Ready Set Reline

Commercial Strata Stormwater Reline

Relining Severely Damaged Stormwater Pipes and Saving Residents from the Hassles of Recurring Drainage Problems

Balmain, New South Wales | Ready Set Reline

Project Brief

Strata management is an exhausting and demanding job, often forcing managers to juggle multiple tasks to ensure minimal inconvenience to the residents.

A strata client recently approached us for inspection and professional advice on some serious plumbing issues they were facing on one of the properties they were managing. The site was situated on the waterfront and had breathtaking views of the harbour. However, internal erosion and root growth put serious strain on the plumbing, causing the residents great concern over the severe issues.

Our team visited the site for a thorough investigation. We performed a CCTV camera inspection on the underground stormwater pipes to assess the intensity of the problem, allowing us to find a suitable repair strategy. During this process, we discovered that the entire stormwater system was blocked at multiple locations on site and needed immediate attention.

Our Approach

Due to the nature and extensiveness of the plumbing issues, our relining experts needed to devise a systematic approach to deal with the underlying issues and ensure they were addressed and resolved.

impregnating-the-liner-with-2-part-epoxy-resin

Identifying the Problem Areas

Initially, it was challenging to identify and locate the problematic areas in the underground stormwater system. Since there were no diagrams or visuals available for the original pipework, it was impossible for us to determine the extent of damage and required repair work without performing a detailed CCTV pipe inspection. As such, using high resolution CCTV drain cameras and commercial jet blasters, we removed all the obstructions from the stormwater pipes to survey and map out the underground pipework.

Relining and Repairs

Next, we provided the client with a detailed CAD illustration of the stormwater pipes, pinpointing the locations where:

Approximately 1 km of stormwater pipes needed relining. We started working on extensively damaged areas first, relining the pipes one section at a time to minimise disruptions and reduce issues as we progressed.

The Major Obstacles That We Overcame

The sheer size and complexity of the project required a structured plan to streamline the work processes. We considered the variables and unknown factors, devising strategies to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure timely completion.

In order to physically examine the condition of stormwater pits in the car park, we had to organise electronic gas monitoring equipment to identify potential gas safety hazards before exposing our workers to the confined space experience. We are fortunate to have a team of fully-trained and licensed local plumbers who carefully supervised the entire task without any trouble.

We managed the work within a short time frame due to the location being close to Sydney Harbour, ensuring our activities did not coincide with the tree removal work going on at the site. However, punctuality and close coordination of our entire team made it possible for us to get through this challenge with ease.

The last challenge was the unusual length of the liner and arranging for curing equipment. To overcome this problem, we used a commercial hot water boiler to heat the water for curing the liner inside the host pipes.

If We Could Start The Project From The Beginning, What Would We Have Done Differently?

While we successfully carried out the entire project on time and as desired, if given the chance to do something differently, we would have used the latest and recognised UV curing technology to harden the liner. In addition to expediting the curing process, this would have saved us the hassle of arranging for heavy equipment we used at that time.

Top Three Things We Are Most Proud Of

Every new project comes with its own set of challenges. Figuring out how to overcome these challenges without compromising the service quality is only possible if the team members are committed to their work.

We are lucky to have some of the most dedicated professionals onboard, with a problem-solving mindset and willingness to work despite all the obstacles that come their way. The effective collaboration and coordination of our team to manage the work during limited working hours, yet still being able to deliver such a large-scale project in a short time span, is a true evidence of our commitment to quality and performance. We’d also like to appreciate all the help and assistance we received from our local reline supplier – Steve from RSM Lining Supplies.

What makes us happier is knowing that we saved our client a considerable amount of money, time, and hassle by providing an effective and unobtrusive solution for their damaged pipes while ensuring minimal disruption to the residents.