Your pool area may look magnificent, yet you could be facing persistent drain backups nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines next to pools often reveal invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of older pipes.
Resolving a blocked pool drain does not always require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the various causes of blockages, the techniques we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining offers a practical solution by addressing the issue from inside the pipe itself.
What Types of Drainage Systems Are Installed Beneath Your Backyard Pool?
In many backyard pools across Sydney, the surrounding areas are typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Underneath this hardscape, you will usually find several drainage lines:
- 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’s important to note 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. Our focus here is on the drainage lines, which are especially 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 small leak at a pipe joint can attract them. Roots from trees several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root infiltrates the pipe, it flourishes in the moist environment, collecting waste and debris and ultimately leading to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, backwash water has no escape route, which can result in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs in the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor waste inside the house to back up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider checking our guide on suitable tree species to plant to help prevent blocked drains. This guide contains information on trees that are safer to place near pipework.
What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Be vigilant for the following indicators 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 gurgles when the pool is being backwashed
- Water collects on the pavers or lawn near the pool
Each of these signs points to a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us accurately pinpoint the problem.
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. Typically, reaching a pipe involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and costly.
This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the case below, relining allowed us to navigate around steep stairs and an established garden without causing disruption.
Case Study: Successful Pipe Relining Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire
A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire contacted us about three major 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 revealed significant root intrusion from a nearby tree, cracks in an old earthenware line, and multiple blocked junctions located approximately 3 metres beneath the pavers.
The accompanying images show the situation: the first depicts the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second illustrates the same pipe after the relining process.
Rather than recommending excavation, we took the following steps:
- We cleared the line using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools.
- 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 less than six hours.
What Is the Process for Pipe Relining Without Excavation?
We use a technique called 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. This creates a new pipe within the old one, effectively sealing any cracks, leaking joints, and entry points exploited by tree roots. We gain access to the pipe through an existing entry point, such as an inspection opening, ensuring that the surrounding pavers and garden remain undisturbed.
Our dedicated team supervises every phase of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without subcontractors. For more details on 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 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 section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, leading to stagnant water, which necessitates reinstalling the pipe at the correct slope.
Sometimes, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In these cases, the responsibility for repairs lies with Sydney Water, and we provide the footage necessary to assist in 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 beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe keeps its shape. A camera inspection is conducted first to assess 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 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 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 Issues Cause Blocked Drains Around Pools in Sydney?
Tree roots are a major cause we encounter around pools, especially in older terracotta and earthenware pipes. Roots penetrate leaking joints and continue to grow until they capture 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 accountable for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines regarding repair responsibilities, the owner must also remove tree roots invading 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 reporting process.
How Long Does Pipe Relining Take Near a Pool?
The relining project in Sutherland Shire mentioned earlier 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 needing sealing, and the accessibility of the entry point. We will provide you with a timeline after the camera inspection.
Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool
Our goal is to identify a method for repairing the drain from inside the pipe before considering excavation. We will show you the camera footage prior to commencing any work.
If you notice signs of a blocked drain near your pool, arrange 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.
Original Article First Published At: When Tree Roots Block Pipes Around Your Pool — And How to Fix It Without Digging Up Your Garden
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