Your pool area may look exquisite, but you might be facing persistent issues with drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations, utilising advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools, frequently reveal invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of older pipework.
Resolving a blocked pool drain does not always require the lifting of pavers or the excavation of your garden. This article explores the causes of blockages, the methods we employ to detect them, and how pipe relining offers an effective solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.
What Types of Drainage Systems Are Installed 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, you will generally find multiple drainage lines:
- The sewer line from the household
- Stormwater drainage systems originating from the roof, paved areas, 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 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 gravitate towards sources of moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees positioned several metres away can extend towards a fractured joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters, it flourishes in the moist environment within the pipe, capturing waste and debris, and ultimately causing a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, the backwash water has no escape route, which may lead to flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house to back up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant in order to prevent blocked drains. This guide provides 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 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 emits 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 will help us accurately locate the issue.
Why Is It Best to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Accessing the drainage around a pool can pose significant challenges and often leads to damage. Reaching a pipe typically 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 expensive.
This is why we prefer 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: Successful Pipe Relining Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire
A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire contacted 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 revealed 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 accompanying images illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, whilst the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.
Instead of recommending excavation, we took 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 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 inserted into the damaged section of the pipe, pressed against the interior surface, and left to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the old 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 manages 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 procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.
When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?
Pipe relining is ideal for pipes that are damaged yet maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to a degree that 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, leading to 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 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?
Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to assess the damage and confirm 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 Unblock a Pool Drain Without Excavation?
We eliminate blockages 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 Factors Cause Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a predominant cause we encounter around pools, especially 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 identifying 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 shows 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.
Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool
We strive 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 notice signs of a blocked drain near your pool, arrange for 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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