Here at Nuflow, we’ve identified the issues we come across most often as well as the common causes. It’s important to be able to diagnose plumbing problems, and know what to do when they arise to make sure they don’t get progressively worse.

Blocked pipes and drains

Luckily, it’s pretty obvious when you’re facing issues with a blocked pipe or drain. The signs are immediate, whether it be a slow-emptying sink or shower water that doesn’t want to go down the drain. It’s best to tackle this plumbing problem quickly, and prevent it from becoming a much bigger issue.

What causes it?

There are a few things that might be clogging up your pipes and drains. It could be:

• a blockage, like a build-up of fats, oils, scum, hair, or food scraps that have been washed down the sink
• poorly planned configuration, causing things to get trapped in a bend or protruding junction
• tree roots that have made their way into your pipes through tiny cracks and grown out to fill the space
• a break or split in the pipe, which has trapped matter or caused soil to collapse inside it

At Nuflow, we’ve even seen cases of cement finding its way into a pipe during construction and solidifying later!

How to fix it

It could be a quick fix, so it’s always a good idea to try clearing it yourself first. You can do this by pouring boiling water down the drain to loosen up any build-ups. If that doesn’t work, have a crack with a plunger or some chemical drain cleaning products.

If the issue still isn’t resolved, you’ll need to call in professional help. They can use pressure cleaners to blast away blockages, and if needed, Nuflow’s pipe relining can fix any breaks with minimal disruption.

Leaking taps

The washer is a part within your tap that sits on something called a valve seat. These pieces work together to form the tap’s seal at the base and stop water getting through. When the washer gets damaged, or the valve seat is corroded, this can cause the tap to leak. It’s the same for the O ring, which sits just under the handle cover. If it gets worn out, water will start to drip through. It can also be a case of a bad installation.

What causes it?

The washer is a part within your tap that sits on something called a valve seat. These pieces work together to form the tap’s seal at the base and stop water getting through. When the washer gets damaged, or the valve seat is corroded, this can cause the tap to leak. It’s the same for the O ring, which sits just under the handle cover. If it gets worn out, water will start to drip through. It can also be a case of a bad installation.

How to fix it

If you feel confident with a bit of DIY, you can take your tap apart and check the condition of the O ring, washer, and valve seat. If anything looks to be on its last legs, you can choose to replace it yourself.

When problems persist, or you don’t feel confident tackling it on your own, you may have to call in an expert. This job is much easier to do with professional plumbing tools and you can rest assured knowing it’s been fixed correctly.  

Low water pressure 

Low water pressure can be one of the most frustrating plumbing problems out there. You’ll likely know as soon as you turn on your water and are met with a disappointing drip that your water pressure is low. It makes simple tasks, like washing the dishes or showering, much more difficult than they have to be – not to mention annoying!  Weak water pressure can come on with no warning or gradually get worse over time.  

What causes it?

You might find the dip in your water pressure is be due to a water main break. If your neighbours are experiencing the same thing, this is likely the cause. Otherwise, it might be due to a build-up of calcium, minerals, or sediment in your taps and showerheads, or in the pipes themselves. These build-ups significantly slow your water flow.

How to fix it

First things first, get in and get your hands dirty by giving your taps and shower heads a good clean. We recommend unscrewing the ends so you can remove the aerators, and soaking them in vinegar or other cleaning products to eliminate any calcium build up. If that doesn’t solve the issue, the build-up may be in the pipe itself. A professional can clear this with a pressure cleaner, and blast away any sediment that’s impacting your water flow.

Backed up sewer    

This is a big one, and probably the worst plumbing problem to deal with. But how do know it’s happening? Well, you could be facing a number of smaller issues that might seem unrelated, like multiple drain and toilet blockages, but these are symptoms of a much larger problem. Plus, there will be a pretty nasty smell permeating through your home.

What causes it?

Your backed up sewer could be thanks to issues with the main sewer being clogged. Otherwise, old sewer lines are often made from cast iron or clay, making them prone to collapse. These materials, combined with the warm, damp soil that surrounds them, also makes it easy for tree roots to get inside, or to surround and crush your pipes.

How to fix it

Sadly, this is not a problem you can fix on your own. Call in the professionals, and they can assess the damage and let you know whose responsibility it is to get it repaired. If the sewer that’s causing the issues is not on your property, then it falls to the local water authority. If it is on you to correct, the experts can suggest the easiest, most cost-effective method for resolving the plumbing problem. Find out more about responsibilities surrounding pipe ownership here.

