RAINWATER MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABLE
OPTIONS TO COUNTER ROOT INGRESS
The UK Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years will significantly reshape the housing landscape, placing greater pressure on the industry to build sustainably, and balancing infrastructure needs with environmental responsibility.
A
s urban expansion continues, trees and green spaces are playing a more prominent role in planning, providing vital benefits such as improved air quality, flood resilience, and biodiversity. However, as more developments embrace urban greenery, an often-overlooked challenge is becoming more prevalent: root ingress. With tree roots naturally seeking out moisture, underground pipes are at risk of damage, blockages, and costly repairs if not properly protected.
Steve Jeffries, product manager for foul water systems at Wavin, explains that construction professionals can safeguard drainage infrastructure while supporting greener, more resilient urban environments with the innovative technologies available on the market today.
The risk beneath the surface “As urban areas incorporate more green spaces, ensuring that drainage systems can withstand environmental challenges without costly maintenance is becoming increasingly important,” he says. “Whilst best practice dictates that drains aren’t located in the vicinity of trees, in reality, and with an increased interest in biodiversity, they often co-exist around homes.”
In a residential setting, trees are faced with compacted soil and challenges brought about by climate change, such as higher temperatures and less water to grow, leading roots to hunt harder for water and nutrients. Jeffires explains that this means as trees establish their root systems and instinctively seek out water sources, they often find their way into underground drainage pipes through joints.
“Left unchecked, root ingress, often a silent culprit, can cause severe issues, leading to blockages, leaks, and even pipe collapse. This can result in costly repairs, environmental damage, and disruption for homeowners and communities,” he adds.
With increasing house density and
underground space at a premium, it’s no longer feasible to simply avoid planting near drainage infrastructure to combat this issue. Instead, the industry requires solutions that allow trees and drainage systems to coexist without compromising performance or sustainability.
The root of the problem Jeffries says that the best way of dealing with root ingress is to try and prevent it from happening in the first place. Traditional methods such as physical barriers or chemical treatments can be invasive and potentially harmful to the surrounding ecosystem, and the industry needs solutions that offer long-term protection without negatively impacting biodiversity.
April 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
“This is where innovative solutions like our RootSeal Technology comes in. Integrated into the seal of Wavin OsmaDrain pipes, RootSeal gently discourages roots from penetrating pipe joints. The drains contain a natural mineral additive, identifiable by the green lining in the pipe seal, which safely repeals tree roots from pipes to reduce potential damage,” he adds. Preventing root intrusion at the source stops the domino effect of problems before they even start – minimising the need for potentially disruptive work further down the line. This means a reduced risk of costly repairs or replacements needed.
Jeffries continues: “By helping drainage systems to co-exist with trees and other urban and residential vegetation, this type of innovative technology can help to increase biodiversity and flood resilience, enhancing the sustainability credentials of any development.”
Future proofing developments The government’s housing targets place construction professionals under increasing pressure to deliver at speed - without compromising on quality or sustainability. Protecting critical below ground infrastructure from long-term risks should be a fundamental consideration at the design and specification stage, ensuring drainage networks remain efficient, durable, and fit for purpose. “With sustainability set to play an even greater role in future housing developments, drainage systems must be designed with longevity and resilience in mind.
“By integrating solutions that deal with critical issues, such as root ingress, developers can create residential and commercial projects that thrive alongside nature rather than being damaged by it. Solutions like our OsmaDrain with RootSeal Technology provide the tools to meet today’s demands while guaranteeing that the developments of tomorrow stand the test of time.” BMJ
29
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