Tree Roots in Pipes: Who’s Responsible?

Tree roots don’t deliberately target your pipes, but they’re incredibly good at finding them. Sewer and stormwater pipes carry moisture and nutrients, which makes them irresistible to thirsty roots searching for water.

Perth’s sandy soils make this problem worse. Some tree roots can travel more than 15 metres laterally in search of moisture, meaning even that small ornamental tree on your nature strip can reach your pipes. Once a root finds a tiny crack or loose joint in an ageing clay or PVC pipe, it works its way inside and keeps growing. Before long, you’ve got a blockage.

According to SA Water, tree roots are responsible for nearly two-thirds of sewer blockages. The problem is particularly common in older Perth suburbs, where terracotta pipes from the 1950s and 60s are still in use.

Many Perth streets are lined with council-owned trees on the verge (nature strip). If roots from one of these trees damage your pipes, the council can be held liable, but only if you can demonstrate negligence, and prove that your drain was not defective in any way prior to the root ingress.

This means proving the council knew (or should have known) about the risk and failed to act. Homeowners still need to organise emergency repairs themselves, then lodge a claim with evidence, such as a licensed Perth plumber’s report and CCTV pipe inspection footage. Noting it can be difficult to prove which tree the roots came from.

Keep in mind that you can’t simply remove or prune a council tree without written approval. All WA local governments have strict street tree policies that require you to go through proper channels.

If your neighbour’s tree roots are blocking your drains, you’re still responsible for fixing your own pipes. That’s the bad news. The good news is you may be able to recover costs under common-law nuisance if you can prove negligence.

While you will probably need to obtain legal advice: WA Legal Aid recommends you start by discussing the issue with your neighbour. They might not know what is happening on your side of the fence. They may take care of it themselves or be happy for you to deal with the situation.

Once your neighbour knows of the problem caused by their tree, they have a responsibility to fix the problem so it does not continue. They may be responsible for paying the cost to have it pruned back to the boundary line, or for repairs to fix damage caused by fallen branches or tree roots.

If communication breaks down, you may need to seek mediation and dispute resolution

Strata schemes add another layer of complexity. Under the Strata Titles Act 1985 (Section 35), if a pipe services more than one lot, it’s classified as common property. That means the strata corporation is liable for repairs.

Tunnel Vision has spent many years working alongside Perth strata managers, providing complete solutions to common strata plumbing maintenance, ongoing management and emergency repairs.

If the pipe only services your individual lot, you may be responsible as the lot owner. This distinction matters, so check your strata plan or speak with your strata manager before arranging repairs.

You’ve probably seen DIY remedies online: rock salt, copper sulphate crystals, even baking soda and vinegar. Here’s the truth.

Rock salt and copper sulphate can provide mild, temporary relief, but they come with risks. Overdosing can harm your garden plants and violate environmental discharge limits set by the Water Corporation. Baking soda and vinegar? Practically useless against established root intrusions.

For a proper solution, you need professional help. Tunnel Vision can professionally evaluate your pipe system with our CCTV drain camera technology to see the extent of the damage and assess whether tree root control or pipe relining is necessary.

If you’re planning to claim costs from a council or neighbour, documentation is everything. Here’s what you need:

1. Book a CCTV drain inspection – This provides video evidence of the root intrusion and identifies where it’s coming from. CCTV inspections are your strongest piece of evidence, along with any proof that the roots came from the tree in question.
2. Get a written plumber’s report – Your licensed Perth plumber should detail the damage, the cause, and the repair costs. The plumber will not be able to prove or confirm which tree, you would need to seek advice from an arborist with samples of the roots removed.
3. Send a written notice – If claiming from a neighbour or council, send a formal written notice outlining the issue and requesting action.
4. Lodge your claim – Submit your CCTV footage, plumber’s report, and repair invoices to the council or pursue legal recovery through small claims court if needed.

Keep copies of everything. Councils and courts won’t accept vague complaints without hard evidence.

Once you’ve cleared the blocked drains and dealt with the immediate problem, think about prevention. Pipe relining creates a seamless, durable lining inside your existing pipes, sealing cracks and joints so roots can’t get back in. It’s a trenchless solution, which means no digging up your driveway or garden.

Nuflow pipe relining offers a 50-year material warranty and is cost-competitive with traditional excavation. For properties in older Perth suburbs with terracotta laterals, it’s often the smartest long-term investment.

Tree root barriers can also be installed around problem trees to redirect growth away from your pipes. Combine this with regular CCTV inspections every few years, and you’ll catch potential issues before they turn into expensive emergencies.