Schools are naturally busy, with hundreds—sometimes thousands—of people using the facilities every day. Even a small plumbing issue can cause major disruptions and wreak havoc on an otherwise smooth day of learning.
Traditional pipe repairs often involve excavation, leading to extended closures and costly downtime. That’s why pipe relining is a smarter solution for principals and school managers to consider.
What is Pipe Relining?
Trenchless pipe relining repairs broken pipes without the need to even break ground. The damaged pipes are accessed through a small access point, removing the need for extensive excavation and mess.
CCTV pipe inspection allows the inside of your pipes to be inspected and cleaned before a new durable resin-coated liner is inserted to create a brand-new pipe within the old one.
This innovative alternative to traditional pipe replacement isn’t just a quick fix, it’s a permanent solution for broken pipes that can be completed within a day.
Common Plumbing Issues in Schools and Public Facilities
Schools and public facilities experience heavy daily use, placing significant strain on their plumbing systems. Many of these buildings have been in use for decades, meaning their infrastructure is often ageing and more susceptible to deterioration.
Over time, pipes may develop leaks, cracks, or even collapse which results in costly repairs and disruption. Without regular maintenance, ageing infrastructure can even pose serious risks to water quality and overall system efficiency.
Students are often also culprits for flushing things down the drains that they shouldn’t. Paper towels and food waste can accumulate, causing clogs and sediment buildup which can, over time, result in foul odours, blocked drains and slow drainage.
Why is Quality Pipe Repair So Important for Schools & Public Facilities?
These types of buildings never sleep. Not only does this constant use contribute to the need for pipe repair, but it also underlines the requirement for minimal downtime during the repair process.
Pipe relining is the perfect solution, as it restores pipes without invasive excavation. This means no loud construction, no displaced students or staff, and no extended closures—just seamless repairs to existing pipes that keep the facility running smoothly.
Case Studies: Successful Pipe Relining Projects in Schools and Public Facilities
Here at The Relining Company, we’ve successfully relined the pipes of many schools and public facilities, offering these buildings a new lease of life with little to no disruption to staff or pupils. Here are some of the projects we’re most proud to have worked on.
St Andrews College
The Problem
The original clay pipes in the premises were installed in 1867 and eventually, tree roots began to infiltrate the collars of the pipes in the main line. This resulted in blockages and meant students had to use bathrooms in other parts of the school.
The Solution
We used high-pressure water jetting to clean the inside of the pipes, removing any debris from the tree roots and ensuring the pipes were ready for relining. To stop the tree roots from returning, we relined over 40m of the 150mm pipe with Brawoliner Inversion lining.
UNSW Randwick University
The Problem
The university enlisted our help to address leaking downpipes causing water to enter the premises when it rained. We quickly identified that the old pipes were rusty, causing holes to form and water to leak through.
The Solution
We relined the downpipes with a slow-cure resin. Since the pipes were 20m high, using water would have caused the liner to stretch and drop, so we used air instead to reduce weight and left the liners overnight to fully cure, ensuring a secure and long-lasting result.
Scotts College Bellevuehill
The Problem
The issue was a leaking joint where a new PVC pipe joined an existing copper pipe. This area had since been covered by a wall and was inaccessible yet the leak had been ongoing for a longer period.
The Solution
Pipe relining was an ideal solution here due to the inaccessibility of the problem area. We were able to insert a sectional reline to seal the joint and stop the leak. This job was completed in half a day meaning no disruption to students whatsoever.
31-41 William St Alexandria
The Problem
The City of Sydney Council upgraded roads and services, renewing concrete stormwater drains. The issue was with the new FRC 375mm pipes which had protruding rubber rings and minor damage, risking future leaks.
The Solution
In this scenario, we installed fiberglass sectional repairs to reline the joints. To prepare the area for fixing, we used robotic technology to grind down the problem areas and used high-pressure jets to thoroughly clean the drains to guarantee maximum project success.
ANZ Stadium
The Problem
We were employed to fix some blockages at the iconic ANZ stadium. This venue’s capacity puts its drains under intense pressure. After CCTV inspection, we discovered that tree roots had infiltrated the system.
The Solution
Downtime at a venue like this would come with a high cost. Thanks to our relining solution, we were able to fix the damaged area and seal it off to prevent any future tree growth or additional blockages.
Benefits of Pipe Relining for Schools and Public Facilities
Pipe relining offers a long-term solution for schools and public facilities facing a dreaded plumbing problem. The minimal disruption to daily operations is truly invaluable. We know how extensive construction work can distract students, taking their attention away from normal school life. With pipe relining, they won’t even notice it’s going on.
Not only that, but it’s an extremely cost-effective solution for repairing damaged pipes compared to more traditional methods. The need for costly excavation is removed, the work is completed within a day and there is no damage or destruction of the surrounding landscape.
We know that sustainability matters to schools, and rightly so. Pipe relining is an eco-friendly approach to fixing blocked pipes, we use eco-conscious materials to help us contribute to a healthy planet.
How Pipe Relining Works: Step-by-Step Process
The pipe relining process is a quick and easy permanent solution for damaged pipes. Now we’ve explored the many benefits of relined pipes, here’s an insight into what this innovative pipe work process looks like.
- We thoroughly inspect your pipes. Using CCTV footage, we examine the issue and establish the full extent of the problem. These cameras can weave through multiple bends to help us ensure nothing is missed.
- Next, we use a high-pressure jet to clear out any debris or blockages and prepare the area for the incoming pipe relining job.
- Once the area is clear, we reline your pipes. Brawoliner is inserted into the pipes and pressure is used to press the liner to the existing pipe wall. Once set, you’re left durable new lining that acts like a new pipe.
- We carefully inspect your new pipe. Using the same camera as in step 1, we inspect our work to ensure the new pipe lining is doing its job correctly.
If you’re a school facility manager who thinks your premises could benefit from expert pipe relining services, contact The Relining Company today. From old cast iron pipes to new PVC pipes, pipe relining solutions can work in a huge range of scenarios. Keep the school day running smoothly by choosing a no-dig, no-mess solution.
FAQs About Pipe Relining for Schools and Public Facilities
What are the limitations of pipe relining?
The main limitation of pipe relining is that it cannot be used in some situations where significant damage has occurred. Similarly, improperly installed pipes can’t always be fixed with pipe relining.
What is the cost of pipe relining?
The cost of pipe relining will vary depending on the scope of the project. You can expect a sectional repair to cost approximately $2,000 – $3,000. Larger installations will typically cost around $500 – $800 per lineal metre. We offer tailored solutions, contact the team today for an accurate quote.
Is pipe relining worth it?
Pipe relining is worth it thanks to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and minimal disruption. This trenchless repair method extends the life of your pipes, prevents future leaks, and eliminates the need for extensive excavation, making it a smart long-term investment.
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