Your pool area may look fantastic, yet you might be facing issues with the drain beside it frequently backing up. In the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney, our investigations using a camera in blocked sewer or stormwater lines near pools often reveal invasive tree roots that have breached the joints of older pipework.
Resolving a blocked pool drain does not necessarily require lifting pavers or excavating your garden. This article explores the causes of blockages, how we identify them, and how pipe relining effectively repairs the issue from within the pipe.
What Types of Drain Pipes Are Located Under Your Backyard Pool Area?
In most Sydney backyard pools, the surrounding area is typically covered with paving, tiles, decking, retaining walls, and garden beds. Beneath this hardscape, you can generally find several drainage lines:
- The sewer line from the house
- Stormwater drainage systems from the roof, paving, and pool surrounds
- 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. This discussion focuses on the drainage lines, as these are the pipes prone to tree root intrusion.
In What Ways Do Tree Roots Cause Blockages in Pool Drains?
Tree roots are naturally attracted to water sources, and even a small leak at a pipe joint can entice them. Roots from trees located several metres away can extend towards a cracked joint in older terracotta, earthenware, or PVC pipes. Once a small root enters, it continues to grow inside the damp environment of the pipe, trapping waste and debris, which ultimately leads to a blockage.
When a drain near the pool becomes blocked, the backwash water has no escape route, leading to potential flooding on the pool deck. If the blockage occurs in the sewer line, it can also cause showers, toilets, and floor wastes within the house to back up.
If you are in the process of landscaping around a new pool, consider consulting our guide on the best tree species to plant in order to avoid blocked drains. This guide outlines trees that are safer to position near pipework.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Blocked Pool Drain or Stormwater Line?
Be vigilant for these 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 while the pool is being backwashed
- Water collects on the pavers or lawn adjacent to the pool
Each of these symptoms points to a potentially blocked or damaged pipe underground, and a camera inspection will help us pinpoint the exact location of the issue.
Why Avoiding Excavation Around a Pool Is Preferable
Accessing the drainage around a pool can be challenging without causing damage. Reaching a pipe often requires lifting travertine or granite pavers, cutting through concrete slabs or retaining edges, or removing garden beds, turf, or decking. After repairing the pipe, the paving and landscaping would need to be restored, which can be extensive and costly.
That is why we prefer relining methods before suggesting excavation. In the case detailed below, relining allowed us to work around steep stairs and an established garden without disruption.
Case Study: Pipe Relining Solutions Near a Pool in Sutherland Shire
A homeowner in the Sutherland Shire contacted us regarding three pressing 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 following images illustrate the situation: the first depicts the blocked pipe before intervention, while the second shows the same pipe after the relining process.
Instead of suggesting excavation, we implemented 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 proper flow, and not a single paver or garden bed was disturbed. The entire process was completed in under six hours.
What Is the Process of Pipe Relining Without Digging?
We employ a method known as cured-in-place pipe relining. A resin-soaked liner is introduced into the damaged section of the pipe, pressed against the interior surface, and left to cure, forming a new pipe within the old one. This process seals any cracks, leaking joints, and the entry points used 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 intact.
Our dedicated team manages every phase of the relining process, from the initial camera inspection to the final stages, without involving subcontractors. For further details on the procedure, visit our pipe relining Sydney page.
When Is Pipe Relining Not Suitable for Repairing a Pool Drain?
Pipe relining is suitable for pipes that are damaged yet retain most of their shape. If a section has collapsed to the extent that a liner cannot be inserted, that segment requires excavation and replacement. Similarly, if a section has sunk and lost its gradient, the liner will follow the dip, resulting in stagnant water, necessitating the reinstallation of the pipe at the correct slope.
At times, our camera inspections reveal that the roots have infiltrated the Sydney Water main rather than your private piping. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we provide you with the footage to facilitate the reporting process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Pool Drains
Is it possible to reline the drain pipes surrounding a pool?
Absolutely. We can reline the sewer and stormwater pipes situated beneath pool surrounds, provided the pipe maintains its shape. A camera inspection is performed first to assess the damage and confirm that a liner can be accommodated. If any sections have collapsed or sunk, those areas will need to be excavated and replaced instead.
How can you fix a blocked pool drain without excavation?
We eliminate the blockage using high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools, then 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 predominant factor 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 is accountable for their own pipes. According to Sydney Water’s guidelines for repair responsibilities, the owner is also responsible for clearing tree roots that invade the junction at the connection point. If our camera footage indicates that the roots are within the Sydney Water main, the responsibility for repairs falls to Sydney Water, and we will provide you with the necessary footage to report it.
How much time does pipe relining take near a pool?
The relining project in Sutherland Shire, referenced in this article, was completed in under six hours, which included root clearing and the 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 can provide you with a timeline after the camera inspection is conducted.
Schedule 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 show you the camera footage prior to 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 one of the team members can 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
