Tree Roots Blocking Pipes? Effective Solutions for Pools

Your pool area may look beautiful, but you might be facing persistent drainage issues nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently reveal invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older pipework.

Resolving a blocked pool drain does not always require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the causes of blockages, the techniques we employ for detection, and how pipe relining offers an effective solution by addressing the problem from within the pipe itself.

Which Drainage Systems Are Located Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, several drainage lines usually exist:

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

Understanding 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 is vital. 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 are instinctively attracted to moisture sources, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can entice them. Roots from trees situated 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 environment within the pipe, ensnaring waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has no escape route, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house to back up.

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

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be vigilant for the following indicators 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 emits gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
• Water gathers on the pavers or lawn next to the pool

Each of these signs suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately locate the issue.

Why Is It Best to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a challenging task that often leads to damage. Reaching a pipe generally involves 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 extensive and costly.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In a recent case, 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 contacted us regarding three significant 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 revealed substantial root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 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 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, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire procedure 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 introduced into the affected 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 through an existing entry point, such as an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.

Our dedicated team oversees every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without the involvement of subcontractors. For more information on the process, 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 but maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to such an 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, which necessitates reinstalling 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 cases, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to facilitate 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 performed 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 Repair a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We remove the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. After 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 necessitating the lifting of pavers, cutting of slabs, or disturbance of the garden.

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

Tree roots are a leading 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 assist in pinpointing 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 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.

Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We aim to find 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 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 a member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.