Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area might look stunning, but you could be dealing with the issue of frequent drain backups in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have invaded the joints of older piping systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the causes of these blockages, the techniques we utilise to identify them, and how pipe relining presents an effective solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.

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

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these hard surfaces, you will commonly find several drainage lines:

• The 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 is essential to clarify 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 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 attract them. Roots from trees situated several metres away can extend toward a broken joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates, it thrives in the moist environment within the pipe, gathering waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, the backwash water has no escape route, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home backing up.

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

What Signs Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be alert for the following indicators around your pool and within your home:

• Pool water drains slowly or backs up during backwashing
• The backwash line experiences overflow
• Water bubbles up through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower produces gurgling sounds while the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these symptoms points to a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately identify the problem.

Why Should Excavation Around a Pool Be Avoided?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a complex task that often leads to damage. Reaching a pipe typically requires lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, the process of restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and expensive.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the highlighted case below, relining allowed us to navigate around 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 significant issues in their backyard:

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

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

Instead of recommending excavation, we undertook 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, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Pipe Relining Process Without Excavation?

We employ a technique known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is introduced 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 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 step of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For further details on 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 but still retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that portion will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has settled and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Sometimes, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist in the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Absolutely. 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 excavation and replacement.

What Techniques 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 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 Common 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 infiltrate joints that leak water and grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection will help determine 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 responsible for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines on 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 falls to Sydney Water, and we will provide the necessary footage to report it.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?

The relining job in Sutherland Shire, referenced 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 after the camera inspection.

Arrange a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

Our aim is to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and 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.