Tree Roots Blocking Pipes? Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may be aesthetically pleasing, yet you could be contending with ongoing drainage problems nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations, utilising advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools, often uncover intrusive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of ageing pipework.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not invariably necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the origins of blockages, the methods we employ for detection, and how pipe relining presents an efficient solution by tackling the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Lie Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is typically adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Below this hardscape, several drainage lines are often present:

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

It is crucial to recognise 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 around the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root invasion.

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

Tree roots instinctively gravitate towards moisture sources, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can stretch towards a fractured joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root breaches the pipe, it flourishes in the moist environment inside, capturing waste and debris, ultimately resulting in a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water lacks an escape route, potentially leading to flooding on the pool deck. Should the blockage occur within the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home to back up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consult our guide on suitable tree species to select for preventing blocked drains. This guide provides insights on trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Symptoms Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Remain 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 indicators suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will assist us in accurately identifying the issue.

Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to the drainage surrounding a pool can be a daunting challenge 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. Following the repair of the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. In a recent case, relining enabled us to navigate 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 challenges 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 ageing earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions situated approximately 3 metres below the pavers.

The accompanying images illustrate the scenario: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe following the relining process.

Instead of suggesting 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 causing disruption 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 utilise a method known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is inserted into the affected section of the pipe, pressed against the interior surface, and allowed to cure, effectively forming 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 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 involving subcontractors. For further details on the process, 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 yet maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that section will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has subsided and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe 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 lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes situated beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted initially to evaluate the damage and confirm that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Methods Are Employed to Repair 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 uncovers 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 necessitating the lifting of pavers, cutting of slabs, or disturbance of the garden.

What Are the Primary Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a predominant cause we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate joints that leak water and continue to grow until they entrap 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. As per 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; 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, 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 requiring 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

We strive to find a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before contemplating excavation, and we will present you with the camera footage 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 a member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.