When Bluescope Steel was faced with a leaking water main crisis in 2022, they called on Curran Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air for help. The compromised main, located beneath a rail corridor and other critical infrastructure, posed a challenge that, conventionally, would have required months of repair through the laborious process of excavation and replacement, severely affecting Bluescope’s operations during this time.
Instead, we offered them the innovative approach of pipe relining, enabling us to accomplish the equivalent of months of work in just 48 hours, saving Bluescope plenty of time and money and avoiding the heartache of downtime due to shutting the water off.
In the video below, Curran’s CEO, Sid Curran, talks you through how we were able to achieve this large-scale plumbing repair job, without disrupting the infrastructure above, under considerable time constraints.
Keep reading for more info on the magic of pipe relining, including:
- What is pipe relining?
- When do you require pipe relining?
- How does pipe relining work?
- What are the benefits of pipe relining?
- Is pipe relining suitable for industrial/business properties?
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What is pipe relining?
Pipe relining is a form of trenchless sewer repair. Trenchless, meaning that we no longer have to dig up large sections of the ground to access and replace all affected pipes, destroying the landscape in the process. Pipe relining is a relatively new plumbing technology which instead involves inserting a new lining into the existing pipe through a small access point, strengthening the damaged pipes from the inside.
When do you require pipe relining?
Overflowing drains, low water pressure, gurgling sounds, bad smells or overflowing/receding toilets are all indicators that there is an issue with your pipes. These issues may be symptoms of a cracked pipe, misaligned joints or the existence of a significant blockage e.g. tree roots. When these issues affect a large portion of your plumbing, pipe relining is usually the way to go.
You may also want to consider the age of your plumbing. Old school terracotta pipes are particularly susceptible to tree root invasion, as the small gaps between the pipe joints allow space for tiny tree roots to grow through in their search for water. Instead of excavating and replacing all your terracotta pipes, a new lining can be inserted into the pipes, preventing future tree root blockages.
A Curran technician can assess if pipe relining is recommended for you. We will attend your home to diagnose the problem by checking your pipes with a CCTV camera to determine the cause of your problem. If the pipe is cracked or damaged, then pipe relining may be the most beneficial solution.
How does pipe relining work?
- The damage/blockage is first assessed using a camera which is sent inside and along through the pipes.
- The Curran plumber will determine how much of the pipe needs to be relined and what work needs to be done prior to the actual reline e.g. installing access points.
- Debris such as roots, dirt and rust, is removed before the pipes are water jetted, creating a clean, smooth surface for the new lining.
- In our relining truck, an epoxy resin is mixed with a hardening agent and applied evenly to the liner.
- The lining, now coated in epoxy resin, is positioned at the access point and then, using compressed air, is inflated to fit the pipe.Â
- The epoxy resin is ‘cured’ to create a new seamless, watertight lining.Â
- We will test the new pipes and guarantee our work with a 25 year warranty.Â
What are the benefits of pipe relining?
Quick Installation
Most relining jobs can be completed in one day.
Long Life Product
Pipe Relining is a long-term solution with a 50 year life expectancy.
Economical
Save on the cost, time and hassle of restoring your property and landscaping.
Impervious to future root penetration
Not only will we remove current blockages, your relined pipes are jointless, meaning there are no small gaps for future tree roots to grow through.
Installation Guarantee
Curran offers a 25 year warranty, twice that of standard excavations. This also includes an annual warranty camera inspection.
Is pipe relining suitable for industrial/business properties?
Pipe relining is a versatile solution applicable to residential, commercial, and industrial properties alike. Businesses, in particular, can experience significant advantages from opting for a pipe relining solution. This is because we can reline underneath built-in infrastructure, without needing to dig destructive trenches. Pipe relining is also a relatively quick process, minimising down time for your business and the associated costs of interruptions to operations.
If you’re interested in relining for your home or business, talk to the pipe relining experts operating in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Sutherland Shire, Curran Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air. We’re just a call away on 1300 792 082.
