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Root-Damaged Clay Pipe Repair Ryde

A Ryde sewer repair where CCTV confirmed heavy tree roots in an older clay line before the damaged section was excavated and replaced.

24/7 · All of Sydney · NSW Contractor Licence 123739C

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Large tree root removed from a damaged drain line
Project photos

Root-damaged clay sewer repair

Project details
Area
Ryde
Completed
January 2026
Property
Older freestanding house

Problem reported

Toilets and the outdoor overflow gully were backing up, especially after showers and washing machine use. The customer had already had more than one blockage cleared.

Cause found

CCTV inspection and locating confirmed heavy tree root intrusion in an old earthenware clay sewer line. Excavation exposed a root-damaged section where roots had entered around the clay pipe joints.

Work completed

Opened the lawn area above the located fault, removed the root mass, cut out the damaged clay section, installed new PVC sewer pipework with an inspection riser, bedded the pipe, and water-tested the line before backfill.

Equipment used

  • CCTV drain camera
  • locator
  • hand excavation tools
  • saw and cutter
  • PVC pipe and fittings
  • gravel bedding
  • water test hose

Outcome

Sewer flow was restored and the failed root-damaged section was replaced, reducing the chance of the same blockage returning in that section.

  • Strong root evidence and repeat blockage history made CCTV confirmation important before excavation.
  • Older clay pipe joints were the failure point shown in the repair sequence.
01Large tree root removed from a damaged drain line

Root damage found during drain repair work.

02Exposed clay drain pipe with root damage visible in the trench

Exposed pipe access showing root damage around an old drain line.

03Blocked drain pipe exposed in soil during repair access

Pipe access opened to inspect and repair a blocked drain line.

04Drain pipe junction exposed in soil during access work

Pipe junction exposed so the affected drain section can be assessed.

05New drain pipe installed in a prepared trench

New pipework installed after drain repair access.

06Second view of new drain pipework set in a trench

Another view of new pipework placed in the prepared drain trench.

07Before and after comparison of blocked pipe access and replacement pipework

Before and after view of pipe access and replacement pipework.

08Second before and after comparison of pipe access and new pipework

Second before and after view of pipe access and replacement pipework.

09Collage showing root blockage, damaged pipe, and replacement pipework

Root blockage, damaged pipe access, and replacement pipework shown together.

No exact property address or client details are identified.

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Drain RepairsDrain ReliningBlocked Sewer
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Scott Johnstone clearing an outdoor drain line at a Sydney home
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