Call Nuflow for help

If you’re dealing with plumbing problems related to your pipes, it’s time to give Nuflow a call. We’ll use our CCTV camera to identify and locate the issue, then determine the best way to proceed. Our pressure cleaners can easily remove blockages and build-ups, and if there are any further damages, our pipe relining can save the day. This non-invasive method is cost effective and timely, meaning your plumbing problems will be resolved in no time. Get in touch today.

The post Common plumbing problems and how to fix them appeared first on Nuflow.

This was the exact problem facing a North Island gas fired power company in New Zealand. Steel pipes that fed into their gas burner were on their last legs, and replacing all of them was looking to be a time-consuming project with a hefty price tag. With plans to close in the next few years, this option didn’t seem worth the large expense. Luckily for the power company, Nuflow had exactly the solution they needed.

Steel pipes corroded by acidic condensation

The power station was commissioned back in 1999, and the pipework of their heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) was originally all carbon steel. The HRSG has natural gas duct burners that supply additional heat, so it can create more steam if needed, depending on demand. The problem is, over time the gas path had suffered severe internal corrosion due to condensation from the exhaust gasses. The condensate is acidic, and sits at the bottom of the steel pipe, eating it away.

In the past, the team at the power station had replaced the damages with stainless steel pipes, but the final elbow of the gas path before it enters the burner is difficult to replace. It would have taken about a week to swap just one out, and they were looking at 6 replacements. With the costs of labour, materials, scaffolding, and other miscellaneous add-ons, they would have been looking at a minimum of 6 weeks work, costing them tens of thousands of dollars.

With the power station closing in 3 to 5 years, this expense was just not viable, but hoping the pipes would hold up wasn’t an option either. Left as is, they would undoubtedly corrode through, a safety issue the team wanted to avoid given the high-pressure gas within the pipes.  

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Rachelle, knew they needed a natural gas line repair solution that would be a timelier, more cost effective alternative to a full replacement. When she looked into it, she discovered Nuflow’s pipe relining technology, leading her to reach out to the team.

HTAR resin gets pipes into top quality condition

Rachelle explained the situation to Nuflow Wellington owner, Simon, who assessed the best possible solution. The external surface of the elbow closest to the HRSG was about 90°C, and the exhaust gases themselves were 530°C, so Simon knew the solution would have to withstand high temperatures.

He was familiar with HTAR (high temperature, acid resistant) resin, but since it had never been used for this kind of job, he wanted to be sure it was the best option. He contacted Nuflow’s head office and had a chat to the chemist in charge of developing the resins, who was confident that HTAR resin was more than up to the task. So, Simon let Rachelle know that Nuflow had the answer to her problem.  

The power station had an annual shut down period in June when all necessary maintenance could be done. Simon and lead installer, Greg, travelled down during this time get the relining sorted. It took a total of two days on site to get all 6, 80ml steel pipe bends relined with the HTAR resin.

In fact, there was only around 3 to 4 hours of work within this time, the bulk of which was on the first day during the installation of the HTAR resin. Day 2 was simply a matter of removing the bladder and trimming it up, leaving the relined gas pipes as good as new.  

Another Nuflow client left satisfied

Rachelle and the whole team at the power station couldn’t have been happier with Nuflow’s gas pipe repair. All maintenance was completed within the shutdown period, and the cost was significantly lower than it would have been for full replacements.  

Rachelle even sent through a photo of the gas pipes months after Simon and Greg left, and the relining looked as good as the day it was installed. The power station was seeking something that would have lasted 3 to 5 years, and instead were delivered a solution that will stand the test of time well after the power station shuts down.

This permanent solution meant yet another happy Nuflow customer, who has complete peace of mind that the newly relined pipes won’t be an issue again.   

Need a similar solution? Nuflow’s here to help.

Need a gas pipe reline or something similar? Nuflow has top quality alternatives to replacing pipes, so if you find your business facing maintenance issues, you know exactly who to call. Nuflow can provide long lasting solutions that won’t break your bank, so get in touch with us today.  

The post Nuflow’s pipe relining solution saves gas fired power station thousands appeared first on Nuflow.

Available through our new hub portal, this custom web solution is the first of its kind. It will house important technical documents and installation methodologies, as well as provide installation calculators for technicians, empowering even the newest reliners to work with confidence.

Who is the app for?

While the app is designed to be used by local Nuflow teams, clients will also benefit from the streamlined business processes it makes possible. Customer service, communication, and quality management are a key focus of the new app, meaning our clients are provided with a consistently high level of service.

What does the app do?

