While your pool area may look fantastic, you might be facing persistent drainage issues nearby. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our use of advanced camera technology in blocked sewer or stormwater lines adjacent to pools frequently reveals invasive tree roots that have penetrated the joints of older piping systems.
Resolving a blocked pool drain does not always require lifting pavers or digging up your garden. This article explores the causes behind these blockages, the techniques we employ to identify them, and how pipe relining offers a practical solution by repairing the problem from within the pipe itself.
What Types of Drainage Systems Are Located Under Your Backyard Pool?
In numerous Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding surfaces are typically adorned with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape lies a network of drainage lines, which generally includes:
- The household sewer line
- Stormwater drainage systems stemming from the roof, paving, and pool surroundings
- The pool backwash line
- Overflow and subsoil drains
It is essential to note 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 vulnerable to tree root intrusion.
How Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?
Tree roots naturally gravitate towards moisture sources, and even a minor leak at a pipe joint can entice them. Roots from trees positioned several metres away can reach towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters, it flourishes in the moist environment inside the pipe, capturing waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool gets clogged, backwash water cannot escape, potentially resulting in flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage is within the sewer line, it may cause showers, toilets, and floor drains inside the house to back up.
If you are landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on suitable tree species to plant, which will help you avoid blocked drains by recommending trees that are safer to position near piping.
What Signs Indicate a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Stay vigilant 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 collects on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool
Each of these signs suggests a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection can help us accurately pinpoint the issue.
Why Should You Avoid Excavation Around Your Pool?
Gaining access to the drainage around a pool can be a challenging endeavour that often results in damage. Reaching a pipe typically involves lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining walls, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. Once the pipe is repaired, restoring the paving and landscaping can be extensive and expensive.
This is why we prefer relining methods over excavation. In the example 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 concerns in their backyard:
- A blocked stormwater line next to their in-ground pool
- Gurgling noises 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 images provided show the situation: the first illustrates the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second depicts the same pipe post-relining.
Instead of suggesting 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, without disturbing 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 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 interior surface, and allowed 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 manages every phase of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without subcontractors. For more information about the procedure, please visit our pipe relining Sydney page.
When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Pool Drain Repairs?
Pipe relining is effective for pipes that are damaged yet retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to an extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment will need excavation and replacement. Likewise, if a section has settled and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, which requires reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.
Occasionally, our camera inspections reveal that roots have penetrated the Sydney Water main instead of your private pipes. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide the necessary footage to facilitate the reporting process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Pool Drains
Can 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 are collapsed or sunk, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced.
What Techniques Are Utilised to Fix 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 Factors 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 infiltrate 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 Responsible for Removing Tree Roots from a Sewer Pipe in Sydney?
The property owner holds responsibility for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines regarding repair responsibilities, the owner must also remove 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.
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, 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 following the camera inspection.
Schedule a CCTV Inspection for Your Blocked Drain Near the Pool
Our objective is to determine a method for repairing the drain from within the pipe before considering excavation, and we will share the camera footage with you before commencing any work.
If you notice signs of a blocked drain near your pool, arrange for a CCTV inspection or reach out to The Blocked Drain Guys at 0418 408 333. Craig or one of our team 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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