Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

While your pool area may appear stunning, persistent drain backups in the surrounding area can create significant frustration. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations employing cutting-edge camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools frequently uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipe systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate the lifting of pavers or excavation of your garden. This article delves into the various causes of blockages, the methodologies we use to identify them, and how pipe relining provides a reliable internal repair solution.

What Types of Drainage Systems Are Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous backyard pools throughout Sydney, the surrounding area is often embellished with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you can typically find several drainage lines:

• The household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems that redirect water from the roof, paving, and pool area
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is crucial 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 around the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are instinctively drawn to moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root breaches the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, trapping waste and debris, which ultimately results in a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water cannot escape, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home backing up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider checking our guide on suitable tree species to plant in order to prevent blocked drains. This resource offers valuable insights on trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be vigilant for the following signs around your pool and inside 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 produces gurgling sounds when the pool is backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn near the pool

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

Why Is It Preferable to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a daunting task that often leads to damage. Accessing a pipe typically involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. Restoring the paving and landscaping post-repair can be extensive and costly.

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. The case illustrated below shows how 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 pressing 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 significant root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an aged earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

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

Instead of recommending excavation, we took 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 process was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Process for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We utilise a technique called 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 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 untouched.

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

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

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

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

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Absolutely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surroundings, provided the pipes are structurally sound. A camera inspection is conducted first to evaluate the damage and confirm 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 eliminate the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Following this, 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 needing to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.

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

Tree roots are a primary cause of blockages encountered 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 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 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 for reporting.

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 needing sealing, and the accessibility of the entry point. We will provide you with a timeline following the camera inspection.

Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

Our objective is to determine a repair method from within the pipe before considering 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 one of our team members will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.