Tree Roots Blocking Pipes? Solutions for Your Pool Problems

Your pool area might look stunning, yet persistent drain backups nearby can be a significant issue. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations utilise advanced camera technology to inspect blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools, frequently uncovering invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipes.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the various causes of blockages, the methods we use to identify them, and how pipe relining presents an effective solution by repairing the damage from within the pipe itself.

What Are the Different Drainage Systems Found Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

Many backyard pools in Sydney are surrounded by paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these hard surfaces, you can typically find several drainage systems:

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

It is crucial to distinguish between the pool’s filtration pipework—which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets—and the drainage systems. The filtration system operates under pressure and is separate from the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root invasion.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots have a natural tendency to seek out moisture sources, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can reach a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, capturing waste and debris, ultimately leading to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water cannot escape, which may result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house to back up.

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

What Symptoms Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for the following signs around your pool and inside 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 when the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these symptoms suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground. A camera inspection will assist us in accurately identifying the issue.

Why Is It Preferable to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a challenging endeavour that 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 repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be both extensive and costly.

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. In the case detailed below, relining enabled 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 regarding three significant issues in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered considerable root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware pipe, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

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

Instead of recommending excavation, we proceeded with 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.

As a result, the stormwater line was restored to optimal flow, with no disturbance 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 introduced into the damaged section of the pipe, pressed against the interior surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This technique 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 manages every aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without subcontracting any work. For further details on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged but retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that part will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, thus necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have invaded the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In these cases, 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 the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided 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 need to be excavated and replaced.

What Methods Are Utilised to Unblock a Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We remove 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 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 Problems Cause Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary issue we observe around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection will help identify 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, the owner must also remove 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 mentioned 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 following the camera inspection.

Book a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

Our objective is to identify a method for repairing the drain from within 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, arrange for 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.