also have a planting guide to know what to plant and how far away to plant to protect your pipes,” Rhett says.

He says local nurseries can provide advice about plant suitability and recommend those with short root systems.

What to plant

What NOT to plant