Effective Solutions for Tree Roots Blocking Pipes in Pools

Your pool area may appear stunning, yet you could be grappling with ongoing drainage problems nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our utilisation of camera technology to examine obstructed sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently uncovers that invasive tree roots have infiltrated the joints of older pipe systems.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the factors that contribute to blockages, the methods we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining serves as a practical solution by tackling the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Are the Different Types of Drainage Systems Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous backyard pools throughout Sydney, the surrounding area is generally adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these solid surfaces, you will typically find several drainage lines:

• The sewer line from the household
• Stormwater drainage systems that originate from the roof, paving, and the vicinity of the pool
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is essential to recognise that the pool’s filtration system, which interlinks the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is separate from the drainage systems. This article focuses specifically on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to invasion by tree roots.

How Do Tree Roots Contribute to Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees positioned several metres away can reach towards a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root breaches the pipe, it thrives in the moist environment inside, gathering waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.

When a drain close to the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has no escape route, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the obstruction occurs within the sewer line, it may result in overflowing showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home.

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

What Symptoms Suggest a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Stay alert for the following signs around your pool and inside 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 noises while the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn next to the pool

Each of these signs indicates the possibility of a blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will enable us to accurately identify the issue.

Why Is Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Preferable?

Gaining access to drainage around a pool can be a demanding task that often leads to damage. Accessing a pipe typically requires lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After the pipe is repaired, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. The case highlighted below shows how relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing any disruption.

Case Study: Effective Pipe Relining Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire

A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire reached out to us regarding three significant issues in their backyard:

• A blocked stormwater line adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling sounds coming from the back garden
• Water pooling in a tiled corner

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered substantial root intrusion from a nearby tree, fractures in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately three metres beneath the pavers.

The accompanying images depict the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe after the relining process.

Instead of recommending excavation, we undertook the following actions:

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 restored to its optimal flow without disturbing the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in less than six hours.

What Does the Pipe Relining Process Involve Without Excavation?

We utilise a method known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is inserted into the damaged section of the pipe, pressed against the inner surface, and left to cure, effectively forming a new pipe within the old one. This technique seals any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points that tree roots may exploit. We access the pipe through an existing entry point, such as an inspection opening, ensuring the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.

Our dedicated team oversees every phase of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For further details on the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged yet retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that 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, resulting in stagnant water, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the appropriate slope.

At times, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In such instances, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist with the reporting process.

Common Inquiries About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Yes, 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 evaluate 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 Methods Are Used to Resolve a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We eliminate the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools. Subsequently, 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 major issue we encounter around pools, particularly 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 pinpoint the specific cause of the blockage in your drain.

Who Is Responsible for Clearing Tree Roots from a Sewer Pipe in Sydney?

The property owner is accountable 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 indicates 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 mentioned in this article was completed in under six hours, which included 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 you with a timeline following the camera inspection.

Arrange 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 observe signs of a blocked drain near your pool, schedule 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.