Your pool area may look stunning, but you might be dealing with ongoing drain backups in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipe systems.
Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the techniques we utilise to identify them, and how pipe relining presents an effective solution by tackling the issue from within the pipe itself.
What Types of Drainage Systems Lie Beneath Your Backyard Pool?
In numerous backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding area is typically adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will generally discover several drainage lines:
- The household sewer line
- Stormwater drainage systems 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 links 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 invasion.
How Do Tree Roots Lead to Blockages in Pool Drains?
Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture sources, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, ensnaring waste and debris, which ultimately culminates in a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, the backwash water cannot escape, leading to potential flooding on the pool deck. If the obstruction occurs within the sewer line, it can result in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house backing up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on tree species that are less likely to cause blocked drains. This guide offers insights into trees that are safer to plant near pipework.
What Symptoms Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Be 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 produces 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. A camera inspection can help us accurately identify the issue.
Why Is It Preferable to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a complex task that often results in damage. Reaching 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 both extensive and costly.
For this reason, we favour 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 Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire
A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire contacted us about three significant issues in their backyard:
- A blocked stormwater line adjacent to their in-ground pool
- Gurgling sounds emanating 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 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 after the relining process.
Instead of recommending excavation, we implemented the following actions:
- We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment.
- 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 disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process took less than six hours to complete.
What Is the Pipe Relining Process Without Excavation?
We utilise a method known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is introduced into the damaged portion of the pipe, pressed against the interior surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This process seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points utilised 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 supervises 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 Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?
Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged but still retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point where a liner cannot be inserted, that part will require excavation and replacement. If a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will replicate the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which necessitates 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 instances, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage required to facilitate the reporting process.
Common Questions About 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 retains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to evaluate the damage and determine whether a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.
What Techniques Are Employed to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?
We clear the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment. Following this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera reveals cracked joints or entry points for roots, 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 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 infiltrate joints that leak water and continue to grow until they ensnare debris. A camera inspection can assist 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 remove tree roots that invade the junction at the connection point. If our camera indicates that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we will provide the necessary footage for reporting.
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 time required 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 a timeline after conducting the camera inspection.
Arrange a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool
We strive 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 a member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be searching 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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