Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Owners

Your pool area may appear stunning, yet you might be encountering persistent drain backups in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations, utilising advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools, often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of ageing pipework.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we employ to detect them, and how pipe relining provides a durable solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Typically Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is commonly embellished with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you are likely to discover several drainage lines:

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

It is 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 centres on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively seek out moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees positioned several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root gains entry, it thrives 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 cannot escape, potentially leading to flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house 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 provides insights on trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Indicators Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay 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 rises through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower produces gurgling sounds when the pool is backwashed
• Water pools on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these indications points to a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will accurately identify the problem.

Why Is It Crucial to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a daunting task that often results in damage. Accessing a pipe typically necessitates lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, 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 techniques 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 Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire

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

• A blocked stormwater line adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling noises coming from the back garden
• Water accumulating 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 positioned approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

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

Rather than recommending excavation, we implemented 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 returned 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 internal surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This technique seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points exploited by tree roots. We gain access to 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 the involvement of subcontractors. For further information regarding 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 yet retain the majority of their shape. If a section has collapsed to such an extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require excavation and replacement. Likewise, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in 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 facilitate the reporting process.

Common Queries Regarding 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 conducted first to evaluate 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 Methods Are Utilised 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 through 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 Common Causes Lead to 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 aid in identifying 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 indicates that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we will supply 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 a timeline following the camera inspection.

Arrange a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We strive to determine 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 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 one of our team members will clarify the inspection process and what we will be looking for.