Your pool area may look beautiful, but frequent drain backups can be a significant concern. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often reveal invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of ageing pipes.
Resolving a blocked pool drain doesn’t always require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the causes of blockages, the techniques we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining offers an effective solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.
What Types of Drainage Systems Exist Under Your Backyard Pool?
In many backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding area is typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will usually find 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 essential 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 sources of moisture, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can entice them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend toward a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root gains access, it flourishes in the moist environment inside the pipe, trapping waste and debris, ultimately leading to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes clogged, the backwash water cannot escape, which may cause flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can result in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home 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 offers information on trees that are safer to plant 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 backwashed
- Water collects on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool
Each of these symptoms suggests a potentially blocked or damaged underground pipe, and a camera inspection will help us pinpoint the issue accurately.
Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Accessing drainage around a pool can be challenging and 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. Restoring the paving and landscaping after pipe repairs can be extensive and costly.
This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the case highlighted below, relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing any disruption.
Case Study: Successful Pipe Relining 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 sounds 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 images below illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.
Instead of suggesting 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 cracks and joints.
The stormwater line was restored to optimal flow, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process took less than six hours.
What Is the Process for Pipe Relining 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 interior surface, and left to cure, effectively forming 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 using subcontractors. For more details on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.
When Is Pipe Relining Not a Suitable Option for Pool Drain Repairs?
Pipe relining is appropriate for pipes that are damaged but retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will need excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has settled 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.
Sometimes, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the footage required to assist in 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 maintains 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 settled, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced.
What Methods Are Used to Clear 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 the need to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.
What Common Issues Cause Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a prevalent cause we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots invade 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 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 repair responsibility 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 in this article was completed in under six hours, including 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 you with a timeline following the camera inspection.
Schedule 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 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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