Tree Roots Blocking Pipes? Discover Pool Solutions Today

Your pool area may appear stunning, but you might be dealing with ongoing drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations, using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools, frequently uncover invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of older pipes.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not necessarily mean lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the various causes of blockages, the methods we utilise to identify them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by tackling the problem from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Typically Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous backyard pools throughout Sydney, the surrounding areas are often covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you can expect to find 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 essential to recognise 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. Our focus here is on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Lead to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots naturally seek moisture sources, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees several metres away can extend toward a cracked 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 and ultimately causing a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water can’t escape, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs in the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house to back up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider checking our guide on suitable tree species to plant to help prevent blocked drains. This guide includes information on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Symptoms Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for the following signs around your pool and within your home:

• Slow drainage of pool water or backup during backwashing
• Overflowing backwash line
• Water bubbling up through a garden drain or grate
• Gurgling noises from a sink or shower when the pool is backwashed
• Water pooling on the pavers or lawn near the pool

Each of these indicators suggests a potential blockage or damage within the underground pipes, and a camera inspection will assist us in accurately locating the problem.

Why Should You Avoid Excavating Around a Pool?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a daunting task that often leads to 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, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the example below, relining enabled 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 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 images below 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 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 disrupting the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in less than six hours.

What Is the Procedure for Pipe Relining 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 interior surface, and allowed to cure. This creates a new pipe within the old one, effectively sealing 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 more information on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not a Suitable Option for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged but still hold most of their shape. If a section has collapsed enough that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sagged and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which necessitates reinstalling the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have invaded the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist in the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can You Reline the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted 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 Used to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We clear the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Following this, 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 Common Issues Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a prevalent issue we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they capture 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?

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 invading 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 facilitate the reporting process.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire mentioned earlier 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 needing 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

Our aim is to identify a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation. 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.