Plumbing problems always strike at the worst possible time
Summer weather in Sydney has been predictably unpredictable. In the aftermath (or is it still happening?), we continue to see the knock-on effect of these extreme weather conditions (specifical rain) on Sydney’s drains. Unfortunately, hoping that these problems will go away, especially in March – Sydney’s 2nd wettest month on average can cause homeowners a whole host of new, more costly issues.
As we know (and if you don’t, check out ‘what is the root of the problem’) many defects, specifically in sewer drainage, are caused by tree roots. The main two ingredients of a tree’s diet (photosynthesis) are sunlight and water, both of which we have had in abundance over the past three months.
What this means is that any existing cracks caused, or intrusions made by tree roots are likely to have worsened, and if you haven’t already, you and your plumbing are more likely than ever to fall out as the heavy rain not only feeds the trees but brings a few other notable issues.
Increased Pressure
Heavy rainfall, the type we have been experiencing the last few weeks, can saturate the ground causing sand and dirt around your pipes (often buried beneath your driveway or garden) to turn to mud. Mud, due to the increased water content is heavier and in turn, applies more pressure to the piping. In isolation may not be an issue for newer, durable systems, but if you have pre-existing problems, the chances are they are going to rear their ugly heads in the foreseeable future.
Shifting Pipes
The increase and decrease of ground pressure can lead to the shifting of pipes underground. Older terracotta pipes are particularly susceptible to shifting and can often crack or rupture following high rainfall, usually leaving behind a mess buried deep underground.
Blockages
If pipes have existing leaks, heavy rain can allow debris to enter the pipes causing blockages which can cause many issues. Whilst we focus primarily on relining broken pipes, they still need to be unlocked before they can be relined correctly.
Tree roots remain drain’s & pipes’ mortal enemy, but their sidekick, the rain, only strengthens their power. Whilst there may not be a perfect time to reline, as the weather continues to test us and a wet winter just around the corner, now might just be just about as good as it gets. Much better to wrap up warm inside with the knowledge that your newly relined pipes are safe from the trees than peering out the window and waiting for the worst to happen!
Pipe Relining
How does pipe relining work?
Think of relining as feeding an inner tube into the current pipe, then hardening and sealing that tube until it’s stronger than any clay, terracotta, or plastic pipe.
Rather than excavating and replacing the damaged pipe, causing mess and disruption to your property (and your bank balance) – we reline from the surface.
Using the best available Watermark accredited tech and using ultra-strong, impenetrable EPOXY resin, we cause a minimal fuss, often maintaining services and completing most projects within a single day.
The process
- Investigate – Using CC.TV technology, we investigate the problems and provide you with an itemised quote for the work that needs to be done, taking the time to explain where the budget is being spent and why arming you with the information you need.
- Prepare – We take time to prepare above and below ground to ensure we cause minimal disturbance by establishing safe work zones and diverting any plumbing systems where possible, avoiding service disruptions.
- Reline – Only then do we cure and install our impenetrable EPOXY resin using state-of-the-art relining techniques that allow us to accurately pinpoint the damaged section of the pipe, drain or sewer and navigate any bends or junctions.
We create and install a guaranteed 50-year solution with our superior relining products & materials coming with a life expectancy of 50 years and up.
Sydney Relining Case Studies
Dive Deeper Into Our Client Work
Pipe Relining and repairing multiple faults in one comprehensive residential project
The cost-effective solution avoided disruption, removing long-standing faults and preventing future issues
We’ve had a relationship with Ranelagh for over 15 years now. At first, they asked us to reline their nine-inch boundary trap. Since that time, we have relined most of their subsoil exterior drainage. Over time, the building realised that they were actually starting to develop issues with the cast iron stack drainage. Cast iron is now defunct material, and it actually rust from the inside out.
Some of the symptoms that the residents were experiencing in relation to the dilapidated cast iron network were smells, leaks, blockages, and in the most extreme case, flooding. It would have been best if we could actually move the residents out of the building. Because that was logistically impossible, we had to break down the project into individual length reline shots. We brought on our friends from Time to Reline, which enabled us to have two inversion teams and two junction robot teams doing two shots per day and also cutting out all the junctions as necessary. We were able to reline over a kilometre of drainage, do 800 cuts, and remove one and a half tonnes of metallic silt within a six-week time period.
“We’ve had a relationship with Ranelagh for over 15 years now”
If you’re a manager of a building that was built in the ’60s and ’70s, you will have cast iron sewer drainage. Sooner or later, this will leak, break, and cause major issues for the building. Now is the time to have a look at it and see if we can provide you a solution.
Our reputation supersedes any issues that the residence or building itself might actually have. No problem is too big or small. I’m extremely proud of this project. It’s the biggest residential project of its kind in Australia and possibly the world. It’s been a great opportunity not to showcase to the industry what our skills and capabilities are, but also to other building managers and committees alike in Sydney that are experiencing the same issues with cast iron pipe work.
Frequently Asked Pipe Relining Questions
The Advantages of Pipe Relining for Efficient Pipe Repairs
Pipe relining is a modern, trenchless method for repairing damaged or leaking pipes without the need for invasive excavation. This innovative technique involves inserting a flexible, resin-coated liner into the affected pipe, which is then inflated and cured to form a new, durable pipe within the existing one. The result is a seamless and corrosion-resistant pipe that not only restores the structural integrity of your plumbing system but also improves flow efficiency. By choosing Pipe Relining, you can extend the lifespan of your pipes, prevent future damage, and minimise the risk of costly repairs down the line.
Embracing Pipe Relining as a preferred solution for pipe repairs offers several benefits, including reduced costs, minimal disruptions, and enhanced environmental sustainability. Since there’s no need for large-scale digging, Pipe Relining helps you save up to 50% in repair expenses compared to traditional methods, while also reducing the time and resources required for the job. Furthermore, the trenchless nature of Pipe Relining significantly lessens the impact on your property and the surrounding environment, preserving your garden, landscaping, and infrastructure. By opting for Pipe Relining, you’re investing in a long-lasting, efficient, and eco-friendly solution for maintaining the health of your plumbing system.
