Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may be visually appealing, but persistent drain backups can pose a serious problem. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations employing state-of-the-art camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of older pipe systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of these blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by repairing the damage from within the pipe itself.

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

In many backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding area usually features paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you typically encounter several drainage lines:

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

It’s important to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework—connecting the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets—operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. This discussion focuses on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively seek moisture, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees situated several metres away can extend towards a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a tiny root infiltrates the pipe, it thrives in the damp environment, trapping waste and debris, which eventually leads to a blockage.

When a drain adjacent to the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, leading to potential 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’re landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to help prevent blocked drains. This guide offers valuable insights into trees that are safer to plant 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 enable us to pinpoint the issue accurately.

Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Preferable?

Accessing drainage around a pool can be a complex task that often leads to damage. To access a pipe, one usually needs to lift travertine or granite pavers, cut through concrete slabs or retaining edges, or remove garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be a lengthy and costly process.

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

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

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

• A blocked stormwater line adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling noises 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 images below illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.

Rather than recommending excavation, we undertook the following actions:

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 under six hours.

What Is the Process for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We employ 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 forming a new pipe within the old one. This process 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 stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without subcontractors. For more details about 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 maintain much of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point where a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, necessitating the pipe to be reinstalled at the correct slope.

At times, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In these situations, the responsibility for repairs rests with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist in 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 confirm 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 Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We clear blockages 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 Are the Main Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a leading cause of blockages we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots infiltrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection will help identify 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 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 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 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.

Book 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 before 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 another member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be assessing.