Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Effective Solutions for Pools

Your pool area might be visually appealing, but persistent drain backups can be a major hassle. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations utilising advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently reveal invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older pipework.

Tackling a blocked pool drain doesn’t necessarily require lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article explores the causes of blockages, the techniques we employ to diagnose them, and how pipe relining offers an efficient solution by repairing the damage from within the pipe itself.

What Types of Drainage Systems Lie Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

Sydney backyard pools are often surrounded by a variety of hardscapes, including paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these surfaces, you will typically find several drainage lines:

• The sewer line connected to the house
• Stormwater drainage systems originating from the roof, paving, and surrounding areas of the pool
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It’s important to note that the pool’s filtration system, 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 drawn to moisture sources, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can reach out towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root penetrates the pipe, it flourishes in the moist environment, trapping 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 obstruction occurs within the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house to back up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider checking out our guide on suitable tree species to plant, which aims to prevent blocked drains. This guide provides insights on trees that are safer to plant near pipework.

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Be vigilant for the following indicators around your pool and inside your home:

• Slow drainage or backups in the pool water during backwashing
• Overflowing backwash line
• Water bubbling up through a garden drain or grate
• Gurgling sounds from sinks or showers while the pool is being backwashed
• Water pooling on the pavers or lawn near the pool

Each of these symptoms suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us pinpoint the exact issue.

Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Beneficial?

Gaining access to drainage around a pool can be a challenging task that 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. After repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can become extensive and costly.

For this reason, we prefer pipe 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 pressing 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 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.

Rather than 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 successfully restored to optimal flow without any disturbance to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in less than six hours.

What Is the Process for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?

We employ a technique known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-impregnated 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 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 stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection through to the final steps, without involving subcontractors. For more details 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 that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require 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.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated 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 necessary to facilitate the reporting process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Around 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 Utilised to Fix 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 reveals cracked joints or root intrusion 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 disrupt the garden.

What Common Causes Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a major contributor to blockages we encounter 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 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 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 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 requiring sealing, and the accessibility of the entry point. We will provide a timeline following the camera inspection.

Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We aim to identify 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 a member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.