Nuflow IQ QA is a way to thoroughly track the details of the jobs our team completes, and a way for our technicians to track warranties and access resources while they’re on the job.

Simple record keeping for warranties and quality assurance

The warranty registration of Nuflow’s pipeline materials is a vital part of customer service, and since we have warranties up to 50 years it’s important that comprehensive details of each installation job are recorded. This gives the clearest picture possible of the circumstances of the job, so the warranty can be claimed easily and everyone from the customer to the head office team understands what went into it.

Our team can simply scan the pipe relining products, geo-tag the location, and take photos of the completed installation. From there, the warranty details can be instantly sent off to the customer.

Franchise partners can also submit, view and claim all warranties through this portal, optimising business processes and helping provide the best service possible to our clients.

Resources and calculators all in one place

Nuflow IQ QA will include pipe relining methodologies and useful calculators for resin quantities and working times, helping our on-site teams easily access everything they need to complete the job to the highest standards.

 “Quality in a service is not what you put into it. It is what the customer gets out of it. Our new app is all about making sure we deliver the best outcomes for our customers.”

James Tighe, General Manager

Part of Nuflow’s ongoing commitment to improving and innovating

The app is the latest investment in maintaining our commitment to quality management and assurance. This transparency means all our clients can be 100% confident in everything we do, and have peace of mind that we have procedures, systems and redundancy built into every job.

With this innovative new technology, Nuflow partners can continue providing quality, efficient services and products to our clients, whether they be councils, water authorities, facilities managers, strata or home owners.

Want to get to know Nuflow’s story? Learn about us.

The post Nuflow introduces new quality assurance app appeared first on Nuflow.

In times like this, it’s hard to know how to proceed, which is especially inconvenient when damaged pipes are affecting your day to day. Here at Nuflow, we wanted to give you a guide on what to do next time you’re unsure about the responsibilities surrounding pipe ownership.  

Boundary connections to a water authority

Let’s say you have a blocked toilet. Usually, the next thing you would do is call someone in to get it fixed. They could find that the issue is a failed or broken boundary connection to a water authority’s sewer asset. These assets are often weak and susceptible to breaking due to age, ground movement and tree root penetration, so they have a life expectancy that many aren’t aware of. These broken pipes can cause build ups that clog your sewer line, resulting in that blocked toilet.

So, when damage happens to a connection that boarders your property and council property, who does is fall on to fix? Does the council own those pipes? This can be a bit of a dispute, as some councils and water authorities will take responsibility, while others won’t. It’s always worth giving the council a call and they can advise on whose job it is to solve the issue.

These connections usually run under a driveway, kerb, gutter, or road, so if it does fall on you to fix it may seem like a very daunting task. No one wants the time and expense of their roads ripped up, and pipes completely pulled out. Luckily, Nuflow can help to save the day.

How Nuflow can help 

Though the nature of a boundary connection is a little more complicated, it’s still no big deal for Nuflow. These connections are usually in the form of a branch or junction, resulting from two separate pieces of pipe joined during the manufacturing process. This means they could have different dimensions and textures, but our pipe relining is adaptable for any configuration. We can reline a complete junction in one piece, making the connection strong as new for a much better price.

Shared sewer line responsibility

Let’s again assume you have a blocked toilet but in this scenario, you’ve been informed that that issue is with a shared sewer line between you and your neighbour.

In the past, shared sewer lines were typically a way of connecting dual occupancy or terrace houses. Theses types of lines often cause issues due to deterioration from age, tree root intrusion or repeated ground movement, resulting in all sorts of blockages and pipe problems.

But who pays for a shared sewer line repair? If you have a reasonable neighbour, hopefully you can split the cost, but not all of us are so lucky. It can be a problem when you have a neighbour who is not interested in contributing to the costs associated with repairs. Maybe they’re concerned because the pipe is under a building or driveway, and they don’t want to deal with the inconvenience. Or maybe they’re just difficult and don’t see it as their problem. Either way, Nuflow has methods in place that can make this easy.  

How Nuflow can help

It may provide your neighbour peace of mind to know that Nuflow has a completely non-invasive solution to fix your shared sewer line issues. Our pipe relining means no dig is necessary, plus it’s a much cheaper alternative. The sceptic in them will be relieved to know that the issue is an easy fix with Nuflow.

Otherwise, Nuflow can do a sectional reline of just your sewer or drainage pipes. The blueline solution we use on sewer mains, stormwater pipes, waste systems and more can stop and start at any point, plus we can configure our liners to a variety of lengths. You’ll have your pipes good as new, without all the drama.

