Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Maintenance

Your pool area may appear stunning, yet recurrent drain backups can pose a serious problem. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using cutting-edge camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of aging pipe systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain doesn’t always mean you need to lift pavers or excavate your garden. This article delves into the reasons behind these blockages, the methods we use to diagnose them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by repairing the damage from inside the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Are Typically Found Under Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is generally covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, there are usually several drainage lines:

• The sewer line connected to the household
• Stormwater drainage systems originating from the roof, paving, and pool surrounds
• 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. This discussion concentrates on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots naturally seek sources of moisture, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees situated several metres away can extend toward a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a tiny root infiltrates the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, collecting waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water has nowhere to go, which may result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to backflow in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home.

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 insights into tree varieties that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Indications Suggest 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 produces gurgling sounds when the pool is being 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 help us accurately diagnose the issue.

Why Is Excavation Around a Pool Best Avoided?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a demanding task that often leads to damage. Gaining access to a pipe typically involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining edges, 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. As illustrated in the example 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 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 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 old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions situated about 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 after the relining process.

Instead of 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 any disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Steps Are Involved in Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We implement a technique called cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is introduced into the damaged portion of the pipe, pressed against the interior surface, and allowed to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one. This process 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 subcontractors. For further information about 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 still maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment 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, necessitating the pipe to be reinstalled at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated 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 Regarding Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Definitely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is performed 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 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 detects 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 a primary cause we encounter 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 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 accountable 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, 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

We aim to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation. We will share the camera footage with you before 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 looking for.