Your pool area may be aesthetically pleasing, but ongoing drain backups nearby could be a source of irritation. In Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our camera technology investigations of blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently uncover intrusive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipes.
Fixing a blocked pool drain does not always require lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we employ to detect them, and how pipe relining serves as a dependable solution by mending the problem from inside the pipe itself.
What Drainage Systems Are Present Under Your Backyard Pool?
In many Sydney backyard pools, the area around them is usually paved, tiled, decked, or surrounded by retaining walls and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will generally find several drainage systems:
- The household sewer line
- Stormwater drainage systems 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, connecting the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. This discussion will concentrate on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.
How Do Tree Roots Block 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 reach a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters a pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, trapping waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool clogs, the backwash water has nowhere to go, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house to back up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider our guide on appropriate tree species to plant to avoid blocked drains. This resource offers suggestions on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.
What Are the Signs of a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Be vigilant 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 next to the pool
Each of these symptoms indicates a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will allow us to accurately identify the problem.
Why Is Excavation Around a Pool Not Recommended?
Accessing the drainage around a pool can be complex and often leads to damage. Usually, 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 time-consuming and costly.
For this reason, we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the example below, relining allowed us to work 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 Sutherland Shire reached out to us regarding three major issues in their backyard:
- A blocked stormwater line next to their in-ground pool
- Gurgling sounds coming from the back garden
- Water accumulating in a tiled corner
Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered significant root invasion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located around 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 following the relining process.
Instead of suggesting excavation, we undertook the following steps:
- We unclogged the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools.
- We installed a resin liner throughout the damaged section to seal the cracked junctions and joints.
The stormwater line was successfully restored to optimal flow without disturbing 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 known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is inserted into the damaged section of the pipe, pressed against the inner surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating 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 untouched.
Our dedicated team manages every step of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection through to the final stages, without involving 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 works best for pipes that are damaged but still maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that part 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.
Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In these situations, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage required to assist in the reporting process.
Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains
Can Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?
Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection will be conducted first 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 Methods Are Used to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?
We eliminate the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. After this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera detects 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 Causes Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a primary factor we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate joints that leak water 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 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 shows that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we will provide the necessary footage to report it.
How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?
The relining project in Sutherland Shire mentioned earlier 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.
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 before starting any work.
If you notice signs of a blocked drain near your pool, arrange 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.
Original Article First Published At: When Tree Roots Block Pipes Around Your Pool — And How to Fix It Without Digging Up Your Garden
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