Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Drainage Issues

Your pool area may be visually appealing, yet persistent drain backups can present a major inconvenience. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our inspections using state-of-the-art camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often uncover intrusive tree roots that infiltrate the joints of older pipes.

Addressing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate the removal of pavers or excavation of your garden. This article delves into the reasons behind blockages, the methods we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining serves as an effective remedy by repairing issues from within the pipe itself.

Which Drainage Systems Are Typically Located Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding areas are commonly paved, tiled, decked, or enclosed by retaining walls and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will typically find various drainage lines:

• The sewer line connected to the household
• Stormwater drainage systems that gather runoff from the roof, paving, and pool area
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It’s crucial to distinguish between the pool’s filtration pipework, which links the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets and operates under pressure, and the drainage systems. This discussion centres on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root invasion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture sources, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root penetrates the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, collecting waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, the backwash water has no escape, often resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home to back up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, we recommend consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to avoid blocked drains. This guide highlights trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Indications Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for these signs around your pool and within 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 makes gurgling noises when the pool is being backwashed
• Water collects on the pavers or lawn next to the pool

Each of these symptoms points to a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will allow us to accurately diagnose the problem.

Why Is Excavation Around a Pool Often Not the Best Solution?

Gaining access to drainage around a pool can be a complex task that frequently results in damage. Reaching a pipe usually 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 extensive and costly.

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

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

A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire reached out to us with three significant concerns in their backyard:

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

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

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

Rather than 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 without disturbing the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Steps Are Involved in Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We utilise a technique known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is inserted into the damaged portion 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 might 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 manages every phase of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For more details on the process, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining works best for pipes that are damaged but still maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will need excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, causing stagnant water, which requires reinstalling the pipe at the correct slope.

At times, our camera inspections reveal that roots have invaded the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Questions Regarding Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Definitely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is performed first to evaluate the damage and ensure that a liner can be installed. If any sections are collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Methods Are Used to Unblock a Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We remove blockages using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Following this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera reveals cracked joints or root entry points, we can insert 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 Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary cause of blockages we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots invade leaking joints and continue to grow until they ensnare debris. A camera inspection will help pinpoint the specific cause of the blockage in your drain.

Who Is Responsible for Removing Tree Roots from a Sewer Pipe in Sydney?

Property owners are accountable for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines on 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 supply the necessary footage to report it.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire discussed in this article was completed in under six hours, including 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.

Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We aim to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will share the camera footage with you 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.