Get in touch today

To find out more about what we do at Nuflow, and other ways we can help you solve a variety of pipe problems with our relining solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our friendly and professional team will be thrilled to provide you with high quality service and innovative solutions.

The post What to do when you’re not sure who owns broken pipes appeared first on Nuflow.

That’s why one of our clients, a process system manufacturer, enlisted our help when one of their own industrial clients needed plumbing services at a railway in Port Kembla. When a galvanised steel pipe that fed away the railway’s waste overflow had reached the end of its life, a unique challenge presented itself to the team at Nuflow Wollongong.

Our client knew they could trust Nuflow

Our client had previously contracted Nuflow for a job at the Balmain Ports, where they were very satisfied with the speed in which we completed the work. So, when their customer was having issues with one of their treatment systems and needed an industrial plumbing solution that would get them back up and running fast, they knew that we could help. They reached out to Nuflow Wollongong for their advice on how to get the problem sorted.  

Refuelling with abrasive substances had worn down galvanised pipe

The work site was at a Port Kembla railway, where a lot of locomotives come for refuelling. The aging steel pipe in question was in one of their refuelling sheds, which sat in the centre of a big turning base. 

These sheds were not just used for diesel, and had another purpose that our technicians had not encountered before. The trains had a separate tank used to hold sand, and that tank was refilled in the same shed. The purpose of the sand was to be shot at the metal rail wheels for grit and traction, particularly when it came to heading up steep hills.

Within the refuelling shed was a channel grate that ran the length of structure, and any sand or diesel overflow would mix together and fall into this grate. From there it was taken by the 40m steel pipe to another pit outside of the shed, where it was then treated.

The pipe was in need of repair due to the abrasive nature of the diesel and sand, which had started eating out the bottom of the pipe, risking leaks into the surrounding sand. If the corroded pipe was to deteriorate to a point where it no longer held liquid, this would become an EPA issue, so it was important that Nuflow Wollongong found a fast and effective solution for leaking steel pipe repair.

Nuflow technicians made use of the Head Office team to find the right fix

Our on-site technicians are supported by a whole team of chemists and engineers. This means that our clients are provided with the combined knowledge of in-field installation specialists, and the experts behind Nuflow’s pipe relining technology. Nuflow Wollongong was able to enlist this support when it came to devising the best solution for the railway’s treatment pipe.

To start with, the Nuflow Wollongong team completed a drain inspection with high definition CCTV cameras to get a clear view of the damage and to diagnose a solution. The technicians saw that the pipe had corroded over time, and it was apparent that it would either need to be completely replaced, or repaired with pipe relining. Because of the abrasiveness of the sand and diesel, the solution would need to be able to handle the impact for the years to come.

The team knew that Nuflow’s high temperature, acid resistant (HTAR) resin could be the answer, but they wanted to be sure – so they reached out to the engineers and chemists at head office. The head office team calculated the longevity of the solution under the specific conditions, and developed a resin with the composition that would have the integrity required to combat the abrasive materials.

Pipe relining kept things rolling 

This was good news for the owners of the railway, as relining was a much timelier solution than replacing the pipes completely. With a complete pipe replacement, they would have lost the use of their tracks for the time it took to install the new pipe, as well as however long it would take to backfill and reinstall their rail corridors after they were dug up.

There would also have been a lot more variables to consider when it came to excavation, like power, water, and overhead powerlines. Plus, without full use of both sheds they would lose 50% of refilling ability, with massive impacts to their operations.

Instead of dealing with all of that, the Nuflow Wollongong team kept it simple and safe. The job was done in just 3 days, and only limited the use of one rail corridor during that time to get both sheds back in business fast.

The first day involved using the Picote machine to descale the pipe, removing all the rust from the interior so the liner had something to bond to when it was applied. Day 2 was throwing the first 20m of liner down the pipe, and day 3 was spent on the remaining 20m. Croc-seal was used to bind and lock the liner to the grate, and a camera was run back through at the end to make sure everything was looking the way it should. Throughout the duration of the job, the team maintained the strict workplace health and safety guidelines that are necessary when working on such a busy site.

Another happy client

Both our client and their customer were thrilled with Nuflow Wollongong’s work, both for the reduced downtime and impact to operations, as well as for the prevention of what could have been a big environmental issue. Now, they have a pipe as good as new, with a 20 year warranty that gives them peace of mind and confidence in Nuflow’s service.

The experts at Nuflow are backed with on the job knowledge, and have the experience of a whole team behind them ready to solve your pipe problems. If you’re dealing with similar issues, and need a solution that isn’t going to derail all of your processes, get in touch today.

