Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Effective Pool Area Solutions

Your pool area may look spectacular, but frequent drain backups in the vicinity can be a major concern. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations often reveal invasive tree roots infiltrating the joints of ageing sewer and stormwater pipes near pools. We utilise advanced camera technology to uncover these issues effectively.

Resolving a blocked pool drain does not always require the removal of pavers or extensive excavation of your garden. This article explores the underlying causes of blockages, the techniques we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining offers a reliable solution by addressing the problem from within the pipe.

What Drainage Systems Are Located Underneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area typically features paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will generally find several types of drainage lines:

• The household sewer line
• Stormwater drainage systems from the roof, paving, and surrounding pool areas
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is 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 specifically focuses on the drainage lines, which are particularly vulnerable to tree root encroachment.

How Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are naturally attracted to moisture sources. Even a small leak at a pipe joint can entice them. Roots from trees located several metres away can reach out to a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a tiny root breaches the pipe, it flourishes in the wet environment, capturing waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain adjacent to the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the obstruction occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to backflow in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home.

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

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be vigilant for the following indicators around your pool and in 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 produces gurgling sounds during pool backwashing
• Water collects on the pavers or lawn next to the pool

Each of these symptoms may signify a blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection can help us accurately identify the problem.

Why Is It Best to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing drainage around a pool can be a challenging task that often results in damage. Reaching a pipe usually involves removing travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or uprooting 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 a recent case, 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 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 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 recommending excavation, we took 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 optimal flow without disturbing 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 forming a new pipe within the old one. This method 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 aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection 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 works best 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 will require the pipe to be reinstalled at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the necessary footage to assist with the reporting process.

Common Inquiries Regarding 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 performed 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 Employed to Fix a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We eliminate blockages using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Once cleared, 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 seals the damage without the need to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.

What Common Factors Contribute to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary cause of blockages around pools, particularly 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 Accountable 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 on repair responsibilities, the owner must also remove 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 rests 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, discussed in this article, was completed in under six hours. This timeframe 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 determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before resorting to excavation, and we will share the camera footage with you before 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.