Tree Roots Blocking Pipes? Solutions for Pool Problems

Your pool area may be aesthetically pleasing, but you could be dealing with ongoing drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using cutting-edge camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older pipes.

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

What Types of Drainage Systems Exist Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

Numerous backyard pools in Sydney feature surrounding areas covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these hard surfaces, you can typically find several drainage systems:

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

It is crucial to distinguish between the pool’s filtration pipework—which links the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets—and the drainage systems. The filtration system operates under pressure and is separate from the drainage lines, which are especially susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Lead to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture sources, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can extend to a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters, it thrives in the moist environment of the pipe, capturing waste and debris, which ultimately results in a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, which can cause flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it may lead to showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house backing up.

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

What Signs 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 gurgles when the pool is being backwashed
• Water collects on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

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

Why Is It Preferable to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

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

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

Case Study: Successful Pipe Relining 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 next 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 pipe, 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 followed these 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, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Pipe Relining Process Without Excavation?

We utilise a technique known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is introduced 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 method seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points exploited by tree roots. Access to the pipe is achieved through an existing entry point, such as an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.

Our dedicated team manages every aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without subcontracting any work. For more information on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is ideal for pipes that are damaged but retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that part will necessitate excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, thus requiring the reinstallation of 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 lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate the reporting process.

Commonly Asked 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 pipes maintain their 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 need to be excavated and replaced.

What Techniques 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 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 primary cause we frequently observe around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection will 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 responsible for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines, the owner must also eliminate 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 provide 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, including 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

Our objective is to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation. We will show you the camera footage prior to commencing any work.

If you notice signs of a blocked drain near your pool, arrange for 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.