Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Areas

Your pool area might be stunning, but recurring drain backups can become a major inconvenience. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our detailed investigations, using state-of-the-art camera technology for blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools, often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of aging pipe systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate removing pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides a durable solution by rectifying the issue from within the pipe itself.

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

In numerous Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is often paved, tiled, decked, or bordered by retaining walls and garden beds. Below this hardscape, several drainage lines are typically present:

• The household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems from the roof, pavement, 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 focuses on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root invasion.

How Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, so even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees situated several metres away can extend toward a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root gains entry, it thrives in the damp environment, trapping waste and debris, which eventually leads to a blockage.

When a drain adjacent to the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs in the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes within the home to back up.

If you’re landscaping around a new pool, we suggest consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to prevent blocked drains. This guide provides insights into trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be alert to these indicators 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 emits gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn near the pool

Each of these warning signs suggests a potentially blocked or damaged underground pipe, and a camera inspection will help us accurately determine the issue.

Why Is Excavation Around a Pool to Be Avoided?

Gaining access to the drainage surrounding a pool can be a challenging endeavour that often results in damage. Accessing a pipe usually requires 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.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In a case highlighted below, relining enabled us to work around steep steps 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 significant issues in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling sounds from the back garden
• Water pooling in a tiled corner

Our CCTV drain inspection revealed substantial root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware pipe, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

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

Instead of suggesting 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.

What Is the Procedure for Pipe Relining 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 forming a new pipe within the old one. This technique 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 employing subcontractors. For more information about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged yet still retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point that a liner cannot be inserted, that portion will need excavation and replacement. Likewise, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, which necessitates reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In these instances, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage required to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Queries 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 surrounds, as long as the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is performed first to evaluate 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 Techniques Are Used to Unblock a 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 intrusion, 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 Frequent Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary issue we often 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 will assist in identifying 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 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 mentioned in this article was completed in under six hours, encompassing 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 after the camera inspection.

Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We aim to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will share the camera footage with you prior to 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.