The post Nuflow’s industrial pipe relining stops derailing of operations for railway in Port Kembla appeared first on Nuflow.

At Nuflow, we’re committed to delivering to the highest standards, and we’ve got the credentials to prove it. Everything we manufacture is up to date with international requirements, backed by our ISO 9001 accreditation. When you choose to work with us, you can have peace of mind knowing we meet and exceed the quality management principles required to meet this classification.

What is a quality management system?

A quality management system (QMS) is a selection of business processes and functions devoted to consistently meeting customers’ expectations in order to increase satisfaction and efficiency within a company. Nuflow applies this to our processes, values, assets and products to ensure our performance is the best it can be when it comes to meeting your requirements. That’s why we’ve been accredited with our ISO 9001 standard.  

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the international standard of requirements for a business’ QMS to demonstrate its effectiveness in meeting customer and regulatory expectations. It’s overseen by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) – an agency with national standard bodies in more than 160 countries. The ISO provides guidelines to businesses on how to meet these expectations.

To achieve this certification, Nuflow was examined by a qualified ISO representative who found that we:

• Adhere to the ISO 9001 standards
• Meet our own requirements of quality assurance
• Fulfill customer, regulatory, and legislative requirements
• Keep appropriate documentation 

To remain certified, we go through an ongoing process of external audits to check we are following appropriate procedures and management systems. Since we consistently meet ISO 9001 requirements, it’s safe to say that Nuflow’s offerings are at a reliably high calibre that leaves our customers satisfied with our service.

What are the ISO 9001 quality management principles?   

The ISO provides guidance to help businesses be more consistent, improve customer satisfaction and strengthen performance. There are seven key principles of quality management set out by the ISO, and at Nuflow we work to continuously meet and exceed these principles.

Principle 1: Customer focus
To meet this rationale, an organisation consistently maintains the confidence of their customers, and is constantly seeking to provide more value. This is due to a thorough understanding of customer needs, now and into the future.

At Nuflow, we link our objectives to customer needs and expectations by planning, designing, producing, and delivering products and services with a customer focus. We understand that our customers are seeking a fast, less disruptive solution for their pipe issues, and we deliver unique offerings to help them achieve this.  And when the job is done, we listen to feedback from our customers to make sure they’re happy.  

Principle 2: Leadership 
Leaders are responsible for the purpose and direction of an organisation, and for creating an environment that has all people working towards a shared goal of quality outputs. In order to achieve key objectives, an organisation must align its strategies, policies, processes and resources by unifying purpose with engagement of people.

Nuflow has a set of values that represent what we stand for, and these carry throughout the whole organisation. This helps us maintain a strong culture that has all staff working towards a shared purpose of delivering innovative and creative solutions for our customers.

Principle 3: Engagement of people
Proper quality management includes the treatment of the people within the organisation. Engaging people effectively by recognising their skills has people at all levels working towards key objectives. Plus, the better and more confident the people, the better the output.

Nuflow lives and breathes this philosophy, made clear through the words of Managing Director Ed Ahern:

“When people know they are valued, appreciated and respected in the workplace, not only do they achieve great things, they get great satisfaction from their job – regardless of the actual tasks they’re performing.”

Principle 4: Process approach 
The best results are achieved when all tasks and procedures act in tandem with one another, and are treated as related processes that form one well-managed system. The results from this system allow organisations to optimise performance and produce better outputs.

At Nuflow, we achieve this by clearly communicating about the operation. We are constantly improving, monitoring, analysing and evaluating our systems to make sure they’re fit for purpose.  Our ongoing education and training are vital to the maintenance of quality control, ensuring that our everyone is on the same page.  

Principle 5: Improvement 
A focus on ongoing improvement is a necessity for successful organisations committed to quality management. It means maintaining current performance levels, and responding to conditions that present new opportunities. 

In Nuflow’s internal training workshops, we discuss ways to improve our offerings and installation methods. This helps our research and development team shape future research and improve our products. All our products are developed to exceed ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards, and are ASTM 51216-99 accredited.

Principle 6: Evidence-based decision making 
Better results come from decisions backed by effective analysis and evaluation of data. Tangible facts and evidence mean greater objectivity that leads to confident decision making.

Because our research, development, manufacturing, and installation all happens in-house, we know exactly what’s happening through every stage of our process. Our research and development team use existing data and information from products to guide them with future developments.

Principle 7: Relationship management 
To achieve ongoing success, an organisation must maintain effective relationships with interested parties, as they can have an effect on performance.

