Pipe work in Churchill

Some of our readers may have noticed an unusual smell in the air during late February into March.

Explore Underground with Gippsland Water and Underground Experts have been replacing sections of our water system to ensure it is up to standard.

Gippsland Water is continually assessing their assets to ensure optimum performance of their water, storm water and wastewater systems.

Underground Experts turned up with their various trucks designed to run the various sections of the rehabilitation process.

Thus through CCTV inspection it was found that some of the areas in the original part of Churchill were in poor condition, aging and deteriorating, which can mean interruptions to service, something we do not want for our homes.

Much preparation work is carried out firstly by the property owner being contacted and informed and asked for permission to enter the property to inspect. Cameras are put into the pipes to make an assessment. A large boring tool clears the way of any tree roots or other obstructions

With the help of modern technology and equipment pipes can be rehabilitated in situ. A Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) method is used, which minimises interruptions and avoids the need to dig up streets and private properties.

A polyester, resin-saturated, coated felt tube liner is pulled into place via manholes.

The tube is then pressurized with air, so that it takes the shape of the original pipe. Then hot water or steam is used to cure or set the resin and form a tight fitting, jointless and corrosion resistant pipe within the pipe. A small smoke stack is assembled in the property which is the outlet for the steam which cures the resin. There is a smell from the styrene in this smoke which is not toxic. The crew advise you to stay inside and close your windows and doors. Any particles breathed in will dissipate from your body within 24 hours.

To complete the overhaul, a person came to inspect the work and make sure it was working correctly.