A client of many years recently contacted Essendon Plumbing Services after they noticed water leaking into the basement car park of their property whenever it rained. The customer was looking at existing stormwater design for the building so Matt completed a thorough site investigation. This helped him to determine what was required for our plumbing team to be able to investigate the current stormwater layout and locate the cause of the clogged drain and the leaking water into the basement car park. CCTV drainage inspections were carried out to provide images of the condition of the stormwater pipework and the locations of the below ground drainage. While CCTV camera work was being carried out the plumbing team plotted the location of pipework using Sonar location equipment.
After providing a detailed scope of work to Danny, Matt then organised a follow-up site meeting to explain the works that were proposed and any impact they might have on tenants within the building. As with most commercial buildings the properties have several tenants, so communication is key as it enables the Facility Manager to communicate clearly the possibility of any disruptions to their client’s businesses while works are being carried out. It was established there would be no interruptions to tenants on the site.
Danny was happy with the explanation and signed off on the works to commence. Matt then provided a start date with a complete schedule of works so Danny could advise tenants of a start and completion date.
CCTV Drainage Inspections
Our plumbing team arrived on site on the appointed day to carry out CCTV inspections of the stormwater drains in the area. Access was gained via stormwater grates in the carpark and downpipe inspection openings. It wasn’t long before they had identified a disconnection in the drainpipe where the downpipe joined the main stormwater drain. Five remaining downpipes were then inspected using the drainage camera and all 5 downpipes had broken connections between the main drain and the downpipe.
Our expert plumbing team then ran the drainage camera down the main drain to inspect for damage. There was a large amount of debris in the drain and several cracks in the pipework. After flushing the drain out with a high-pressure water jet and removing the debris, the drain was then re-inspected. There were numerous sections of broken pipe and the determination was made that the drain was beyond repair.
The plumbing team showed Danny the CCTV footage and explained to him what they had found, suggesting replacing the stormwater drain in that area would be the most cost-effective option and provide a long-term solution to which Danny agreed.
Free Fixed-Price Quotation and 100% customer Satisfaction Guarantee
Matt provided Danny with a detailed fixed-price quotation to replace the drain completely. Danny accepted the quote and was keen to get started as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the building.
Plumbing Pre-Start Checklist
Prior to starting Matt had lodged the job with Dial Before You Dig and organised an independent contractor to carry out an asset detection scan of the area to be sure there was no critical assets below. Even though our expert plumbing team was working on private property it is common to have major services such as gas, power, data, fibre optics, sewer and stormwater within these easements. Damage to these assets while excavating and working on private property is still the responsibility of the contractor carrying out the work. Not only could you damage major infrastructure and be liable for the cost of repair, but you could also cause serious injury or even death to an employee or the general public. Once all the I’s had been dotted and T’s crossed it was time to start repairing the clogged stormwater drain.
Essendon Plumbing Services has an expert team of licensed plumbers in Melbourne that go above and beyond to make sure we are always legally compliant in everything we do. We leave no stone unturned and make sure we meet all our obligations prior, during and on completion of any job we do.
Blocked Storm Water Drain Repairs
Thomas, Kasey and Michael our gun stormwater plumbers were allocated the job to repair the leaking drains. The drain was located in a concrete driveway, so the first job was to mark out where the concrete needed to be cut to access the drain. A demolition saw was used to cut the concrete and a mini excavator to remove the concrete blocks. It was then time to excavate the drain.
What our plumbing team found was a number of breaks in the stormwater pipe. They cut out the damaged section of leaking pipe and then inspected the remainder using CCTV to make sure there was no further damage prior to completing any repairs. The remainder of the drain was given the OK, so it was time to install a new section of pipe and reconnect the downpipes.
Once the pipe was replaced backfilling could begin. The pipe was bedded in compacted sand to protect it and bed it in, and as the location of the excavation was in a driveway the backfill needed to be carried out using compacted road base up to ground level. This is done to prevent undermining of the concrete slab. The trench was then prepared for concrete to be re-instated by installing steel dowel bars into the existing concrete walls and steel reinforcement trench mesh to the trench supported on bar chairs. Once the concrete had been poured and finished the area was fenced off for 7 days to allow the concrete to cure before any traffic load was applied.
Contact the Most Experienced Plumbers in Melbourne
Essendon Plumbing Services has the most experienced team of Master Plumbers ready to find and fix your plumbing problems in Melbourne. As we have demonstrated above it is extremely important not to rush in and start digging, for as tempting as that may be, it could cost you a lot more than you think and not just financially.
We have over 100 years of combined experience and have been in business for more than 33 years so if it’s surety and experience you’re after then call us at Essendon Plumbing Services. We always go above and beyond and we’re always here to help.
Do you need help with your gas hot water service?
19 Catalina Drive Tullamarine VIC 3043
03 9335 4755
info@essendonplumbingservices.com.au
