Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Areas

Your pool area may be a sight to behold, yet you could be grappling with ongoing drainage problems nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our advanced camera technology often uncovers that invasive tree roots have infiltrated the joints of older pipe systems, particularly in areas adjacent to pools.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not necessarily entail lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we utilise to identify them, and how pipe relining serves as an effective solution, tackling the issue from within the pipe itself.

Which Types of Drainage Systems Are Located Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous backyard pools throughout Sydney, the surrounding area is generally covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath these hard surfaces, several drainage lines are typically present:

• 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 is crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration system, 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 susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots instinctively seek moisture, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees situated several metres away can extend towards a compromised joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root penetrates, it thrives in the moist environment within the pipe, gathering waste and debris, ultimately leading to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, backwash water has no outlet, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. Should the blockage occur within the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the home to overflow.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, we recommend consulting our guide on tree species that are advisable to plant, which assists in preventing blocked drains. This guide offers insights into trees that are safer to position near pipework.

What Are the Signs of a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?

Remain alert for the following signs around your pool and within your home:

• Pool water drains slowly or backs up during backwashing
• The backwash line experiences overflow
• Water bubbles up through a garden drain or grate
• A sink or shower produces gurgling sounds while the pool is being backwashed
• Water accumulates on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

Each of these symptoms indicates a potential blockage or damage to an underground pipe, and a camera inspection will facilitate accurate identification of the issue.

Why Is It Preferable to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to drainage around a pool poses significant challenges that often result in collateral 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, the restoration of paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

We favour relining techniques over excavation. In the case highlighted below, relining enabled 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 concerning three significant 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 uncovered substantial root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an aged 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 prior to intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe post-relining.

Rather than 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 optimal flow, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Does the Pipe Relining Process Entail Without Excavation?

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

Our committed team oversees 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 Might Pipe Relining Not Be Appropriate for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged but still 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. if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which necessitates the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.

Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have entered the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the necessary footage to assist with the reporting process.

Common Questions About Blocked Pool Drains

Can the Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Yes, we are able to reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to evaluate the damage and ensure that a liner can be installed. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need excavation and replacement.

What Techniques Are Employed 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 prevalent issue 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 pinpoint the specific cause of the blockage in your drain.

Who Is Accountable for Clearing 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 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 facilitate the report.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire discussed 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 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 identify 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.