Nuflow is a franchise business, and all of the franchisees in our network contribute to the success of the organisation. We maintain great relationships across the network, and head office supports franchisees with things like training, education and business development. This means that any Nuflow you choose to partner with will have the same level of expert service.

Why choose businesses with an ISO 9001 certification?

When you spot a business with an ISO certification, you know they are dedicated to constantly striving for better. You’ll receive excellent customer service, and a product that fulfils your needs and requirements in the exact way you need it to.

Next time you need help with your pipe problems, come straight to Nuflow. You can be confident that you’ll be satisfied with the quality of our service. Find your local Nuflow and get in touch today.

The post Nuflow’s commitment to quality management appeared first on Nuflow.

Looking for a more permanent fix? Pipe relining is a modern technology that involves fixing a pipe from the inside, without the need to dig or damage the surrounding environment. 

How does pipe relining work?

Repairing a pipe the traditional way requires replacing it altogether. To do this, your plumbing professional would need to cut into the relevant floor, wall, concrete slab or garden bed to expose the pipe and replace it with a new pipe. After pipe repairs are complete, you would then need to engage another professional to repair the damage to the surrounding area.

Instead, Nuflow’s pipe relining solution is completely non-invasive. First, the affected pipes are cleaned using a high pressure water jet. Then using existing access points, expert technicians reline the pipes from the inside and seal off any cracks using a hardy, epoxy material. This essentially creates a pipe within your pipe, and repairs the issue the first time around. It’s a long-term solution, much more eco-friendly than the alternatives, and requires minimal down time. Often this process creates a pipe that is even stronger than the original.

Common pipe problems

Having plumbing issues at your home? Here are some of the most common pipe problems, and how pipe relining can solve them.

Broken and blocked pipes
Do you have a blocked toilet or sink, or noticed a bad smell in your home? A broken pipe could be the culprit. If your pipes become cracked, debris like fats, oils and hair deposits can catch on the broken edges and create blockages over time. Foreign objects that are accidentally dropped down the drain, such as toys or jewellery, can also block a drain – as can non-flushable items like nappies or baby wipes.

To find out if a broken pipe could be causing your plumbing problems, your local Nuflow team can conduct a CCTV drain camera inspection. They’ll pinpoint exactly where the problem is, so they can clear it out with high-pressure water jets. Then, they can take care of the broken pipe with Nuflow’s pipe relining technology.

Tree root intrusion
Tree roots grow in a process called hydrotropism. They split and grow one cell at a time towards points of moisture in order to absorb nutrients. The best environment for growth is warm, rich soil – just like the kind around your sewer pipes.

Tree root intrusion occurs tree roots find their way into your pipes, causing blockages. This leaves you with a particularly difficult problem to solve, as no matter how many times you clear out the tree roots, they’ll keep on growing back. Nuflow’s pipe relining solutions can help you stop tree roots in their tracks by sealing off all the cracks and preventing them from re-entering your pipes. 

Cement in pipes
Surprisingly, cement in pipes is a common problem, and one we encounter often here at Nuflow! This usually happens when there is a crack in pipes running under a house, and a fresh concrete slab is laid. If the crack wasn’t noticeable, it can slowly let in the concrete as it’s setting – leaving you with a completely blocked pipe.

Pipe relining is one of the only solutions that means the concrete slab doesn’t need to be ripped up to get to the pipes. We use specialty tools like robotic cutters and an environmentally friendly concrete dissolving product CrocCrete to remove the concrete, and then repair the crack with our pipe relining technology.

Uncovering the cause of your plumbing problems

Given most pipes live beneath the surface, accessing a broken pipe to determine the issue can be difficult. At Nuflow, we use high definition CCTV drain cameras to find out what the problem is, and pinpoint the exact location. Our expert technicians send the camera down through the pipe lines to investigate the problem. We even record the footage so you can check it out for yourself. From there, we can advise a tailored and cost-effective solution for your repairs.

Looking for a permanent solution for your pipe problems? Talk to your local Nuflow team today to find a solution for you.

The post How pipe relining technology can solve common pipe problems appeared first on Nuflow.

Degrading manhole was uncovered on the job

The pharmaceutical research facility had a lot of older copper waste pipes and drains that were deteriorating, causing processed water to leak into the ground. The leaks were due to the processed water inside the pipes being a higher temperature than the pipes themselves, causing erosion to the copper.

