Your pool area may look stunning, but ongoing drain blockages can pose a major problem. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using sophisticated camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently uncover invasive tree roots that breach the joints of older pipe systems.
Fixing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the typical causes of blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining effectively resolves the issue from within the pipe itself.
What Drainage Systems Are Commonly Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?
In many backyard pools throughout Sydney, the area surrounding the pool typically includes paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, various drainage lines are usually installed:
- The household sewer line
- Stormwater drainage systems that originate 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 on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.
How Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?
Tree roots are instinctively 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 penetrates the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, capturing waste and debris, which ultimately results in a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water cannot drain away, potentially leading to flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor drains within the home to back up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consult our guide on appropriate tree species to plant, which can help prevent blocked drains. This guide provides insights into trees that are safer to position near pipework.
What Indicators Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Watch for these 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 makes gurgling sounds during pool backwashing
- Water collects on the pavers or lawn near the pool
Each of these signs indicates a potentially blocked or damaged pipe beneath the surface. A camera inspection will allow us to pinpoint the exact issue.
Why Is It Advantageous to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a daunting task that often results in damage. Typically, gaining access to 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.
That’s why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the example below, relining enabled us to navigate 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 major 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 significant root intrusion from a nearby tree, fractures in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.
The images below illustrate the scenario: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe post-relining.
Instead of recommending excavation, we took the following steps:
- We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment.
- We installed a resin liner throughout the damaged section to seal the cracks 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 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, 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 stages, without engaging subcontractors. For more 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 retain their overall shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that 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, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.
At times, 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 required footage 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 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 require excavation and replacement.
What Methods Are Used to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?
We resolve the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. After 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 the need to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.
What Are the Key Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a primary cause we frequently encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots infiltrate joints that leak water and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection helps pinpoint the specific cause of the blockage in your drain.
Who Is Accountable 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 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 Typically Take Near a Pool?
The relining project in Sutherland Shire, mentioned earlier, was completed in under six hours, including root clearing and relining of the damaged section. The time required 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 a timeline after the camera inspection.
Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool
We strive to identify 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 notice 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 team member will explain 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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