Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may look visually appealing, but you could be dealing with ongoing drain backups in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations, utilising advanced camera technology to inspect blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools, often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of ageing pipework.

Fixing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we employ to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by addressing the problem internally within the pipe.

Which Drainage Systems Are Found Underneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous backyard pools throughout Sydney, the surrounding area is typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, several drainage lines can usually be found:

• The main household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems that collect runoff from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
• 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 Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively seek out moisture sources, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root breaches the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment within, gathering waste and debris, ultimately leading to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is located within the sewer line, it can result in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house backing up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider reviewing our guide on appropriate tree species to plant, aimed at preventing blocked drains. This guide offers insights into trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert 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 makes 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, and a camera inspection will enable us to accurately identify the problem.

Why Is Excavation Around a Pool Best Avoided?

Gaining access to drainage around a pool can be quite challenging and often results in damage. Accessing a pipe typically involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After 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 case illustrated 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 about three significant issues in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line close to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling sounds coming from the back garden
• Water pooling in a corner of the tiled area

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

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

Rather than 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.

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 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 allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the existing one. This technique seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points that tree roots exploit. We access the pipe through an existing entry point, such as an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.

Our committed team oversees every step of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without subcontracting any part of the work. To learn more about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is effective for pipes that are damaged but still retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point that a liner cannot be inserted, that section will need excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, which necessitates reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage needed to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Questions Regarding Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. An initial camera inspection is conducted to assess the damage and verify that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Methods Are Employed to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We eliminate blockages using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Following this, we conduct a CCTV camera inspection of the pipe. If the camera identifies cracked joints or root entry points, we can install a resin liner from within the pipe via 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 the primary issue we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate 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?

The property owner is responsible for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines regarding repair responsibilities, the owner is also tasked with clearing tree roots that invade the junction at the connection point. If our camera footage reveals 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, referenced 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 after the camera inspection.

Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

Our aim 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 prior to commencing any work.

If you observe signs of a blocked drain near your pool, schedule a CCTV inspection or get in touch with 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 examining.