Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area might be visually appealing, but persistent drainage issues nearby can be a significant concern. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our advanced camera technology used for inspecting blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often uncovers invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older piping systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not necessarily mean you need to lift pavers or dig up your garden. This article delves into the causes of these blockages, the methods we use to detect them, and how pipe relining provides an effective solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Are the Different Types of Drainage Systems Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is typically enhanced with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Underneath this hardscape, a network of drainage lines is usually present, which typically includes:

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

It’s important to highlight 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 article focuses on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture sources, and even a small 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 penetrates the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment, trapping waste and debris, ultimately leading to a blockage.

When a drain adjacent to the pool becomes clogged, backwash water cannot escape, which may cause flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to backups in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, we recommend consulting our guide on suitable tree species. This guide can help you avoid blocked drains by suggesting trees that are safer to plant near piping.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be on the lookout for these 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 makes gurgling sounds when the pool is backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn near the pool

Each of these signs indicates a potential blockage or damage to an underground pipe, and a camera inspection can help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Is Excavation Around Your Pool Best Avoided?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a difficult task that often results in damage. Typically, reaching a pipe requires lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. Once the pipe is repaired, the process of restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

This is why we prefer pipe relining methods over excavation. In the example below, 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 with three significant concerns in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line next to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling noises 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 line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The images below depict the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe after relining.

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 internal surface, and allowed to cure, effectively forming a new pipe within the old one. This technique seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points exploited by tree roots. Access to the pipe is achieved 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 the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without the involvement of subcontractors. For more information about our procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

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

Pipe relining is effective 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 part will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has settled and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, necessitating reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In such instances, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we will provide the necessary footage to assist in the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Around a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to evaluate the damage and confirm that a liner can be installed. If any sections are collapsed or sunken, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced.

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

We eliminate 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 via an existing access point. This repair effectively seals the damage without needing to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.

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

Tree roots are a primary issue we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots invade 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 on repair responsibilities, the owner must also eliminate tree roots that intrude at the junction 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 discussed in this article was completed in under six hours, which included 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 needing sealing, and the accessibility of the entry point. We will provide you with a timeline following the camera inspection.

Arrange a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

Our goal is to identify 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 contact The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or another member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.