Your pool area may look magnificent, but you could be facing persistent drain backups in its vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations often reveal invasive tree roots infiltrating older pipe joints when we utilise camera technology to examine blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools.
Resolving a blocked pool drain does not necessarily require the removal of pavers or extensive excavation of your garden. This article explores the underlying causes of blockages, the techniques we employ for their detection, and how pipe relining offers a practical solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.
What Drainage Systems Are Installed Beneath Your Backyard Pool?
In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding areas typically feature paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will usually find several essential drainage lines:
- The household sewer line
- Stormwater drainage systems from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
- The pool backwash line
- Overflow drains and subsoil drains
It is important to note that the pool’s filtration pipework, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is separate from the drainage systems. This discussion focuses on the drainage lines, which are particularly vulnerable to tree root intrusion.
How Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees positioned several metres away can extend towards a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root gains entry, it thrives in the damp environment of the pipe, capturing waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has no exit, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the obstruction is within the sewer line, it can result in backups in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consult our guide on suitable tree species to plant to prevent blocked drains. This guide provides valuable information on trees that are safer to position near pipework.
What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Keep an eye out for the following indicators 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 emits gurgling noises when the pool is being backwashed
- Water pools on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool
All these symptoms suggest a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection can help us accurately pinpoint the issue.
Why Is It Better to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a challenging 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 extensive and costly.
This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the example highlighted below, relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing disruption.
Case Study: Successful Pipe Relining Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire
A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire approached us regarding three significant issues in their backyard:
- A blocked stormwater line next to their in-ground pool
- Gurgling sounds emanating from the back garden
- Water pooling in a tiled corner
Our CCTV drain inspection revealed extensive root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately three metres beneath the pavers.
The accompanying images illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.
Instead of recommending excavation, we implemented the following steps:
- We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools.
- We installed a resin liner throughout the damaged section to seal the cracked junctions and joints.
The stormwater line was restored to its optimal flow, with no disturbance to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.
What Is the Process for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?
We employ 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 forming a new pipe within the old one. This method 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 through to the final stages, without subcontractors. For more details on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.
When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?
Pipe relining is appropriate for pipes that are damaged yet retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to a point where a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, 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 reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In these cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to aid the reporting process.
Frequently 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 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 need excavation and replacement.
What Techniques Are Employed to Fix 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 repair effectively seals the damage without the need to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.
What Common Issues 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 leaking joints 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 responsible 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 reveals 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, mentioned earlier 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.
Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool
Our goal is to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will show you the camera footage before starting any work.
If you notice 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.
Original Article First Published At: When Tree Roots Block Pipes Around Your Pool — And How to Fix It Without Digging Up Your Garden
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