When the facility manager at Perth’s Commonwealth Bank of Australia building noticed a downpipe leak, they were unsure how to go about finding plumbing solutions that would respect the strict regulations of the building’s heritage listing. An old cast iron downpipe that runs from the roof of the building was leaking through five floors onto the 3rd floor, and every time it rained, water was leaking through the broken pipe onto the floor and walls around it.

Respecting the heritage

As the Perth Commonwealth Bank of Australia Building is heritage listed, there are restrictions on the kinds of repairs that can be carried out. Nothing could be cut open or removed, which meant most plumbing services were not an option.

There were also restrictions in terms of accessibility. Access to the building was through undercroft car parks and up multiple levels, so any relevant equipment needed to be carried to the top floor for installation.

The building managers reached out to a number of plumbers, but were unable to find a solution that didn’t involve removing the broken pipe, until they reached out to Nuflow Perth Central. The restrictions meant that Nuflow’s pipe relining was the perfect plumbing solution, as pipes can be relined from the inside without any demolition, excavating or removal.

Investigating the problem for downpipe repairs

Before deciding on the best way to fix the leak, Nuflow Perth Central used advanced CCTV drain camera equipment to inspect the downpipe. This allowed the team to locate the source of the issue and decide on the best long-term solution.

From our investigation, we discovered the downpipe ran approximately 3.7m straight down from the roof access. It then took a 45-degree turn across the floor of level four for about 1.5m, and then another 45-degree turn down along the third-floor wall.

A circle solution in a square hole

While our pipe relining solution was the obvious solution to fix the broken pipe, another restriction came in the form of the shape of the downpipe: it was rectangular, while our Nuflow lining is circular.

To solve this problem, we relined from the top access point so that we could seal the four corners with additional resin and silicon that otherwise would still be exposed. This stopped any further water from running down the side of our installed reliner.

Cast iron drain pipe repair, the non-invasive way

For the downpipe repairs, we installed approximately 5.5m of pipe lining to cover from the roof access down through the two 45-degree bends, finishing just past the last bend. The job took our team of four a full day to install, with minimal impact for those working in the building.

Following the pipe relining, our team conducted a second CCTV drain inspection to ensure the new liner was installed correctly and would stand the test of time. After previously having trouble finding an appropriate plumber to fix the broken pipe, the building managers were very satisfied with how efficient and cost-effective our plumbing services were.

Solutions for all your commercial or residential plumbing needs

Have a broken pipe and looking for a cost-effective and long-lasting solution? Whether it’s residential or commercial, Nuflow Perth Central can help. Talk to our friendly team about how to get your broken pipes sorted for good.

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Upon initial inspection by the City of Stirling, multiple cracks were found in the newly laid stormwater drain system. The civil construction company was advised that the stormwater pipes needed to be repaired so that they were not only structurally sound, but also to prevent the possibility of root ingress which may result in blockages in the future.

Commercial plumbing alternative with less disruption

When the pipe cracks were discovered, the area above the stormwater drains had already been landscaped, with the bitumen laid and paving completed. Getting the pipes repaired in the traditional way would have involved major excavation works to the area to replace the affected pipes. This process would have been expensive, disruptive and labour intensive, and would have most likely delayed the project.

Instead, the construction company engaged Nuflow Perth Central to learn more about our innovative alternative of pipe relining, which requires no excavation at all. Through pipe relining, we can fix pipes from the inside without demolishing or excavating, leading to minimal downtime and less disruption.

After inspecting the existing pipes with CCTV camera equipment to locate the issues, we used high-pressure water jets to clear the pipes and prepare them for the relining process. Then we installed an epoxy liner, which bonds to the host pipe’s interior wall. This seals and protects the system from further deterioration, dramatically extending the life of the piping system.

Storming through the project with pipe relining

Over five days, we relined 10 one-metre sections of stormwater pipe, working on concrete pipes ranging in size from 300mm to 425mm. Following the relining works, we were able to inspect the pipe using CCTV equipment to ensure correct application and longevity.

Throughout the entire streamlined process, there were no disruptions to surfaces or essential services, and the ongoing works along the street were able to continue as planned as if we weren’t there.

We were able to repair all of the sections of cracked pipe to satisfy subsequent inspections by the City of Stirling so the project could progress to completion. This long-lasting solution not only repaired the existing cracks, but also significantly reduced the chance of any root ingress in the future.

No delays mean you can get on with the job

Often, unexpected repairs can lead to major delays in commercial projects, but given the non-disruptive nature of pipe relining, the Mirrabooka Town Centre Redevelopment project was able to continue as planned.

“The cracks were repaired with no disruption, and they didn’t need to dig them up to replace them. The client was really pleased because their other work was able to continue so the development wasn’t delayed.” – Chris Pember, Nuflow Perth Central

Innovative solutions for commercial plumbing repairs

Looking for cost-effective and long-lasting stormwater system repairs for a commercial job? Or perhaps you just need repairs for a blocked drain or broken pipe? Nuflow Perth Central can help. Talk to our friendly team to get your broken pipes sorted today.

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