Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions for Pool Plumbing Issues

Your pool area may appear stunning, yet you might be dealing with ongoing drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations frequently uncover invasive tree roots penetrating older pipe joints. We utilise advanced camera technology to inspect blocked sewer or stormwater lines in the vicinity of pools.

Resolving a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate the removal of paving stones or extensive excavation throughout your garden. This article delves into the primary causes of blockages, the techniques we use for detection, and how pipe relining presents a practical solution by addressing the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Types of Drainage Systems Are Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In many backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding areas often consist of paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Underneath this hardscape, you will typically find several crucial drainage lines:

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

It is essential to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and is distinct from the drainage systems. Our focus here is on the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root invasion.

How Do Tree Roots Create Blockages in Pool Drains?

Tree roots have a natural inclination to seek moisture, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can draw them in. Roots from trees situated several metres away may extend towards a compromised 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 obstructed, backwash water has no place to go, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to backups in showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the property.

If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant to prevent blocked drains. This guide offers valuable insights on tree types that are safer to position near pipework.

What Are the Signs of 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 noises when the pool is being backwashed
• Water collects on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool

All these indicators suggest a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection can help us accurately locate the issue.

Why Is It Preferable to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a complex task that often leads to damage. Reaching a pipe typically necessitates lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. Following a repair, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.

This is why we favour relining methods over excavation. In the example highlighted below, relining enabled us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing disruption.

Case Study: Effective 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 adjacent to their in-ground pool
• Gurgling sounds coming from the back garden
• Water accumulating 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 three metres beneath the pavers.

The accompanying images illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe post-relining.

Instead of advocating for excavation, we executed the following steps:

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, with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire operation was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Procedure for 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 internal surface, and left 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, such as an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.

Our dedicated team oversees every aspect of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without relying on 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 maintain their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment 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.

Occasionally, 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 assist in the reporting process.

Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Blocked Pool Drains

Can Drain Pipes Surrounding a Pool Be Relined?

Certainly. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes located beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe retains its shape. An initial camera inspection is conducted to assess the damage and confirm that a liner can be inserted. If any sections have collapsed or subsided, those areas will require excavation and replacement.

What Methods Are Used to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We remove 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 Common Causes of Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary issue we encounter around pools, particularly in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they trap debris. A camera inspection will assist in identifying 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 eliminate 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 lies with Sydney Water, and we will provide the necessary footage for reporting.

What Is the Duration of Pipe Relining Near a Pool?

The relining project in Sutherland Shire, mentioned earlier in this article, was completed in under six hours, which included root clearing and lining of the damaged section. The time taken 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 Adjacent to the Pool

Our objective is to identify 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, schedule a CCTV inspection or contact The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or a member of our team will explain the inspection process and what we will be looking for.