When Tree Roots Block Pipes Around Your Pool — And How to Fix It Without Digging Up Your Garden
Landscaped pools look amazing — until the drain backs up.
If you’ve got a blocked sewer or stormwater line running under or near your pool, the most common cause is tree roots breaking into older pipework.
The solution doesn’t have to involve excavators, jackhammers, or ripping up paving. Not anymore.
At The Blocked Drain Guys, we recently helped a Sydney homeowner save thousands of dollars — and their fully landscaped pool area — by using trenchless pipe relining instead of excavation.
Here’s what we often see, and how you can avoid the pain.
How Do Pipes Get Damaged Around Swimming Pools?
Most backyard pool areas are densely landscaped and bordered by concrete, tiles, retaining walls or decks. But underneath all that hardscape is:
- Sewer or stormwater drainage
- Pool backwash lines
- Overflow drains
- Subsoil soakaways
The problem? Tree roots — even from trees metres away — can find leaking joints in older terracotta or PVC pipes. They get in, expand, and completely block the system.
And when that happens:
- Backwash water has nowhere to go
- Pool decks flood
- Bathrooms start backing up
- Your entire plumbing system can grind to a halt
The Problem With Excavating Around Pools
Most drainage around pools is not accessible without destroying something:
- Travertine or granite pavers
- Landscaped garden beds
- Concrete slabs and retaining edges
- Artificial turf or decking
Excavating to access these pipes can cost tens of thousands — and you can’t guarantee a perfect restoration afterward.
That’s why we never recommend excavation first.
We always investigate for a relining solution.
By doing pipe relining we were able to work around the steep stairways and well established garden.
The Job: How We Saved a Pool Without Touching the Landscaping
A recent client in the Sutherland Shire called us about:
- A blocked stormwater line near their in-ground pool
- Gurgling sounds in the back garden
- Water pooling near a tiled corner
Using CCTV drain inspection, we discovered:
- Heavy root intrusion from a nearby tree
- Cracked junctions in an old earthenware line
- Multiple joints blocked 3 metres under pavers
Look at the before and afters! The old blocked pipe and the the relined pipe now looks brand new!
Instead of recommending excavation, we:
- Cleared the line with high-pressure hydro jetting and root-cutting tools
- Inserted a trenchless epoxy liner to seal the entire run
- Restored the drain without touching a single paver or garden bed
The result?
- No damage
- Fully restored working drains
- Job completed in under 6 hours
- A very happy homeowner
➡️ Learn more about how pipe relining works
Why Pipe Relining Works So Well Near Pools
Trenchless relining inserts a new pipe lining inside the damaged section. It bonds to the old walls and seals off cracks, gaps and root entry points. It’s the only viable solution when:
- Access is limited by expensive landscaping
- Pool surrounds can’t be disturbed
- You need a fast turnaround with no mess
It also comes with a long warranty, is structurally sound, and blocks roots permanently.
How to Know If You Have a Problem
Don’t wait for damage to get worse. Look for these signs:
- Pool drainage slow or backing up
- Bubbling water near garden drains
- Sink or shower gurgling when using the pool
- Backwash line overflow
- Water pooling around pavers or grass near the pool
These are all indicators that a subsurface pipe is blocked or broken — likely from tree root intrusion.
Avoid the Dig. Save the Landscape. Fix It Right the First Time.
We get it — your pool isn’t just a pool. It’s part of your home’s value. It’s landscaped, designed, and too expensive to rip up for a single pipe.
That’s why we always look for a trenchless solution first.
If you’re seeing early signs of blocked drains near your pool, book a CCTV inspection now. We’ll assess, clear, and reline the problem without disturbing the surface.
