Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may be aesthetically pleasing, but recurrent drain backups can quickly lead to frustration. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using cutting-edge camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often uncover invasive tree roots that infiltrate the joints of older pipes.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Types of Drainage Systems Are Typically Found Under Your Backyard Pool?

In many backyard pools around Sydney, the surrounding area is often paved, tiled, or decked, or bordered by retaining walls and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will usually find several drainage lines:

• A sewer line connected to the household
• Stormwater drainage systems that capture runoff from the roof, paving, and pool area
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It’s crucial to distinguish between the pool’s filtration pipework, which links the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets and operates under pressure, and the drainage systems. This discussion focuses on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Lead to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are naturally drawn to sources of moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root gains entry into the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, capturing waste and debris, ultimately leading to a blockage.

When a drain adjacent to the pool becomes blocked, the backwash water has no outlet, often causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can result in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home backing up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, we recommend consulting our guide on suitable tree species for planting to avoid blocked drains. This guide provides information on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Indicators Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for these signs 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 pools 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 assist us in accurately diagnosing the problem.

Why Is Excavation Around a Pool Often Not the Best Solution?

Gaining access to drainage around a pool can be a complex task that frequently results in damage. Accessing a pipe usually involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining edges, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, reinstating the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

This is why we favour relining methods instead of 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 concerning three significant 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 uncovered substantial root intrusion from a nearby tree, fractures in an old earthenware line, and several blocked junctions situated approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

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

Rather than suggesting excavation, we implemented 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 any disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under 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 inner surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This approach seals any cracks, leaking joints, and potential entry points for tree roots. We access the pipe via an existing entry point, such as an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain intact.

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

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining works best for pipes that are damaged but still maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to an extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will need excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which requires reinstalling the pipe to the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs rests with 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?

Definitely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to evaluate the damage and ensure that a liner can be installed. If any sections are collapsed or sunken, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced.

What Techniques Are Used to Unblock a Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We use high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools to clear blockages. Following this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera reveals 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 needing to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.

What Common Problems Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary cause of blockages we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection will help pinpoint the specific cause of the blockage in your drain.

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

Property owners are responsible 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 will lie 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 discussed 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 following the camera inspection.

Arrange a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We strive to find a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will share the camera footage with you 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 detail what we will be looking for.