Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Your Pool Area

Your pool area may appear stunning, but you might be dealing with ongoing drain backups nearby. In Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using state-of-the-art camera technology to inspect blocked sewer or stormwater lines close to pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of ageing pipes.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate the removal of pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the root causes of blockages, the methods we employ for detection, and how pipe relining presents an effective internal solution for repairing these issues.

What Drainage Systems Are Installed Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous Sydney backyard pools, the area surrounding the pool is commonly covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, several drainage lines are typically found:

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

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

How Do Tree Roots Lead to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are instinctively drawn to moisture sources, 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 damp environment inside the pipe, collecting waste and debris, and ultimately causing a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, the backwash water has nowhere 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 wastes inside the home.

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

What Indications Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Remain alert for the following signs around your pool and inside 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. A camera inspection will help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Is It Important to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a complex task that frequently results in damage. Reaching a pipe typically involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining edges, 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 prefer relining methods over excavation. A recent case highlighted that relining enabled us to navigate 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 concerning three urgent issues in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line next 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 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The images below demonstrate the scenario: the first depicts the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second shows the same pipe post-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 restored to optimal flow, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

How Does Pipe Relining Function 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 left to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This method 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 oversees every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For further information about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Inappropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is most effective for pipes that are damaged but retain their shape. If a section has collapsed to a point where a liner cannot be inserted, that segment requires 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 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 such instances, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist with 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 performed first to assess the damage and confirm that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Methods Are Employed to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We eliminate the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Following this, we inspect the pipe using 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 requiring the lifting of pavers, cutting of slabs, or disturbance to the garden.

What Are the Major Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a prevalent issue we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate 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 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 provide the necessary footage to report it.

What Is the Duration of Pipe Relining Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire discussed in this article was completed in under six hours, which included root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The timeframe for your 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 strive to identify a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will show you the camera footage before commencing any work.

If you observe signs of a blocked drain near your pool, book a CCTV inspection or contact The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or one of our team members will guide you through the inspection process and explain what we will be looking for.