Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may appear stunning, yet you might be dealing with ongoing drainage issues nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines around pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older pipe systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate the lifting of pavers or the excavation of your garden. This article delves into the causes of these blockages, the methods we use to identify them, and how pipe relining serves as an effective solution by tackling the issue from inside the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Found Underneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is typically adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hard landscaping, you will usually encounter several drainage lines:

• The household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems from roofs, paving, and the pool area
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is vital to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. This discussion centres on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

In What Ways Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are instinctively drawn to sources of moisture. Even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can extend towards a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates the pipe, it thrives in the damp environment, capturing waste and debris, ultimately resulting in a blockage.

When a drain located near the pool becomes blocked, the backwash water cannot escape, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to backups in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on tree species that are less likely to cause blockages in drains. This guide provides valuable information on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Symptoms Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be alert for the following signs around your pool and within your home:

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

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

Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Highly Recommended?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a complex task that often leads to damage. Typically, reaching a pipe requires lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

For this reason, we favour relining methods over excavation. As demonstrated in the case below, relining enabled 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 with three significant issues in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered extensive root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 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 after the relining process.

Instead of recommending excavation, we undertook the following steps:

1. We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment.
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, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Steps Are Involved in 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 forming a new pipe within the old one. This method seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points exploited 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 stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, with no involvement from subcontractors. For further information on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not a Suitable Option for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged yet remain mostly intact. If a section has collapsed to the point where a liner cannot be inserted, that portion will necessitate excavation and replacement. If a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which requires the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

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

Common Queries About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes situated beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to evaluate the damage and ascertain whether a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or subsided, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

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

We clear the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment. Following this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera identifies cracked joints or entry points for roots, 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, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots infiltrate joints that leak water and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection can help pinpoint 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 remove tree roots that invade the junction at the connection point. If our camera shows that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs falls to 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, including root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The time required for your drain will depend on the length of the damaged area, the number of joints needing sealing, and the accessibility of the entry point. We will provide you with a timeline after the camera inspection.

Arrange a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

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

If you observe signs of a blocked drain near your pool, schedule a CCTV inspection or contact The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or a member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.