Can tree roots really break a pipe? How is it fixed?

Yes. Roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside drains. They enter through small cracks or loose joints, then grow inside the pipe, catching debris and forming blockages. Over time they can widen cracks and damage the pipe structure.

Signs include recurring blockages in the same spot, slow drainage that returns soon after clearing, and gurgling.

Clearing roots is done mechanically, often with a rotary cutter or high-pressure jetting. But cutting roots back does not stop them returning. A CCTV survey identifies the entry point, and a lasting fix usually means repairing or relining the damaged section so roots can no longer get in.