Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Drainage Issues

Your pool area may appear stunning, yet hidden issues like persistent drain backups could be lurking nearby. In Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology on blocked sewer or stormwater lines close to pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have intruded into the joints of older pipe systems.

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 provides a practical solution by targeting the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Lie Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding hardscape typically includes paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this surface, you will commonly find several types of drainage lines:

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

It is crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework, which links the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. This discussion focuses specifically on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

In What Ways Do Tree Roots Block Pool Drains?

Tree roots are instinctively drawn to sources of moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root penetrates the pipe, it thrives in the damp environment, trapping waste and debris, which eventually results in a blockage.

When drainage near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, which may lead to flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can result in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home backing up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, we recommend consulting our guide on tree species that are less likely to obstruct drains. This resource offers valuable insights on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Signs Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be alert for the following signs around your pool and inside your home:

• Pool water drains slowly or backs up during the backwashing process
• 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 can accurately determine the issue.

Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around Your Pool?

Gaining access to the drainage systems surrounding a pool can be a complicated task that often leads to damage. Accessing a pipe usually 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.

For this reason, we favour relining methods over excavation. The case highlighted below demonstrates how 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 major 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 significant root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions situated 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 post-relining.

Rather than recommending excavation, we undertook the following steps:

1. We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment.
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, all without disturbing the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Procedure for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We utilise 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 interior surface, and left to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the existing one. This process seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points exploited by tree roots. We access the pipe via 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 involving subcontractors. For further information on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining suits pipes that are damaged but still retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed sufficiently that a liner cannot be inserted, that part will require excavation and replacement. If a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which necessitates the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections indicate that roots have invaded the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such situations, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Questions Regarding Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to evaluate the damage and determine whether 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 clear the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment. Following this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera identifies cracked joints or entry points for roots, 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 Common Factors Contribute to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary issue we observe around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots infiltrate joints that leak water and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection can 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 remove tree roots that invade the junction at the connection point. If our camera reveals that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs falls to 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 discussed in this article was completed in under six hours, which included root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The duration required for your drain will depend on the length of the damaged area, the number of joints that need 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 goal is to identify a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will show you the camera footage 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 a member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.