Your pool area might be visually appealing, yet you could be struggling with ongoing drain backups in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations utilising state-of-the-art camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often uncover intrusive tree roots that have encroached upon the joints of ageing pipe systems.
Addressing a blocked pool drain does not necessarily mean you need to lift pavers or dig up your garden. This article investigates the various causes of blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by tackling the problem from inside the pipe itself.
Which Drainage Systems Are Located Beneath Your Pool Area?
In numerous Sydney backyard pools, the areas surrounding them are often covered with materials such as paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, several drainage lines are typically found:
- The household sewer line
- Stormwater drainage systems from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
- 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 distinct from the drainage systems. This discussion focuses specifically 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 naturally drawn to moisture sources. Even a slight leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can stretch toward a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates, it flourishes in the moist environment within the pipe, accumulating waste and debris, ultimately resulting in a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, 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 showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house to back up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, refer to our guide on suitable tree species to prevent blocked drains. This guide provides recommendations on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.
What Symptoms Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Stay alert 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 surfaces through a garden drain or grate
- A sink or shower produces gurgling sounds when the pool is backwashed
- Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool
Each of these indicators points to a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will enable us to pinpoint the exact issue.
Why Is It Essential to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Accessing drainage around a pool can be complicated and often leads to damage. Reaching a pipe typically involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, reinstating the paving and landscaping can be an extensive and costly process.
This is why 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: Efficient Pipe Relining Solutions 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 sounds from the back garden
- Water pooling in a tiled corner
Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered 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 provided demonstrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after relining.
Instead of recommending excavation, we took the following steps:
- We cleared 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 restored to optimal flow without disturbing the pavers or garden beds. The complete process was finished 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 inner surface, and left to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This approach 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 aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without using subcontractors. For further information 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 maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to such an extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that part will require excavation and replacement. if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, which requires the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.
Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such situations, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate the reporting process.
Common Queries About Blocked Pool Drains
Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?
Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes situated beneath pool surrounds, as long as the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted initially 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 Utilised to Resolve a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?
We remove the blockage using 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 via an existing access point. This repair effectively seals the damage without the necessity to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.
What Are the Common Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a primary 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 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 clear 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 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 in this article was completed in under six hours, including root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The duration 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 repair method from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will share the camera footage with you before 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.
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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