It’s no secret that Sydney’s water infrastructure is under stress as ageing water mains, drains and sewer lines combine with an increasing population. This has resulted in a greater need for repairs from homeowners, building managers, and commercial or industrial property owners.

Tree root intrusions

Most of this damage is caused by tree root intrusions from mature trees, which are drawn to the water, nutrients and oxygen that travel through these pipes.

This problem is compounded by the installation of clay pipes in Sydney and NSW up until the early 1980’s, which allow condensation to form on the crown of the pipe. Loosely bedded soil along trench lines permit roots to grow alongside the pipe until microscopic roots enter the pipe at the seam. Once the roots enter the pipe the root system grows aggressively leading to blockages, breaks in the pipe and eventual collapse.

A new technology to fix blocked drains

Pipe relining is a new technology that provides an alternative to the traditional dig and replace. By replacing the interior lining of your pipe, it is a less disruptive and quicker way to fix existing plumbing.

Using this method no work is required to dig into and restore property landscaping or building amenities and facades. Avoiding downtime lost at commercial properties or the expense of relocating residents during repairs also offers a considerable saving.

Other benefits of pipe relining are that the relined pipes are safer and last longer. Because seamless relined pipes are no longer susceptible to tree root intrusions, your water flows are smoother and cleaner.

GF James offers both Blueline and Redline pipe relining

Unlike other plumbers, GF James offers two types of pipe relining technology. As we specialise in the repair of broken, burst and leaking drains and pipes, we can offer you a better choice for your pipe repairs.

Blueline – a structural lining system

The Blueline system is designed to repair many types of piping systems and materials from 40mm to 1000mm including horizontal, vertical, square, rectangular, round pipes, bends, P Traps, and S Traps. This revolutionary system can start and stop a liner anywhere along the pipe including multiple bends, as well as inserting fully formed junction liners. The liner adheres to the original pipe, repairing the old pipe, and builds a new one inside. Blueline is so tough it can even span a void if there is a section of the old pipe missing.

Redline – an internal pipe coating system

The Redline system uses an epoxy resin suitable for drinking water that can completely coat the inside of water, air, gas, fuel lines and more, ranging in diameters from 12mm to 300mm in almost any type of material. Redline provides an evenly coated epoxy barrier between the host pipe and the liquid or gasses passing through it. This will prevent future leaks and protect your water supply from lead and other contaminants leached from your piping and joints.