Your pool area may look beautiful, but persistent drain backups can be a significant issue. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our use of advanced camera technology to investigate blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often reveals the presence of invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of ageing pipework.
Resolving a blocked pool drain doesn’t always mean you have to lift pavers or dig up your garden. This article explores the causes of blockages, the techniques we use to identify them, and how pipe relining offers a robust solution by addressing the problem from within the pipe itself.
What Types of Drainage Systems Are Located Beneath Your Backyard Pool?
In many Sydney backyard pools, the area surrounding the pool is typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you’ll generally find various drainage lines:
- The household sewer line
- Stormwater drainage systems from the roof, paving, and pool area
- 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 are instinctively attracted to moisture sources, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees located several metres away can reach a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters, it flourishes in the damp environment within the pipe, collecting waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water cannot escape, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage affects the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home to overflow.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on appropriate tree species to plant to avoid blocked drains. This guide contains information on trees that are safer to position near pipework.
What Symptoms Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Watch for the following warning signs 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 sounds when the pool is being backwashed
- Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn next to the pool
Each of these indicators suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us pinpoint the issue accurately.
Why Is It Better 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 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 expensive.
This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the example highlighted below, relining allowed us to work 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 next to their in-ground pool
- Gurgling sounds coming from the back garden
- Water pooling in a tiled corner
Our CCTV drain inspection revealed substantial root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located around 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.
Rather than 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 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 procedure seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points exploited by tree roots. We access the pipe through an existing entry point, like an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.
Our dedicated team oversees every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without any 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 yet 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, causing stagnant water, which requires reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.
Sometimes, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In these cases, Sydney Water is responsible for repairs, 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, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is initially conducted to assess the damage and confirm 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 Resolve a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?
We eliminate blockages using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. After this, we inspect the pipe using 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 necessitating the lifting of pavers, cutting of slabs, or disturbance of the garden.
What Are the Common Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a primary cause we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots invade joints that leak water and continue to grow, trapping debris. A camera inspection will help pinpoint 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 indicates that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, Sydney Water is responsible for repairs, and we will provide the necessary footage for reporting.
How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?
The relining job 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
We strive to identify a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering 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 a CCTV inspection or reach out to 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
The Article: Tree Roots Blocking Pipes Around Your Pool: Fixing Without Digging first appeared on https://writebuff.com
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