Tree Roots Blocking Pipes: Effective Solutions for Pools

Your pool area may look beautiful, but frequent drain backups can be a significant issue. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools frequently reveal invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older pipe systems.

Resolving a blocked pool drain does not necessarily require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the causes of these blockages, the techniques we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining offers a practical solution by repairing the damage from within the pipe itself.

What Types of Drainage Systems Exist Underneath Your Backyard Pool?

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

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

It is essential to recognise 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 minor leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees located several metres away can stretch towards a damaged 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, ultimately leading to a blockage.

When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has no place to go, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is within the sewer line, it can cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes inside the home to back up.

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

What Signs Indicate 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 makes gurgling sounds when the pool is being backwashed
• Water collects 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 help us accurately identify the issue.

Why Is It Better to Avoid Excavation Around a Pool?

Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a challenging task that often results in damage. Accessing a pipe typically 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 expensive.

This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the example described below, relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing any disruption.

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

A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire contacted us regarding three major issues in their backyard:

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

Our CCTV drain inspection revealed significant root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located about 3 metres beneath the pavers.

The images below illustrate the situation: the first shows the blocked pipe prior to intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe after the relining process.

Instead of suggesting excavation, we took 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 optimal flow with no disruption to the pavers or garden beds. The entire process was completed in under six hours.

What Is the Process for 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 allowed to cure, effectively forming 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 remain undisturbed.

Our dedicated team manages every stage of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without subcontractors. For more details about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.

When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?

Pipe relining is appropriate for pipes that are damaged but still maintain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will need to be excavated and replaced. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, which requires the pipe to be reinstalled 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 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 retains its shape. A camera inspection is performed 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 Techniques Are Used to Clear a Blocked Pool Drain Without Excavation?

We clear the blockage 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 without needing 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 predominant cause 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 help identify the specific cause of the blockage in your drain.

Who Is Responsible 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 for reporting.

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.

Schedule 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 notice signs of a blocked drain near your pool, book a CCTV inspection or reach out to 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.