Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may look appealing, but you could be dealing with ongoing drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of ageing pipes in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools.

Resolving a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by repairing the issue internally.

What Drainage Systems Are Typically Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding area is generally covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hard landscape, several drainage lines are commonly found:

• The household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems originating from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is important to understand that the pool’s filtration system, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. This discussion focuses on the drainage lines, which are especially prone to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively seek out moisture sources, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can stretch towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, accumulating waste and debris that ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water cannot drain properly, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house to back up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to prevent blocked drains. This guide offers information on trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Signs Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for the following indicators around your pool and within your home:

• Pool water drains slowly or backs up during backwashing
• The backwash line overflows
• Water bubbles up through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower makes gurgling sounds while the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn next to the pool

Each of these symptoms points to a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Is It Best to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be challenging and often results in damage. Typically, reaching a pipe requires lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining edges, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In a recent case, relining allowed us to work around steep stairs and an established garden without causing disruption.

Case Study: Effective Pipe Relining Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire

A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire reached out to us regarding three major issues in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling noises coming from the back garden
• Water pooling in a tiled corner

Our CCTV drain inspection revealed considerable root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately three metres beneath the pavers.

The accompanying images illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe following the relining procedure.

Instead of suggesting excavation, we undertook the following steps:

1. We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools.
2. We installed a resin liner throughout the damaged section to seal the cracked junctions and joints.

The stormwater line was restored to optimal flow without disturbing the pavers or garden beds. The entire operation was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Procedure for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We utilise a technique known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is inserted into the damaged section of the pipe, pressed against the interior surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the existing one. This method seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points targeted by tree roots. We access the pipe through an existing entry point, such as an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain intact.

Our dedicated team manages every step of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For further details on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Ideal for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is effective for pipes that are damaged but maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the degree that a liner cannot be inserted, that part will need excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, which necessitates reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such instances, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the necessary footage to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, as long as the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted initially to assess the damage and verify that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need excavation and replacement.

What Methods Are Used to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We eliminate the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Afterwards, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera identifies cracked joints or root entry points, we can install a resin liner from within the pipe through an existing access point. This repair effectively seals the damage without the need to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.

What Are the Common Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary issue we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots infiltrate joints that leak water and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection is crucial for identifying the specific cause of the blockage in your drain.

Who Is Responsible for Removing Tree Roots From a Sewer Pipe in Sydney?

The property owner is accountable for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines regarding repair responsibilities, the owner must also clear tree roots that invade the junction at the connection point. If our camera footage indicates that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we will provide the necessary footage to report it.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire, mentioned in this article, was completed in under six hours, which included root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The duration for your drain will depend on the length of the damaged area, the number of joints requiring sealing, and the accessibility of the entry point. We will provide you with a timeline after the camera inspection.

Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

Our aim is to identify a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will show you the camera footage prior to commencing any work.

If you notice signs of a blocked drain near your pool, arrange a CCTV inspection or contact The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or one of our team members will explain the inspection process and what we will be examining.