Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

While your pool area may exude charm, recurring drain backups can pose a serious problem. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our detailed 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 piping systems.

Fixing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the causes of these blockages, the techniques we utilise to detect them, and how pipe relining presents a viable solution by addressing the damage from within the pipe itself.

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

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is predominantly covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Below this hardscape, you will typically find several drainage lines:

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

It is crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework, which connects 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 intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively search for sources of moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root penetrates the pipe, it thrives in the damp environment, trapping waste and debris, ultimately resulting in a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water has no outlet, which can lead to flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home to back up.

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

What Signs Point to a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be observant for the following indicators 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 signs suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground. A camera inspection will accurately identify the issue.

Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Beneficial?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a daunting task that often results in damage. Gaining access to a pipe usually involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining edges, 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 favour relining methods over excavation. In the example detailed below, relining enabled 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 regarding three significant issues in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling sounds emanating from the back garden
• Water collecting in a tiled corner

Our CCTV drain inspection revealed substantial root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and several blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

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

Instead of recommending excavation, we took 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 with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Procedure 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, creating 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 information about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged yet still retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that 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, resulting in stagnant water, which necessitates reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such scenarios, the responsibility for repairs lies with 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?

Absolutely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes situated 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 Techniques Clear 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 Are the Main Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a leading cause 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 accountable for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines regarding repair responsibilities, the owner must also 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 shifts 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, encompassing root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The duration for your drain will depend on the length of the affected 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.

Schedule 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 prior to commencing any work.

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