Nuflow Perth Central was contracted to use their pipe and drain relining technology to solve this problem and got in to get the job done over three 1-2 week blocks. The last section was done over the Christmas break, and the team, led by Steve Tong, was busy relining the copper pipes with a high temperature, acid resistant resin. It was during this time that technicians noticed the issue with the concrete manhole that the pipes ran into. They quickly raised it with the management team and got to work to solve the problem.  

Fixing the messed up manhole

The manhole in question was an old, concrete pit, around 3m deep. The team couldn’t assess the full extent of the internal condition as it was full of liquid at the time, but what they could see at the top was raw, pitted concrete- not a good indicator of the manhole’s integrity.

Because Nuflow is committed to doing the best job possible, the team wanted to make sure they could refurbish the pit along with the pipes. Plus, there was little point repairing the pipes if all the waste was still flowing into a compromised manhole.

So, the team set to work, first by removing the waste from the pit. When it was empty, technicians identified two holes in the side that would have been used to lower the manhole into place when it was installed. The installation holes would have been sealed initially, but have deteriorated over time, so liquid was beginning to leech into the ground underneath.

Solved with Nuflow’s Smooth Trowel 

After a day of emptying and cleaning, technicians used the second day to completely refurbish the manhole using Nuflow’s Smooth Trowel. This process involved one of the pipe relining technicians being lowered into the hole using confined space equipment. Starting at the top, he used Nuflow Smooth Trowel solution all around the interior of the pit. Once the bottom was sealed, he was brought back up and the research facility was left with a completely refurbished manhole.

Another happy Nuflow client

Nuflow is always prepared and able to adapt, so we were able to complete the job with no problems and still exceed our client’s expectations.  With all of their old pipes and drains relined, plus a problem they didn’t even know they had solved, our client was left very satisfied with Nuflow Perth Central’s work. Major safety and environmental issues may have arisen if this issue was left unresolved, so now they have peace of mind knowing there is no impacts from them or their works on site.

Plus, Nuflow Perth Central offered a 25 year warranty on their relining and refurbishment, so the facility knows their pipes are good, for good.

Looking for manhole rehabilitation? Reach out to Nuflow 

No need to install a completely new and very expensive manhole when you spot one in a bad state. Nuflow can save you tonnes of time and money with a simple and easy refurbishment. Talk to the team today.

The post Manhole repair for pharmaceutical research facility appeared first on Nuflow.

Recently, a residential complex was having issues with leaking copper pipes in unit 25, and wanted a solution that wouldn’t be costly and involve jackhammering up all the pipes over several weeks. Luckily, Nuflow’s Redline was able to save the day and fix the leaking pipe.

The problem: a leak in the cold water line

Unit 25 was on two levels, with 7 water outlets on the bottom (4 cold, 3 hot), and 16 water outlets on the top level (9 cold, 7 hot). All of the copper pipes supplying water to these outlets were embedded in concrete. This layout can cause issues, as hot and cold water pipes expand at much faster rates than the concrete that surrounds them. Their natural expansion is restricted, causing pipes to crack and leak.

This is exactly what happened in Unit 25. There was a known leak in the cold water line that supplied water to the kitchen. Pipes set up like this can’t be replaced easily, and it can be extremely destructive when trying to access the leaking pipes in walls. Nuflow’s technicians knew they would have to find a way to work around this, and also find a solution for preventing the same issue with other pipelines.

The solution: Redline saves the day

The team got to work devising a plan of attack, and Nuflow’s Redline pipe relining was the clear way to go.

Redline is a structural relining solution that specialises in the restoration of pressurised plumbing systems. It works to prevent and eliminate leaks, preserve pipe life, and improve water flow. In this case, it would also minimise the risk of cracking against the concrete and solve an ongoing issue for good.

Plus, its application is a completely non-invasive process that would eliminate the need for Nuflow technicians to break down walls to access the point that needed fixing. They could simply use Nuflow’s Redline system to do a structural reline inside the 1/2” (15mm) pipe, fixing it better than new- and that’s exactly what they did.

The first step of the relining process is to ensure the internal pipe wall is clean and free of scale or residue so it’s ready to accept the redline resin. To clean the pipe, the team use high velocity air and shoot environmentally friendly nut husk or garnet as an abrasive to thoroughly prepare the pipe. The work was then done level by level, with the cold and hot water layouts done separately. The Redline epoxy was carefully measured, and applied one outlet at time. Once this was done, the outlets of the same temperature for layouts on each level were given air at the same time. This ensured the epoxy passed along the right piping and achieved an even application. The air connection was maintained for about 3.5hrs, until the epoxy had effectively set.

