Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Effective Pool Area Solutions

Your pool area may look beautiful, but frequent drain backups nearby can be a significant concern. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently reveal invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of older pipework.

Dealing with 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 use to identify them, and how pipe relining offers a practical solution by repairing the issue 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, you will usually find several drainage lines:

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

It’s 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 sources, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees positioned several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root finds its way in, it flourishes in the damp environment within the pipe, accumulating waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, the backwash water has no outlet, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to backflow in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house.

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 insights into 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 next to the pool

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

Why Should You 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 requires 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 case 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 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 considerable 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 suggesting 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 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 implement a technique known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is introduced 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 through to the final stages, without involving 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 appropriate for pipes that are damaged but retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point where a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will need 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.

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 lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary 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 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 Fix a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We eliminate the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. After this, we inspect the pipe using a CCTV camera. If the camera detects cracked joints or root entry points, we can insert 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 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 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 responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we will provide the necessary footage to facilitate the reporting process.

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

Our goal is 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 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.