Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

While your pool area may be visually appealing, you could be experiencing persistent drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using state-of-the-art camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipe systems.

Dealing with a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate the removal of pavers or excavation of your garden. This article delves into the various causes of blockages, the techniques we use to identify them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by repairing issues from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Typically Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

Many backyard pools across Sydney boast a range of features including paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these hard surfaces, you are likely to find several drainage lines:

• The sewer line connecting to the home
• Stormwater drainage systems serving 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 links the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems discussed here. This article specifically addresses the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root infiltration.

In What Ways Do Tree Roots Lead to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are naturally drawn to 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 infiltrates, it thrives in the moist environment inside the pipe, accumulating waste and debris, which eventually leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, the backwash water has no place to go, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it may lead to backflow in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, we recommend consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to prevent blocked drains. This guide provides information on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for the following symptoms around your pool and inside your home:

• The 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 makes gurgling noises when the pool is being backwashed
• Water gathers on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these signs indicates a possibly blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately pinpoint the issue.

Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Beneficial?

Accessing the drainage system around a pool can be quite challenging and often results in damage. Locating a pipe usually involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After the pipe is repaired, restoring the paving and landscaping can be both extensive and costly.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the case described below, relining enabled us to work around steep stairs and an established garden without causing any disruption.

Case Study: Effective Pipe Relining Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire

A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire reached out to us regarding three major 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 revealed significant root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately three metres beneath the pavers.

The accompanying images illustrate the scenario: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.

Rather than 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 joints and junctions.

The stormwater line was restored to full functionality, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Steps Are Involved in 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 left to cure, forming a new pipe inside 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 manages every aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without using subcontractors. For further details on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not an Effective Solution for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is most effective for pipes that are damaged but still retain their shape. If a section has collapsed to a 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, leading to stagnant water, which necessitates 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 these situations, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage needed to assist with the reporting process.

What Are Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains?

Is It Possible to Reline the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool?

Absolutely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. An initial camera inspection is conducted to evaluate the damage and confirm that a liner can be installed. Any sections that have collapsed or sunk will need to be excavated and replaced.

What Methods Are Used to Fix a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We clear the blockage with 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 Common Issues Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a leading cause of blockages we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots invade 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 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 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, including root clearing and lining of the affected 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.

Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

Our objective is 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.