Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area might exude charm, yet persistent drain backups nearby can be a significant issue. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology on blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older pipe systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the techniques we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by rectifying the problem from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Located Under Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the area surrounding them is generally covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Underneath this hard landscape, you will typically find a variety of drainage lines:

• The sewer line connected to the household
• Stormwater drainage systems that originate from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework, which links the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. The focus here is on the drainage lines, which are especially susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively seek moisture sources, and even the tiniest leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees situated several metres away can extend towards a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, trapping waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water has no outlet, resulting in potential flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is within the sewer line, it may cause backups in showers, toilets, and floor drains within the home.

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

What Symptoms Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

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

• Pool water drains sluggishly or backs up during backwashing
• The backwash line overflows
• Water surfaces through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower emits gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
• Water collects on the pavers or grass adjacent to the pool

Each of these signs suggests a potentially blocked or compromised pipe underground, and a camera inspection can accurately identify the issue.

Why Is It Crucial to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing the drainage around a pool presents a challenging task often leading to 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 repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. In the case outlined below, relining allowed us to work 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 issues in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered substantial root intrusion from a nearby tree, fractures in an old earthenware line, and several blocked junctions situated approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The images provided illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe post-relining.

Rather than recommending excavation, we took 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 disturbance to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in less than six hours.

What Is the Pipe Relining Process Without Excavation?

We utilise a method called cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is inserted into the damaged segment of the pipe, pressed against the inner surface, and left to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the existing 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 the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.

Our dedicated team handles every aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without the involvement of 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 is effective 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 section will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

At times, our camera inspections reveal that roots have invaded the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls on Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist in 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 located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted initially to evaluate the damage and confirm that 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 Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We clear blockages 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 efficiently seals the damage without the need to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.

What Common Factors Lead to 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 joints that leak water and continue to grow until they ensnare debris. A camera inspection will help 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 on repair responsibilities, the owner must also clear tree roots that invade the junction at the connection point. If our camera footage reveals that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we will supply 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 less than six hours, including root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The duration for your specific drain will depend on the length of the damaged area, the number of joints requiring 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 identify a 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, 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.