Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Effective Pool Area Solutions

Your pool area might be visually appealing, but persistent drain backups can be a significant issue. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools often reveal invasive tree roots that penetrate the joints of older pipe systems.

Resolving a blocked pool drain doesn’t always require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the common causes of blockages, the techniques we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining effectively addresses the problem from within the pipe itself.

What Types of Drainage Systems Are Installed Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding area typically features paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, several drainage lines are usually present:

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

It is essential 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 Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots are naturally attracted to moisture sources, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can entice 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 infiltrates the pipe, it flourishes in the moist environment, capturing waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, the backwash water cannot escape, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house to back up.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consult our guide on suitable tree species to plant, which can help prevent blocked drains. This guide offers insights into trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Keep an eye out for the following signs around your pool and inside your home:

• Pool water drains slowly or backs up when backwashing
• The backwash line overflows
• Water rises through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower emits gurgling sounds during pool backwashing
• Water pools on the pavers or lawn near the pool

Each of these indicators suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground. A camera inspection will help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Beneficial?

Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a challenging task that often results in damage. Typically, reaching a pipe involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining edges, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

That’s why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the example 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 about 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 extensive root intrusion from a nearby tree, fractures in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located about 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 post-relining.

Rather than suggesting excavation, we executed the following steps:

1. We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting equipment.
2. We installed a resin liner throughout the damaged section to seal the cracks and joints.

The stormwater line was restored to optimal flow without disturbing the pavers or garden beds. The entire procedure was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Process of 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 allowed 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 manages every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For more details about 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 a point where a liner cannot be inserted, that part 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, necessitating the 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 such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the necessary footage 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 beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to assess the damage and confirm that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Techniques Are Used to Resolve 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 Main Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary cause we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots infiltrate joints that leak water and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection helps 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 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 earlier, was completed in under six hours, including root clearing and relining of the damaged section. The time required 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 a timeline after the camera inspection.

Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool

We aim 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 starting any work.

If you notice signs of a blocked drain near your pool, organise a CCTV inspection or contact The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or another team member will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.