Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may look stunning, but it could be suffering from ongoing drainage problems in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our advanced camera technology often uncovers invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older piping systems in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools.

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 techniques we utilise for identification, and how pipe relining presents an effective solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

Many backyard pools in Sydney feature surrounding surfaces like paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape lies a network of drainage lines, which typically includes:

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

It’s crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration system, linking 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 are naturally attracted to moisture sources, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root gains entry, it thrives in the moist environment inside the pipe, trapping waste and debris, which ultimately results in a blockage.

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

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant. This will help you avoid blocked drains by recommending trees that are safer to position near piping.

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be watchful 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 makes gurgling sounds when the pool is backwashed
• Water collects on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these signs implies a possible blockage or damage to an underground pipe, and a camera inspection can help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Is Excavation Around Your Pool Best Avoided?

Accessing drainage around a pool can be a daunting task that often leads to damage. Typically, reaching a pipe entails lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, 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 below, relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing 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 concerns 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 extensive root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an aged earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The images provided illustrate the scenario: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe following relining.

Rather than recommending excavation, we performed 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 disturbing the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in less than 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 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 method 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 phase of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For more details about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining works best for pipes that are damaged yet maintain most of their structure. If a section has collapsed to the point that a liner cannot be inserted, that portion will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has settled and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip and result in stagnant water, necessitating reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Sometimes, our camera inspections indicate that roots have breached the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such instances, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the necessary footage to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Definitely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, as long as the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to evaluate the damage and confirm that a liner can be installed. Any sections that are collapsed or sunken will need to be excavated and replaced.

What Methods Are Used to Clear 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 reveals 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 the primary culprits we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots infiltrate joints that leak water and continue to grow until they trap 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?

Property owners are responsible for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines regarding repair responsibilities, owners must also remove tree roots that invade the junction at the connection point. If our camera footage shows that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs lies with 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 discussed 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 needing 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

Our goal is to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will share the camera footage with you before commencing any work.

If you observe 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 a member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.