Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

While your pool area may appear stunning, persistent drain backups nearby can pose a serious issue. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our thorough investigations utilising advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipes.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not necessarily involve lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the detection techniques we employ, and how pipe relining provides a durable solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.

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

In many Sydney backyard pools, the areas surrounding them are typically paved, tiled, or decked, often accompanied by retaining walls and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will often encounter various drainage lines:

• The sewer line from the household
• Stormwater drainage systems originating from the roof, paving, and surrounding pool area
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is crucial to note that the filtration pipework for the pool, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. This discussion concentrates on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are inherently drawn to sources of moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away are capable of reaching towards a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root penetrates, it thrives in the moist environment within the pipe, collecting waste and debris, which eventually leads to a blockage.

When a drain adjacent to the pool becomes blocked, backwash water lacks an escape route, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is within the sewer line, it may lead to backflow in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant, which outlines trees that are safer to position near pipework to prevent blocked drains.

What Signs Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be on the lookout 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 produces gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
• Water collects on the pavers or lawn near the pool

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

Why Is It Preferable to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to drainage around a pool can be a challenging process that often results in damage. Accessing a pipe typically involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining edges, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. Following the repair of the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

For this reason, we favour relining methods over excavation. In the case illustrated below, relining allowed us to navigate 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 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 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 after the relining process.

Rather than suggesting 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 its optimal flow, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Are the Steps Involved in Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We utilise a technique 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 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, which ensures that the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.

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

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged but retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that 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, which necessitates the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such instances, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary for the reporting process.

Common Questions Regarding 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 performed initially to assess 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 Utilised to Repair a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We resolve the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. After 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 primary issue we 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 responsible 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 reveals that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs lies with 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, 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.

Book 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 share the camera footage with you 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 examining.