Your pool area may look beautiful, but you could be facing issues with frequent drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines surrounding pools frequently reveal invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older pipe systems.
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 use to identify them, and how pipe relining offers an effective solution by repairing the problem from within the pipe itself.
What Types of Drainage Systems Are 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 often find several drainage lines:
- 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
It is important to note that the filtration pipework of the pool, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and differs from the drainage systems. This discussion focuses on the drainage lines, which are especially at risk of tree root intrusion.
How Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?
Tree roots are naturally attracted to sources of moisture, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can entice them. Roots from trees several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a tiny root infiltrates, it flourishes in the moist environment, capturing waste and debris, and eventually resulting in a blockage.
When a drain adjacent to the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, leading to potential 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, which aims to prevent blocked drains. This guide contains information about trees that are safer to position near pipework.
What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Stay 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 rises 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 near the pool
Each of these symptoms suggests a potentially blocked or damaged underground pipe, and a camera inspection will help us accurately pinpoint the issue.
Why Is It Best to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Gaining access to 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 walls, 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 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 major issues in their backyard:
- A blocked stormwater line near their in-ground pool
- Gurgling noises 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 situated approximately 3 metres below the pavers.
The images shown illustrate the situation: the first displays the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.
Instead of suggesting excavation, we undertook 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 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 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 used 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 supervises every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection through to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For additional information on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.
When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?
Pipe relining is effective for pipes that are damaged but still retain most of their structure. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will need excavation and replacement. Likewise, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, which requires the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.
Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls under 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 that the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted initially to assess the damage and confirm that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need excavation and replacement.
What Techniques Are Used to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?
We clear the blockage 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 Are the Common Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a primary cause we observe 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 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 maintaining 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 reveals 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 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 aim to determine a repair method for 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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