Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Solutions to Protect Your Pool

Your pool area may appear stunning, yet you could be dealing with ongoing drain backup issues nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our thorough investigations, which incorporate cutting-edge camera technology for inspecting blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools, often uncover invasive tree roots that have infiltrated the joints of ageing pipework.

Addressing a blocked pool drain does not always necessitate the lifting of pavers or the excavation of your garden. This article delves into the causes of blockages, the methods we use for detection, and how pipe relining presents a viable solution by rectifying the issue from within the pipe itself.

What Drainage Systems Exist Beneath Your Backyard Pool?

In numerous Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is commonly covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you will typically find several drainage lines:

• The sewer line originating from the household
• Stormwater drainage systems stemming from the roof, paved areas, and pool surroundings
• The pool backwash line
• Overflow drains and subsoil drains

It is crucial to understand that the pool’s filtration pipework, which connects the pump, filter, skimmer box, and return jets, operates under pressure and differs from the drainage systems. This discussion emphasizes the drainage lines, which are particularly susceptible to tree root intrusion.

How Do Tree Roots Lead to Blocked Pool Drains?

Tree roots naturally gravitate towards moisture sources, and even a slight leak at a pipe joint can entice them. Roots from trees several metres away can extend towards a fractured joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates, it thrives in the moist environment within the pipe, capturing waste and debris, ultimately resulting in a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes obstructed, the backwash water has no escape route, potentially causing flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs within the sewer line, it can lead to backups in showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the house.

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 trees that are safer to position near pipework.

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

Be observant for the following indicators 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 backwashed
• Water accumulates 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 assist us in accurately identifying the issue.

Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Accessing the drainage around a pool can be quite challenging and 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. Restoring the paving and landscaping after repairing the pipe can be extensive and costly.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In a recent case highlighted below, relining allowed 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 reached out to us concerning three significant issues in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection uncovered considerable 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 process.

Instead of suggesting excavation, we undertook 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 disturbance to the pavers or garden beds. The entire procedure was completed in under six hours.

What Steps Are Involved in Pipe Relining 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 interior surface, and left to cure, effectively creating a new pipe within the existing 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 remain undisturbed.

Our dedicated team oversees every aspect 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 an Appropriate Solution for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining works best for pipes that are damaged yet retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to such an extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will require excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunken 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 penetrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private pipes. In such instances, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage required to facilitate the reporting process.

Common Queries Regarding 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 retains its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to assess the damage and confirm 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 Utilised to Clear a Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We eliminate blockages 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 Common Causes Lead to Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?

Tree roots are a primary 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 clear 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 reporting.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Typically 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 aim to identify a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will share the camera footage before 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.