Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Effective Pool Area Solutions

Your pool area might look beautiful, but you could be facing persistent drain backups in the vicinity. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our camera technology inspections of blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools frequently reveal that invasive tree roots have penetrated the joints of older pipe systems.

Resolving a blocked pool drain doesn’t always require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the reasons behind blockages, the techniques we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining offers a powerful solution by addressing the problem from within the pipe itself.

Which Drainage Systems Operate Under Your Backyard Pool?

In many backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding area is often finished with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will usually find a range of drainage lines:

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

It’s important to note that the pool’s filtration system, 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 are instinctively attracted to moisture sources, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can lure them in. Roots from trees situated several metres away can reach out for a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates, it flourishes in the damp environment inside the pipe, capturing waste and debris, and eventually leading to a blockage.

When a drain close to the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has nowhere to go, potentially leading to flooding on the pool deck. If the obstruction occurs in the sewer line, it can result in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house backing up.

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

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay vigilant 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 collects on the pavers or lawn surrounding the pool

Each of these symptoms suggests a possible blockage or damage in the underground pipes, and a camera inspection will help us accurately identify the problem.

Why Is It Best 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 usually 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 example below, relining allowed us to work around steep stairs and an established garden without causing disruption.

Case Study: Successful Pipe Relining Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire

A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire contacted us about three major issues in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line next to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling sounds 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 several blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres below the pavers.

The images below illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.

Rather than suggesting excavation, we proceeded with the following steps:

1. We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools.
2. We inserted 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 process was completed in less than six hours.

What Is the Pipe Relining Process Without Excavation?

We employ 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 inner surface, and left 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 manages every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection 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 but still maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to such an extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that portion will need excavation and replacement. Likewise, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which requires the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Sometimes, 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 assist with 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 situated beneath pool surrounds, as long as the pipes retain their shape. A camera inspection is conducted initially to assess the damage and confirm that a liner can be installed. If there are sections that have collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Strategies Are Employed to Fix 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 detects 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 Are the Common Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary factor we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots infiltrate 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 pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines regarding repair responsibilities, the owner must also eliminate 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 for reporting.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire mentioned earlier 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 needing sealing, and the accessibility of the entry point. We will provide a timeline after the camera inspection.

Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

Our goal is to find a method for repairing the drain from inside 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, book a CCTV inspection or contact The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or another team member will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.