Nuflow non-digging pipe replacement experiences?

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Cuane

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#250713 22-May-2019 14:33

Hey everyone,

My parents are looking at replacing a sewerage pipe that's really long overdue for a replacement. They've just been quoted 15k by a plumber probably because of the placement of the pipe - apparently it sloped down to 3m underground which I presume has to be dug up?

In any case I saw Nuflow online and wandered if anyone has had it installed? It seems like a good solution, basically relining the current pipe with I'm curious about the price. I've tracked down their .net website and they're saying 1.8-2.4k for the average job - I just don't know what average is!

Anyway, I'd love to hear your opinions on it.

kotuku4

483 posts

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#2243152 22-May-2019 15:01

I work for a consultant on some infrastructure projects for local council (Marlborough District). Hydrotech are used extensively.

First priority is the clean and inspect, CCTV video to determine existing pipe condition and defects. Normally operator will provide details, video, images, inspection logs, report.

Some plumbers with a cheap camera will not give you much information and the video quality can be terrible.

Have worked on in ground pipe replacement or broken earthenware sewers. Where pits are dug and winches used to pull a bursting head and new pipe through the old. Other options for pipe install are directional drilling or pipe jacking for new pipes.

The council is using pipe relining on some sewer mains. However, if the pipe is too damaged or off grade/alignment then full replacement, on existing or new alignment is required.

House drains can be difficult, and sometimes new drains may be necessary. Look at your options and get more pricing.

wratterus

1687 posts

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#2243154 22-May-2019 15:02

That does seem a little steep but we don't have a lot of info.

What length of pipe needs replacing, and does that price possibly include re-instatement of paths/driveways etc? Can the area not be reached by a digger? Why does the pipe actually need replacing? 3m seems like a long way down for a normal household setup.

neb

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#2243235 22-May-2019 17:36

wratterus:
3m seems like a long way down for a normal household setup.

One explanation could be that it was 6ft down when originally installed but is now 3m down after later earthworks.

Cuane

24 posts

Geek

#2243449 23-May-2019 09:43

wratterus:

That does seem a little steep but we don't have a lot of info.

What length of pipe needs replacing, and does that price possibly include re-instatement of paths/driveways etc? Can the area not be reached by a digger? Why does the pipe actually need replacing? 3m seems like a long way down for a normal household setup.

Good points! Total length must be close to 10m. The area can't be reached by a digger - we've previously dug up maybe 4-5m of the pipe but then it has a bend under a small rock wall and that's where we stopped. Where we've dug it's maybe 50-60cm down.

Re:Paths/driveways these aren't really an issue. There is a small (40cm) rock wall which the pipe goes under but nothing else. The path it's under is all just dirt/clay.

The main issue is part of the pipe was cracked quite badly by tree roots. The tree has been cut down since. It's not urgent - sewage isn't leaking anywhere or anything like that. Just something we know needs to be fixed at some point. The rest of it seems to be fine, although since it's a clay pipe it probably should be replaced at some point anyway.

The reason it's 3m down (I'm guessing) is because the house is on a hill, and the very edge of it is essentially on a cliff-face which is held up by a retaining wall. I've attached a crude drawing so it kind of makes sense. Basically at the far left is the driveway and it's level with a private road. And then that road slopes down so by where the pipe is, the road is a good 7m+ below where the house is. My guess is the pipe slopes down by 3m and then has a straight drop down to connect with some main sewer line which is level with the road but that's just a guess.

neb:
wratterus:

3m seems like a long way down for a normal household setup.

One explanation could be that it was 6ft down when originally installed but is now 3m down after later earthworks.

Possibly although doubtful due to the location. The house is from the '60s so who knows what's gone on. We've only occupied for the past 23 years or so.

Bung

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#2243570 23-May-2019 10:29

You might have other options apart from replacing the pipe in its original position. You need a drainlayer to advise.

Cuane

24 posts

Geek

#2247078 28-May-2019 14:23

Just to update in case anyone finds this thread in the future. The Nuflow guys came back with an 8k quote to replace 14m of pipe which in 3 sections. That also includes heavy root removal although I doubt that's a large part of the quote.

We'll probably get a third opinion just to be sure but so far Nuflow is going to be the way to go.