Each pipeline received a single coat, except for the leaking line which got a second. At the completion of the job, the damaged water pipe was repaired and fully sealed, with all the water outlets maintaining the same flow rate they had before the coating was applied.

Nuflow’s ongoing commitment

With Nuflow’s post installation monitoring, technicians noted that water flowed perfectly for three days, until an unknown blockage was located in a cold water line that fed to the ensuite.

Nuflow is committed to getting the job done right so there’s no added stress for clients, so we didn’t hesitate to get this problem solved. Our technician attempted to dislodge the blockage with hydrostatic pressure of 80 psi, but no flow past the blockage was achieved.

The next fix was the installation of PEX piping, which was run up a utilities duct from the lower level to the roof cavity, then across to a utilities duct within the ensuite. This proved successful and restored water flow to the vanity, shower and toilet of the ensuite.

Leaks plugged with no mess

Nuflow made sure this job was done right from start to finish with our redline relining solution. There was no invasion to any residents, which was a huge with for the building managers – and the strength of the waterlines was even better than when they started.

To learn more about Nuflow’s Redline solution, and our patented hybrid relining system and commercial plumbing solutions, get in touch with your local Nuflow.

The post Nuflow’s Redline saves pressurised plumbing in apartment complex appeared first on Nuflow.

When something isn’t right or needs repairing, he wastes no time making sure it’s dealt with quickly. So as you can imagine, when he was experiencing issues with recurring blocked pipes he wanted a top notch solution to get his plumbing back to perfect condition. 

That’s where Nuflow came in – and why he’s such a big fan! Check out the story of how we got Mr Proud’s pipe dilemmas sorted. 

Mr Proud’s pipe problems 

When Mr Proud heard strange sounds coming from his pipes, he suspected there was a blockage somewhere beneath the surface. As a working man, Mr Proud is very busy – but still he rolled up his sleeves and tried fixing his blocked drains himself. When the problem persisted, he even called in the professionals to come in and unblock them. 

But a few months later, the problem always seemed to come back. 

One morning, he awoke to a nasty smell in his home, and he knew he needed to fix the problem for good. In his experience, fixing pipes meant digging up gardens or demolishing walls, and as a proud man who loves his house and garden this was the last thing he wanted. 

So, he turned to trusty Google to see if he could find another less destructive solution.

Research revealed the power of pipe relining

In Mr Proud’s online research, he uncovered an innovative new pipe repair method called pipe relining. He found that pipe relining was a way to fix broken and blocked pipes without needing to dig or demolish! 

Hopeful that this could be the answer to his plumbing woes, Mr Proud called his local Nuflow team. They gave him a run through of how pipe relining could help him get his house back in order, and were super helpful in finding a time to come out and investigate that fit around Mr Proud’s busy schedule.

The local Nuflow team sprung into action 

When the Nuflow team arrived, they used their CCTV pipe inspection and drain camera to pinpoint what was wrong, and identified the issue immediately. 

Mr Proud’s house was built a long time ago, and that mean his pipes were aging too. They were cracked and splitting, so they were causing all the blockages Mr Proud had been spending all his time unclogging. 

When Nuflow told him that a lot of his pipes would need repairing, he thought his deepest fears were being realised. But the technicians assured the stressed-out Scotsman that they could use pipe relining technology to fix the cracked pipes. Even better, the cost-effective solution could be installed in just a day, and without damaging his home! And with Nuflow’s Australian-made technology, the relined pipes would be even stronger than if they were installed brand new. 

Trusting the Nuflow team, Mr Proud watched in awe as the technicians used their pressurised cleaner to clear out everything that blocked his pipes. Then, in his words, “they stuck a thingo down my pipe, it expanded, and fixed it!” 

Just like that, the issues that had been plaguing Mr Proud for many months were fixed with no intrusion. Mr Proud now has something else to be proud of, and will tell everyone who will listen how amazing the team at Nuflow are. 

How Nuflow has changed Mr Proud’s life

Since getting Nuflow in to fix his pipe problems, Mr Proud is living in a whole new world. Instead of being elbow deep in debris, he spends his afternoons giving his family lilting bagpipe renditions.   

Mr Proud tells all his friends that they should call Nuflow whenever they’re having any kind of drain or pipe blockages. 

“Because,” he says, “Nuflow doesn’t just fix broken and blocked pipes, they fix your pipes for good.” 

Ready to find out how Nuflow can help you solve your pipe problems with pipe relining? Talk to your local Nuflow team today to get started. 

The post Who is Mr Proud? All about Nuflow’s number one fan. appeared first on Nuflow.