Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Your Pool Area

Your pool area may be stunning, but frequent drain backups in the vicinity can be incredibly annoying. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, we often uncover invasive tree roots infiltrating the joints of older piping systems. Using advanced camera technology, we investigate blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools to identify these issues.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the causes of these blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by tackling the problem from within the existing pipe.

Understanding the Drainage Systems Underneath Your Backyard Pool

Many backyard pools throughout Sydney feature stylish paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will typically find several drainage lines:

• The sewer line connected to your home
• Stormwater drainage systems from the roof, paving, and pool area
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It’s crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is separate from the drainage systems. This discussion specifically 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 are instinctively drawn to moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root gains entry, it flourishes in the moist environment inside the pipe, accumulating waste and debris, which ultimately results in a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has nowhere to go, which can lead to flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is within the sewer line, it may cause backups in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant. This guide provides valuable insights into trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Are the Signs of 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 experiences backup during backwashing
• The backwash line overflows
• Water bubbles up through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower makes gurgling sounds when the pool is backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn near the pool

Each of these signs indicates a possible blockage or damage to the underground pipes, and a camera inspection will accurately identify the problem.

Why Is It Crucial to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing drainage around a pool can pose significant challenges that often lead to damage. Reaching a pipe typically requires lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and expensive.

This is why we prefer relining techniques over excavation. In the case highlighted below, relining enabled us to navigate 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 about three significant concerns in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered extensive root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located around three metres beneath the pavers.

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

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 successfully restored to optimal flow without disturbing the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Process of 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 inner surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This method seals 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 involving subcontractors. For more details on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not the Right Choice for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is effective for pipes that are damaged but retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point 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 reinstalling the pipe at the correct slope.

Sometimes, our camera inspections reveal that roots have invaded 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 necessary for the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Definitely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipes maintain their shape. An initial camera inspection is conducted to assess the damage and confirm that a liner can be inserted. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need excavation and replacement.

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 identifies cracked joints or root entry points, we can insert 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 Main Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a significant cause of blockages we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate joints that leak water and continue to grow, trapping 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 accountable 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 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.

What Is the Average Duration for Pipe Relining Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire discussed in this article was completed in under six hours, including 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

We aim to determine 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 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 another team member will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.