Tree Roots Blocking Pipes? Discover Effective Pool Solutions

Your pool area might appear stunning, but you could be experiencing ongoing drain backups in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations employing advanced camera technology on blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipes.

Fixing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the various causes of blockages, the methods we use for detection, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by tackling the problem from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Exist Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

Many backyard pools in Sydney are surrounded by paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will typically find several drainage lines:

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

It’s essential to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework, linking the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. Our primary focus here is on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

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

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water cannot escape, which can cause flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs in the sewer line, it might result in showers, toilets, and floor waste inside the house backing up.

If you’re landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant that can help prevent blocked drains. This guide provides information on trees that are safer to place near pipework.

What Signs Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Keep an eye out 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 gurgles when the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn near the pool

Each of these signs suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground. A camera inspection will allow us to accurately identify the problem.

Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing drainage around a pool can be a daunting task that often results in damage. Generally, reaching a pipe involves 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.

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. In the case highlighted below, relining enabled us to navigate 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 significant issues in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered substantial 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 post-relining.

Rather than suggesting excavation, we took the following approach:

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 less than six hours.

What Is the Pipe Relining Process Without Excavation?

We utilise a method 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. This creates a new pipe within the old one, effectively sealing 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 undisturbed.

Our dedicated team oversees every step of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection through to the final stages, without subcontractors. For more information on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not an Option for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged but maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point where a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

At times, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist in the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Around a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is performed first to evaluate the damage and ensure that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced.

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

We remove the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Following this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera detects 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 Common Issues Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a predominant cause of blockages we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they capture debris. A camera inspection will help identify 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 responsible for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines regarding repair responsibilities, the owner must also remove tree roots invading the junction at the connection point. If our camera footage shows 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 facilitate the reporting process.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire mentioned earlier 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 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 aim is to determine a method for repairing the drain from inside the pipe before considering excavation. 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 one of our team members will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.