Your pool area might look gorgeous, but recurring drain backups can be a real hassle. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools frequently reveal invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of older pipework.
Resolving a blocked pool drain doesn’t always mean lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the causes of blockages, the techniques we use to detect them, and how pipe relining offers an effective solution by repairing the issue from inside the pipe.
What Types of Drainage Systems Are Located Underneath Your Pool?
In many backyard pools across Sydney, the area surrounding the pool is often covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will typically find several drainage lines:
- The household sewer line
- Stormwater drainage systems that originate from the roof, paving, and pool area
- The pool backwash line
- Overflow drains and subsoil drains
It’s essential to recognise 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 sources of moisture, and even a tiny leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a crack in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters, it flourishes in the moist environment inside the pipe, collecting waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool gets blocked, backwash water can’t escape, which may result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause issues with showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on tree species that are less likely to cause blocked drains. This guide offers insights into trees that are safer to plant near pipework.
What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Be vigilant for these 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 makes gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
- Water pools 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 accurately identify the issue.
Why Is It Better to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Accessing 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 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 approached us about three major 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 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 executed 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 its optimal flow, with no disturbance to the pavers or garden beds. The entire procedure was completed in less than six hours.
What Is the Process for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?
We utilise 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 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 supervises every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection through to the final stages, 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 effective for pipes that are damaged but retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to a point where a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a portion has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, causing stagnant water, which necessitates the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.
Sometimes, our camera inspections reveal that roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In these cases, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage needed 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 the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted initially to assess the damage and ensure that a liner can be installed. If any segments 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 clear the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. After this, we inspect the pipe with a CCTV camera. If the camera detects 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 needing to lift pavers, cut slabs, or disturb the garden.
What Common Factors Cause Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a leading cause 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 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 remove 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 falls to 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, 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 needing sealing, and the accessibility of the entry point. We will provide you with a timeline after 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 considering excavation. 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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