Your pool area may look spectacular, but you could be facing the problem of frequent drain backups nearby. 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 does not always mean lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the reasons behind blockages, the techniques we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining offers an efficient solution by repairing the issue from within the pipe itself.
What Are the Common Drainage Systems Located Under Your Backyard Pool?
In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will usually find several drainage lines:
- The sewer line from the household
- Stormwater drainage systems that originate from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
- The pool backwash line
- Overflow drains and subsoil drains
It is important to distinguish 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 moisture, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a broken joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a tiny root finds its way in, it flourishes in the moist conditions within the pipe, accumulating waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool is obstructed, the backwash water has no escape route, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home to back up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider checking our guide on suitable tree species to plant to prevent blocked drains. This guide provides insights on trees that are safer to position near pipework.
What Symptoms Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Be vigilant for the following 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 emits gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
- Water collects on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool
Each of these symptoms suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately pinpoint the problem.
Why Is Excavation Around a Pool Best Avoided?
Accessing the 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, the process of restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.
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 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 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 recommend excavation, we undertook the following steps:
- We cleared the line with 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 disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.
What Is the Process for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?
We use a method known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is introduced 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 method 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 manages every step 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 is appropriate for pipes that are damaged but still retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the point that a liner cannot be inserted, that portion will need excavation and replacement. Likewise, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which requires 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 lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to aid in 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 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 Used to Clear 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 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 Common 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 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 accountable 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 indicates 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 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 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 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 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 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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