Roots, Clay and Thirsty Soil: Why Reservoir’s Older Drains Keep Choking?

In 2025, Victoria recorded 544.6 mm of precipitation, representing 18 per cent of the rainfall levels from 1961 to 1990, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The data applies to the entire state of Victoria, not any particular suburb. However, the low rainfall makes it clear what the roots are doing: reaching into the ground to find water. Under many of Reservoir’s older properties, some of the dampest spots are inside clay sewer pipes. Clogged drains in Reservoir usually start with this process and take years to show themselves.

Why Clay Pipes and Tree Roots Are Not a Good Mix

Many of the suburb’s post-war brick and weatherboard houses connect to the sewer with short segments of clay pipe. Each joint represents a weak point that becomes weaker as the soil continues to shrink and swell over time. The fine root hairs can penetrate the joint, reach moisture and nutrients in the interior and continue to grow thicker. With time, a soft layer of roots starts collecting everything from toilet paper to grease that passes along the pipe, leading to the blocked drains Reservoir homeowners know too well.

Dry seasons may increase the likelihood of roots penetrating the sewer because the clay pipes stay moist while the soil around them dries out. Wet weather following the drought may loosen the tired joints even more. Large trees planted years ago, and often directly above the sewer pipe, are common in these cases. Since homeowners do not know the exact location of the pipes, the issue goes unnoticed.

Early Warning Signs That Homeowners Usually Ignore

There is almost no case of complete root blockages without any early signs of clogging, but these signs are easily missed. The gurgling sounds made by the toilet after the washing machine is emptied show that there is a partial obstruction. The shower that takes increasingly longer to drain shows the same gradual buildup. Outside, a gully trap needs regular inspection, because the bubbles in it are a sure sign that something is wrong deeper in the pipes.

The root clogging also leaves traces in the garden:

Acting at the first sign of trouble usually avoids the most extreme consequences, the sewer backing up into the house.

Whose Pipe Is It Again?

In Reservoir, the underground water network is a bit of a mixed bag, with responsibility falling to Yarra Valley Water and the property owners in a give-and-take sort of way. The water authority is in charge of the sewer branch up to the point where it meets the property line, or, in some cases, a metre from the main pipe, whichever is the lesser of the two evils. And then everything from that point on is the owner’s job to fix, which is what’s known as the private extension. The inspection cover on the property is usually the spot where the responsibility changes hands, and that’s a great thing to know.

If there’s a problem with the water authority’s pipes, it’s best to give them a call instead of shelling out for a plumber. But if the fault lies with the private pipes, then you’ll need to call a licensed plumber, and that’s going to be coming out of your wallet. Knowing where the line is drawn, literally, can save you both time and a headache when it comes time to foot the bill.

Fix It Properly, Not Just for Now (Please)

Before you start digging, you should be getting a camera inspection done. The last thing you want to do is start digging up your garden, only to discover that you’ve got no idea where the problem actually lies. The footage from the camera will show you exactly what’s going on: is it roots, a cracked joint, a sunken section or just a nasty case of grease clogging things up? If it’s one of the first three, high-pressure jetting and root cutting might be able to clear the line, and do it in a single visit at that. The problem is, if the pipe joints are cracked, you might just invite more problems back in before long.

Now, pipe relining is a bit of a different story; it seals the inside of a damaged line without having to go and dig all over your yard. And sometimes, if a section of pipe has collapsed or just moved too far out of whack, you’ll need to do a full replacement job. Either way, ask to see the footage before you agree to anything; it’s always better to understand what the problem is before throwing good money after bad.

Planting with Pipes in Mind

These days, it’s not all fun and games when planting your garden, especially when it comes to where you put your pipes. If you don’t do your homework, there’s a good chance you’ll be back with a plunger in hand in five years’ time, dealing with the same old blockage. First things first, get hold of a property sewer plan and see where the pipes run through your yard. Fast-growing thirsty trees, in particular, need to be kept well away from any known sewer lines; it’s just a fact of life. And even sheds and extensions need to be built with pipes in mind, since many of them can’t just sit on top of water authority assets without causing problems.

If you’re living in an older home in Reservoir and you’ve got drains that just seem to be slowing down, it’s probably time to book a camera inspection. Looking inside the pipe will give you a solid idea of what’s going on and what you need to do to fix it; it’s a lot better than just guessing and hoping for the best.