Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area might exude charm, but recurring drain backups can pose a serious problem. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations utilise cutting-edge camera technology to inspect blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools. Frequently, these inspections unveil invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of older pipe systems.

Fixing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of these blockages, the methods we employ for detection, and how pipe relining serves as an effective solution by repairing the damage from inside the pipe.

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

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is generally covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Below this hardscape, you will typically find several drainage lines:

• The sewer line connected to the household
• Stormwater drainage systems that originate from the roof, paving, and pool surrounds
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework—connecting 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.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively seek sources of moisture, and even a tiny leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees located 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 moist conditions, trapping waste and debris, and eventually causing a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has no alternative route, which may lead to flooding on the pool deck. If the obstruction occurs within the sewer line, it can trigger backups in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to help prevent blocked drains. This guide provides valuable insights into trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Symptoms Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for the following 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 emits gurgling noises when the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these indicators points to a possible blockage or damage to the underground pipes, and a camera inspection will assist us in accurately diagnosing the issue.

Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

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

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. In the example described below, relining enabled us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing any 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 adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling noises emanating from the back garden
• Water pooling in a tiled corner

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered considerable root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an aging earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The images below depict the scenario: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe post-relining.

Instead of recommending excavation, we executed 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.

How Does the Pipe Relining Process Work Without Excavation?

We employ 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 old one. This process 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 undisturbed.

Our dedicated team oversees every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final steps, without involving subcontractors. For more details about 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 retain 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, resulting in stagnant water; this necessitates reinstalling 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 these situations, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary 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, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to assess 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 clear 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 needing to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.

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

Tree roots are a primary cause we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints 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 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 footage 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 for reporting.

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.

Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We aim 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 starting 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.