UV curing technology enabled Drain Surgery to successfully reline more than 60 earthenware pipes on a challenging strata site where tight access and unstable ground ruled out excavation.
Drain Surgery recently completed the relining scope of a body corporate project on behalf of a plumbing contractor they work with regularly.
The works were delivered through Johns Lyng Group, which provides property services across a wide range of strata-managed assets.
The site presented a number of challenges from the outset, including compromised ground stability and tight access.
With no ability to bring an excavator onto site and limited working space around the assets, the project required a relining system that could be deployed safely and efficiently without increasing surface disruption.
These conditions made the UV XAIR, a slimline UV curing system from UV Relining, a practical choice for the job.
Its compact footprint allowed the Drain Surgery crew to mobilise and operate within the restricted site, while still delivering controlled and consistent UV curing performance across multiple short and complex pipe runs.
This was particularly important given the urban setting and the need to minimise disruption to surrounding residents and infrastructure.
“To build confidence with the client, our crew initially completed several smaller relines using the system, demonstrating that the UV XAIR could handle the access constraints, pipe geometry and curing requirements,” said Matt Rowe, Director at Drain Surgery.
Following these successful installations, the client agreed to stabilise the ground with cement, allowing the crew to safely complete the remaining works.
In total, the project involved the relining of more than 60 earthenware pipes.
Approximately half of the pipes were DN100, with the remaining DN150.
Access limitations meant all pipes were relined rather than excavated, reinforcing the value of a UV system that can operate effectively in confined environments without heavy machinery.
The pipe geometry added further complexity.
“Many of the pipelines included multiple 90-degree bends, gullies and boundary traps that connected into long, flat pipe lengths before entering junctions and tying into the main line,” said Rowe.
“In several cases, each run incorporated up to five bends, including gully traps, 88-degree junctions and 90-degree bends.”
The UV XAIR’s ability to support controlled curing through these configurations enabled consistent results across the network.
Drain Surgery utilised UVHL liner supplied by Pipe Core for the project.
While much of the contractor’s work is typically delivered for water authorities, this project highlighted the flexibility of their approach and equipment when operating in tight, strata-based environments.
Liner preparation was carried out offsite at Drain Surgery’s Carrum Downs facility, in a dedicated wet-out area specifically designed for UV liner preparation.
The space is temperature controlled and fully protected from natural and UV light, ensuring liner quality and consistency prior to installation.
This project demonstrates how compact UV curing technology, when paired with careful planning and experienced crews, can overcome access and site constraints without compromising performance or durability.
For contractors working in dense urban or strata environments, systems like the UV XAIR provide a practical alternative where excavation or larger curing units are simply not viable.
For more information, visit pipecore.com.au