What causes my drains to become blocked?
- Drains may block due to deteriorated physical condition
- They may be in satisfactory condition but have been abused by flushing away foreign items that should never be placed into the sewerage system (i.e. plastic bags, kids toys, disposable nappies)
- Excessive disposal of cooking fats and oils, along with other domestic products and DIY materials such as plaster, can cause blockage of the pipe work
- Tree roots entering a broken drain can also be a problem
- Ground movement
How do I know for sure what is causing the blockage?
The only way to know for sure is to literally look. A CCTV inspection and survey will jet clean your pipes (removing any blockages) and enabling a clear view and assessment of the section that is blocked. Using a tiny camera that can be placed inside your pipes, our technicians can visually locate and assess any damage/blockages to your system.
If there is no structural damage, relining would not be applicable and with the blockage freed the job and problem would be complete.
If structural damage was the cause of the blockage, relining would be a suitable resolution.
Who is responsible for it?
It is the responsibility of the owner-occupier to clear and maintain private drains/sewer. If the property is rented then it is the responsibility of the Land Lord/Owner.
Statutory Drainage legislation
In most states of Australia and New Zealand, Local council and state government have introduced legislation stipulating that property owners with leaking pipes/drains must approach a licensed plumber or drainer to resolve the matter in the interest of public health.
For more information of your obligations in your area, contact your local water/drainage authority.
What are my options?
There are various approaches to pipe rehabilitation;
- Digging - If the damaged section is in an area that can be accessed with a small excavator then digging can be an option
- Pipe bursting - Refer to this article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipebursting
- Pipe Relining – Is a no digging, no mess, no disruption solution
How the Nu flow system works
Before any relining takes place, the drains must first be inspected and surveyed. We use a “Color CCTV pipe camera” to identify and locate the cause of the problem. The Drain is then cleared using High pressure water jets; once the blockage is cleared the pipe is then ready for the Liner installation.
The Nu Flex liner is custom made from fabric that is impregnated with specially formulated two part epoxy resin that sets hard in a matter of hours allowing minimal disruption and inconvenience.
Once the liner is tailor made and prepared, it is inserted in to your drain via a any opening in the drain. It is positioned in place with a CCTV camera and inflated, forcing the liner to take the shape of the pipe filling and voids, cracks or lining over any damaged section. After a 2-4 (subject to weather and conditions) curing period, the internal bladder of the liner will be retrieved, completing the process and making the drain ready for use immediately.
On completion of all works carried out, you will receive a “before and after DVD video survey” of your drain, 10 year work guarantee and a 40 year product guarantee.
For videos on how the process work go to the Videos page.
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