Your pool area might look fantastic, but frequent drain backups nearby can be frustrating. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently reveal invasive tree roots that have penetrated 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 use to identify them, and how pipe relining offers an effective solution by addressing the issue from within the pipe itself.
What Types of Drainage Systems Exist Beneath Your Backyard Pool?
In many Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area typically features 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 originating from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
- 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 naturally seek out sources of moisture, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a damaged joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a tiny root finds its way in, it flourishes in the moist environment within the pipe, trapping waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool gets blocked, the backwash water has nowhere to go, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house to back up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant in order to prevent blocked drains. This guide includes information on trees that are safer to position near pipework.
What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Stay 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 rises through a garden drain or grate
- A sink or shower emits gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
- Water gathers on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool
These symptoms suggest a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately pinpoint the issue.
Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?
Accessing the drainage around a pool can be a complex task that often results in damage. Reaching a pipe generally 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.
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 regarding three significant issues in their backyard:
- A blocked stormwater line next to their in-ground pool
- Gurgling noises emanating from the back garden
- Water pooling in a tiled corner
Our CCTV drain inspection revealed extensive 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 provided illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.
Rather than recommending 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 optimal flow, without disturbing 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-soaked 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 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 are undisturbed.
Our dedicated team manages every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without 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 effective for pipes that are damaged but retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to a degree that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require excavation and replacement. Likewise, 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 invaded the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In these situations, 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 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 confirm that a liner can be installed. Any collapsed or sunken sections will need to be excavated and replaced.
What Techniques Are Used to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?
We clear blockages 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, eliminating 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 major 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 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 address 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 to facilitate the report.
How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?
The relining project in Sutherland Shire referenced 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 following the camera inspection.
Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool
We strive to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will show you the camera footage prior to 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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