Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Areas

Although your pool area may be aesthetically pleasing, you could be grappling with ongoing drainage problems nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our advanced camera technology often uncovers that invasive tree roots have infiltrated the joints of older sewer or stormwater pipes situated close to pools.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not necessarily mean you need to lift pavers or excavate your garden. This article delves into the causes of these blockages, the methods we utilise to pinpoint them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by tackling the issue from inside the pipe itself.

Which Drainage Systems Are Located Under Your Backyard Pool?

Many backyard pools in Sydney are surrounded by hardscapes such as paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these surfaces, you will typically find several drainage lines:

• The household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems that collect water from roofs, paving, and the pool area
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It’s crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration system, which comprises the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is separate from the drainage systems. This article concentrates on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

In What Ways Can Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively search for moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees situated several metres away can extend towards a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root breaches the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, accumulating waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water has no exit, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it may lead to overflows in showers, toilets, and floor drains within the home.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on appropriate tree species to plant, which will help in preventing blocked drains. This guide provides information on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Symptoms Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Keep an eye out for the following warning signs around your pool and within your home:

• Pool water drains slowly or backs up during backwashing
• The backwash line overflows
• Water emerges through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower produces gurgling sounds while the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these indicators points to the possibility of a blocked or damaged pipe underground. A camera inspection will help us accurately diagnose the issue.

Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to drainage around a pool can be quite challenging and often results in damage. Typically, reaching a pipe involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. Once the pipe is repaired, the restoration of paving and landscaping can be extensive and expensive.

For this reason, we prefer relining techniques over excavation. In the example shown below, relining allowed us to work around steep stairs and an established garden without causing any disruption.

Case Study: Effective Pipe Relining Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire

A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire contacted us with three significant issues in their backyard:

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

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

The accompanying images illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe following the relining process.

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

What Does the Pipe Relining Process Involve 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 any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points that tree roots could exploit. 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 phase 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 Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged yet still 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, leading to stagnant water, necessitating 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 lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist with the reporting process.

Commonly Asked Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Yes, we can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes situated beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is performed initially to assess the damage and ensure that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Techniques Are Used to Resolve 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 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 Problems Cause Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a significant 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 Responsible for Clearing 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 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 facilitate the report.

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 duration 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 aim 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, 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 the specific issues we will be investigating.