Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may appear stunning, but you might be dealing with ongoing drain backups in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using state-of-the-art camera technology on blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often uncover invasive tree roots infiltrating the joints of older piping systems.

Fixing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate the removal of pavers or the digging up of your garden. This article delves into the reasons behind blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by addressing the issue from inside the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney residential pools, the area surrounding them is typically adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Underneath this hardscape, you will usually discover various drainage lines:

• The household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems 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 will focus on the drainage lines, which are especially susceptible to root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

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

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, the backwash water has no way to escape, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs in the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house to back up.

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

What Are the Signs of 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 sounds when the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these symptoms indicates a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground. A camera inspection will accurately identify the issue.

Why Should Excavation Around a Pool Be Avoided?

Accessing the drainage beneath a pool can be a complicated 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. After repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be a lengthy and costly process.

For this reason, we favour relining methods over excavation. The case highlighted below illustrates how relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and established gardens 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 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 considerable root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately three metres beneath the pavers.

The images below depict the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe after the relining process.

Rather than recommending excavation, we undertook the following actions:

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 disrupting 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 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 creating a new pipe within the old one. This process seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points exploited by tree roots. Access to the pipe is achieved through an existing entry point, such as an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain untouched.

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

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining suits pipes that are damaged but still largely retain 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, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

In some cases, our camera inspections may 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?

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 have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced.

What Methods Are Utilised 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 through an existing access point. This repair effectively seals the damage without requiring the lifting of pavers, cutting of slabs, or disturbance of the garden.

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

Tree roots are a primary issue 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 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 clear any 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 to report it.

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 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 you with a timeline following the camera inspection.

Arrange a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We aim to determine a method for repairing the drain from inside the pipe before considering excavation. We will show you the camera footage before commencing any work.

If you notice 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.