Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Issues

Your pool area may appear stunning, but you might be dealing with frequent drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often uncover invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of ageing pipework.

Fixing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate the lifting of pavers or digging up your garden. This article delves into the reasons behind blockages, the methods we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining provides a reliable solution by addressing the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Types of Drainage Systems Are Found Underneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is often embellished with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you are likely to discover various drainage lines:

• The sewer line connected to the household
• Stormwater drainage systems that originate from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is vital 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 especially susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are naturally drawn to sources of moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can entice them. Roots from trees positioned 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 conditions inside the pipe, capturing waste and debris, and ultimately leading to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has nowhere to go, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes within the house to back up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to avoid blocked drains. This guide provides information on trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Symptoms Indicate 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 backwashed
• Water collects on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these signs indicates a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will accurately identify the issue.

Why Is It Crucial to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a complex task that often results in damage. Accessing a pipe typically requires 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.

For this reason, we favour relining methods over excavation. In the case highlighted below, 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 concerning three major issues in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling sounds 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 located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The images accompanying this article depict the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe following the relining process.

Instead of recommending excavation, we followed these 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 less than 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 creating a new pipe within the old 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 manages every aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For further details regarding 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 yet retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to an extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will necessitate excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, which requires 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 situations, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate the reporting process.

Commonly Asked 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 maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to assess the damage and ensure that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced.

What Techniques 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 via a CCTV camera. If the camera reveals 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 Common Factors Lead to 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 joints that leak water and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection will help identify 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 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 determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will show you the camera footage 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 one of our team members will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.