Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Problems

Your pool area may have a visually appealing setting, but you could be dealing with ongoing drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using state-of-the-art camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often uncover invasive tree roots infiltrating the joints of ageing pipework.

Fixing a blocked pool drain doesn’t necessarily mean lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by addressing the problem from within the pipe itself.

Which Drainage Systems Are Found Underneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many backyard pools throughout Sydney, the surrounding area is typically adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you may find several critical drainage lines:

• The household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems originating 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.

In What Ways Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?

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

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water cannot escape, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house backing up.

If you’re landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to avoid blocked drains. This guide provides 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 produces gurgling sounds while 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. A camera inspection will help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Is Excavation Around a Pool Best Avoided?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a daunting task that often results in damage. Reaching 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 an extensive and costly endeavour.

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. The case highlighted below demonstrates how relining allowed us to work 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 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 significant root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions situated approximately three metres beneath the pavers.

The images below illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe following the relining procedure.

Instead of opting for excavation, we carried out 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 paving 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 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 supervises every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final steps, without relying on subcontractors. For more details on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not a Suitable Solution for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is effective for pipes that are damaged but maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point that a liner cannot be inserted, that portion will need excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which requires 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 such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage needed to assist in the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Absolutely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. An initial camera inspection assesses the damage and confirms 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 Resolve 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 identifies cracked joints or root entry points, we can install a resin liner from within the pipe through an existing access point. This method effectively seals the damage without the need to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.

What Common Factors Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary concern we encounter around pools, especially 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 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 remove 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 to report it.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire mentioned earlier was completed in under six hours, which included root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The duration for your drain will vary based 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 discover 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 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 examining.