Your pool area may be stunning, but recurring drain backups can be incredibly frustrating. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using state-of-the-art camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools frequently uncover that invasive tree roots have intruded into the joints of older pipes.
Fixing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always mean lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the reasons behind these blockages, the techniques we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by repairing the problem from within the pipe itself.
What Drainage Systems Are Located Under Your Backyard Pool?
In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is typically adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, a variety of drainage lines can usually be found:
- The main sewer line from the household
- Stormwater drainage systems originating from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
- The pool backwash line
- Overflow drains and subsoil drains
It’s essential 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 specifically addresses the drainage lines, which are especially 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 damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root gains entry, it flourishes in the damp environment inside the pipe, accumulating waste and debris that ultimately results in a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, the backwash water has no escape route, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it may lead to showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home backing up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant in order to avert blocked drains. This guide provides insights into trees that are safer to position near pipework.
What Symptoms Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Stay alert 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 rises through a garden drain or grate
- A sink or shower produces gurgling sounds during pool backwashing
- 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 enable us to accurately diagnose the problem.
Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Preferable?
Gaining access to drainage around a pool can be quite challenging and often results in damage. Typically, accessing a pipe involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After 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 below, relining enabled us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing disruption.
Case Study: Effective Pipe Relining Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire
A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire reached out to us regarding three significant concerns 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 severe root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions situated around 3 metres below 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.
Rather than suggesting excavation, we carried out the following steps:
- We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools.
- 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 disturbance to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.
How Does Pipe Relining Function Without Excavation?
We utilise a technique known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is inserted into the affected 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 undisturbed.
Our dedicated team oversees every phase of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection through to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For further details about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.
When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?
Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged but still retain their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will necessitate excavation and replacement. If a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to 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 assist in the reporting process.
Common Queries Regarding 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 performed first to evaluate the damage and determine if a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced.
What Techniques Are Employed to Resolve 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 identifies cracked joints or root entry points, we can install a resin liner from within the pipe via 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 Cause Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a primary culprit we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate joints that leak water 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?
The property owner is accountable 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 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 mentioned in this article was completed in under six hours, which included root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The timeline 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 an estimated timeframe after the camera inspection.
Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool
Our goal is to determine the best method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will show you the camera footage prior to commencing any work.
If you observe signs of a blocked drain near your pool, arrange a CCTV inspection or contact The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or another member of our team will outline the inspection process and what we will be looking for.
Original Article First Published At: When Tree Roots Block Pipes Around Your Pool — And How to Fix It Without Digging Up Your Garden
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