Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Problems

While your pool area may appear stunning, recurring drain blockages can pose a considerable challenge. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our use of advanced camera technology for investigating blocked sewer and stormwater lines near pools often uncovers invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older plumbing systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate removing pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the reasons behind these blockages, the methods we utilise to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by repairing damage from within the existing pipe.

What Drainage Systems Are Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many backyard pools across Sydney, the area is generally paved, tiled, decked, or bordered by retaining walls and garden beds. Underneath this hardscape, you will typically find several drainage lines:

• The sewer line linked to the household
• Stormwater drainage systems stemming from the roof, paving, and surrounding areas of the pool
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It’s important to note that the pool’s filtration system, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. This discussion will centre on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root invasions.

How Do Tree Roots Lead to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively seek sources of moisture, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees situated several metres away can reach out towards a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root breaches the pipe, it thrives in the damp environment, accumulating waste and debris, which ultimately results in a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water has nowhere to go, 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’re landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to help prevent blocked drains. This guide provides information on trees that are safer to plant near plumbing.

What Indicators Signal a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be on the lookout 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 produces gurgling sounds when the pool is backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these symptoms indicates a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will enable us to accurately diagnose the issue.

Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Beneficial?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can prove to be a challenging task that often results in significant damage. Gaining access to a pipe typically requires 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 become extensive and costly.

For this reason, we favour relining methods over excavation. In the example outlined below, relining allowed 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 pooling in a tiled corner

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered severe 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 below illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe post-relining process.

Instead of recommending excavation, we undertook the following steps:

1. Cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment.
2. 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 operation was completed in less than six hours.

What Does the Pipe Relining Process Involve Without Excavation?

We employ 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 inner surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This method seals any cracks, leaky 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 untouched.

Our dedicated team oversees every phase of the relining process, from initial camera inspection to final stages, without involving subcontractors. For more specifics about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Repairs of Pool Drains?

Pipe relining works well for pipes that are damaged yet retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point where a liner cannot be inserted, that portion must be excavated and replaced. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, necessitating the pipe to be reinstalled at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have invaded the Sydney Water main as opposed to your private pipes. In such instances, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate the reporting process.

Commonly Asked Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, as long as the pipes maintain their 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 require excavation and replacement.

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

We utilise high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools to clear the blockage. Following this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera detects cracked joints or root entry points, we can insert 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 Common Reasons for Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a major cause we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they ensnare debris. A camera inspection will help identify the specific cause of the blockage in your drain.

Who Is Accountable 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 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 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 mentioned in this article was completed in under six hours, which included root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The timeframe 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 following the camera inspection.

Book 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 present the camera footage to you prior to commencing any work.

If you observe 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 examining.