Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may appear stunning, yet you could be grappling with ongoing problems from drain backups in the vicinity. In Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations often utilise cutting-edge camera technology to examine blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools. These assessments frequently uncover invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of aged pipework.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate the lifting of pavers or the excavation of your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the techniques we use to detect them, and how pipe relining serves as a proficient solution by repairing the problem from within the pipe itself.

What Types of Drainage Systems Are Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding space is typically adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Underneath this hardscape, you will usually discover several drainage lines:

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

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

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

Tree roots are naturally drawn to sources of moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a fractured joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates, it thrives in the moist environment within the pipe, capturing waste and debris, ultimately leading to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, the backwash water has no path to escape, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. Should the blockage occur within the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home to back up.

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

What Indicators 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 bubbles up through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower emits gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these symptoms indicates a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can present significant challenges and often 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 both extensive and costly.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the case highlighted below, relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing disruption.

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

A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire reached out to us concerning three significant issues in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered considerable root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The accompanying images depict the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe post-relining process.

Rather than suggesting 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 segment 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.

What Is the Procedure for 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 interior surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This procedure 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 phase of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For further information on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Inappropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged yet retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to such a degree that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will necessitate excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will conform to the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which requires 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 these instances, the responsibility for repairs rests with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Absolutely. 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 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 Employed to Unblock a Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We remove blockages using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Subsequently, 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 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 Common Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a predominant cause 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 regarding repair responsibilities, the owner must also remove 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, 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 an estimated 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 prior to 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.