Tree root penetrating sewer pipe

Updates

• Thank you for your report, this is now being investigated. Information on our services and the timeframes we aim to respond in can be found: http://www.bromley.gov.uk/ fixservices

  State changed to: In progress

  Posted by Bromley Council at 12:47, Fri 3 March 2023

• We have investigated this report and have made contact with the report originator to outline further details. This report is now closed on FixMyStreet.

  State changed to: No further action

  Posted by Bromley Council at 10:37, Fri 10 March 2023

• Thank you for your enquiry. If you have concerns that the tree is causing damage to your property, please click on the below link to start this process: https://www.bromley.gov.uk/ customer-services/ insurance-claims. With regards to your concerns about damage to your drains, I can inform you that tree roots may grow into leaking drains and sewers, but only if they are cracked.

  Tree roots do not possess the ability to sense water and penetrate an intact drain; therefore, the only solution I can suggest is that you make your drains watertight.

  If a tree root encounters wet soil caused by leaking or damaged services and/or drains, increased root activity may occur. This may result in roots entering and blocking services or drains. In situations such as this the Borough suggests that you pay to have your drains repaired to make them watertight.

  State changed to: Closed

  Posted by Bromley Council at 10:38, Fri 10 March 2023

• It is Thames Water that have informed me on the 2 occasions they have come out to the blocked sewer that it is a tree root that is causing the issue and unless the tree is cut back this will continue to happen.

  It is unreasonable to expect several home to contend with backed up sewage and this leaking onto the public pathway for children to step in

  I’ve lived here 10 years and this tree has never been attended to fully and is out of control.

  You need to attend the site urgently

  Posted anonymously at 10:43, Fri 10 March 2023

• I’m getting extremely frustrated

  You are advising I make water tight something I don’t own. Thames Water are telling me to contact you to take control of the tree.

  I’m stuck in the middle between the 2 of you whilst sewage backs ups into our home. The smell is awful.

  I wish to make an official complaint.

  State changed to: Open

  Posted anonymously at 11:08, Fri 10 March 2023

• Our contractor has been notified to take the appropriate action.

  State changed to: In progress

  Posted by Bromley Council at 15:38, Thu 16 March 2023

• My apologies, works are raised to crown reduce the tree, which will be maintained on a cycle of 3 years reductions to remove regrowth, to mitigate further root development. At this time of year the tree is in its dormant state and if the drains are still leaking, it is recommended that you speak to Thames Water, a sleeve could be fitted to the interior of the drain to prevent further leaks. I enclose below link to our complaints procedure: https://www.bromley.gov.uk/ complaints

  Posted by Bromley Council at 15:46, Thu 16 March 2023

• There is a notice of works on the neighbouring tree. The tree that is causing the problem is outside 119 and 121, just to the side of the footpath for the school, not the one with intention of works attached to it.

  Posted anonymously at 13:15, Thu 23 March 2023

• Thank you for your comments. I have raised works for the second tree and notified the contractor of the fact that both trees need work.

  Posted by Bromley Council at 08:06, Fri 24 March 2023

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  Further sewage leak onto path due to blockage by the tree. Thames water notified but again told it’s the root that needs clearing. Please review this. Home insurance are saying the tree needs to be reduced it’s too close to property.

  Posted anonymously at 12:34, Sat 25 March 2023

• Thank you for your comments. I have added further works to the enquiry to crown reduce the tree adjacent to leak. Please could you communicate this to Thames Water so that the leak can be repaired.

  Posted by Bromley Council at 10:12, Mon 3 April 2023

• Thank you for your continued patience whilst we work to resolve your enquiry.

  Posted by Bromley Council at 08:09, Mon 15 May 2023

• Appropriate action has been taken to resolve the issue.

  State changed to: Fixed

  Posted by Bromley Council at 13:13, Mon 5 June 2023