Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area might be stunning, but persistent drain backups could be lurking nearby. In Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipes.

Resolving a blocked pool drain often doesn’t necessitate lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the various causes of blockages, the techniques we utilise to identify them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by tackling the issue from within the pipe itself.

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

In many backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding areas are typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, several drainage lines are commonly found:

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

It’s 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. Our focus here is on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture sources, and even the slightest leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees several metres away may reach towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root penetrates the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, accumulating waste and debris, ultimately resulting in a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, leading to potential flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is in the sewer line, it could cause showers, toilets, and floor waste inside your home to back up.

If you are landscaping around a newly installed pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to help prevent blocked drains. This guide offers insights into trees that are safer to place near pipework.

What Signs Indicate 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 while the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn near the pool

Each of these indicators suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will assist us in accurately pinpointing the problem.

Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing the drainage systems around a pool can be quite challenging and often leads to damage. Typically, accessing a pipe 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 prefer relining methods over excavation. In the case outlined 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 Sutherland Shire reached out to us regarding three significant concerns in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection revealed 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 accompanying this section show the situation: the first depicts the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second illustrates 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 any 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 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 left 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 gain access to 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 further information on 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 retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will necessitate excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which requires reinstalling the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated 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 assist in the reporting process.

Answers to Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Absolutely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes beneath the pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is performed first to evaluate the damage and ensure that a liner can be successfully installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Techniques Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We utilise high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools to clear blockages. Afterward, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the inspection 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 lifting pavers, cutting slabs, or disturbing the garden.

What Common Issues Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary cause we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they collect 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 less than 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

We aim to identify a method for repairing the drain from inside 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, 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.