The pipes are undergoing a five week renewal program that includes inspection by CCTV with relining to follow by project contractor Kembla Watertech.

The pipes being upgraded were still functional, but in poor condition and difficult to access, and recommended for rehabilitation due to age because the assets were in some of the areas first settled within the region, with pipes dating back to 1914.

So far Kembla Watertech has installed approximately 2.5 km of Ex Liner into reticulation sewers at Orange, as well as installing Tiger T’s to seal the junctions once the liners were installed.

This work was contracted to Kembla by Orange City Council because a reliable trenchless solution was required for the pipe’s rehabilitation.

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When explaining the benefits of trenchless methods used for this rehabilitation work, Kembla Project Manager Kieran Woodall said “Relining renews the structural integrity of the pipes rather than having to dig and replace the entirety of the lines which causes major disturbance to areas including backyards, roads and footpaths.”

Like any project, the work is not without its share of challenges. Mr Woodall also outlined some of the problems faced by Kembla crews on this project, saying “Obstacles encountered on the job include ‘dead ends’ where the most upstream point of a reticulation asset has no access chamber. “To overcome this, crews were required to dig in order to expose the pipes for relining however these were reinstated upon immediate completion of the process. Other issues included high flow which was maintained by use of bypass when required.”