Beneath the neatly kept lawns of suburban Australia, an unsettling discovery has highlighted a hidden danger lurking beneath many homes, which can expose a serious risk that homeowners may not even realise exists.
This recent find by a tradesman serves as a stark reminder of the unseen hazards beneath our feet—ones that could have major consequences for property safety.
A video that recently went viral on social media, with over 1.8 million views, shows a tradesperson, pulling an alarmingly long, brown sludge from a drainage pipe beneath the lawn of a home on the NSW Central Coast.
This ‘land worm’, as it’s colloquially known, was actually a massive tree root that had infiltrated the pipe.
Plumber Mitchell Evans, who extracted the root, remarked that it was the largest he’d encountered in his two decades in the industry. Meanwhile, his colleague, Fynn Nevstad, who filmed the extraction, noted the strength of the root, which had likely been growing inside the pipe for around 30 years.
They said their team often encounters such issues, which can be expensive to resolve. In severe cases, homeowners may face costs of up to $20,000 to rectify the problem.
@turnerandcoplumbing Commentary on this one is 10/10 😂 Massive root system growing in this storm water drain! #plumbersoftiktok #tradiesoftiktok #rootpull ♬ original sound – Turner & Co Plumbing
Tree roots are naturally attracted to moisture, and even the tiniest crack in a drainage pipe can invite them in.
‘If left unaddressed, stormwater system damage can escalate into severe plumbing and property issues,’ Trent X from a different plumbing company explained to Yahoo News.
He adds that tree roots can lead to collapsed pipes, flooding, and even health hazards due to stagnant water.
The cost of repairs can vary, but a full system replacement can be a financial nightmare. To prevent such a situation, a proactive approach is essential. Per experts, this includes:
- Regular gutter maintenance to stop debris from clogging the stormwater system,
- Thoughtful landscaping to ensure that trees with invasive roots are not planted near plumbing lines, and
- Proactive inspections.
Meanwhile, for those building a new home, it’s crucial to consider the materials of the pipes and to include inspection openings for easy access by plumbers.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for all homeowners. The beauty of your lawn could be concealing a ticking time bomb that could disrupt not only the tranquillity of your garden but also the integrity of your property. It’s a reminder that what’s out of sight should not be out of mind when it comes to home maintenance.
Have you experienced similar issues with your property? Share your stories and tips in the comments below to help fellow members of the YourLifeChoices community avoid this ‘severe’ property danger.
Also read: Homeowners beware: ‘World’s worst’ invaders spreading across Australian properties
