Tree Roots Blocking Pipes? Discover Pool Solutions Now

Your pool area may be visually appealing, but you might 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 intrusive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipes.

Fixing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate removing pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the various causes of blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by addressing the damage from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Typically Found Under Your Backyard Pool?

Many backyard pools in Sydney are surrounded by hard surfaces such as paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these areas, you are likely to 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 connects 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 particularly susceptible to tree root invasion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

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

When a drain near the pool gets blocked, backwash water cannot escape, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house to back up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant in order to avoid blocked drains. This guide provides insights into trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Symptoms Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for the following indicators around your pool and inside your home:

• Pool water drains slowly or backs up during backwashing
• The backwash line overflows
• Water seeps up through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower gurgles when the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn next to the pool

Each of these signs points to a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Is Excavation Around a Pool Best Avoided?

Accessing 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 discussed below, relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing disruption.

Case Study: Effective 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 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 pipe, and multiple blocked junctions situated approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The images below depict the situation: the first shows the obstructed pipe before intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe after the relining process.

Instead of 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.

As a result, 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 Are the Steps for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We utilise a method 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 creating a new pipe within the old one. This technique 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 handles every aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without subcontracting any work. For further details on the procedure, 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 portion will require excavation and replacement. Likewise, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct angle.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have invaded the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In these cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to 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 pipes retain their shape. A camera inspection is conducted initially 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 Methods Are Employed to Address 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 detects 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 Problems Cause Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a major issue we encounter 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 help identify 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 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 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 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 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 notice indications of a blocked drain near your pool, schedule a CCTV inspection or reach out to The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or a member of our team will explain the inspection process and clarify what we will be looking for.