Plumbing & Pipeline Solutions (PPS) is proud to be working alongside SA Water to deliver smart, non-invasive pipe rehabilitation that protects the environment, supports local infrastructure, and improves outcomes for customers.
One of our most recent collaborations is helping to preserve significant heritage trees while improving the integrity and performance of ageing sewer connections—thanks to our inflatable Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) liner technology.
Tree root intrusion is the leading cause of wastewater blockages across South Australia. When roots penetrate sewer pipes and tangle with cooking fats, wipes, and other non-flushable items, they can quickly lead to blockages that affect both customers and the environment.
While most blockages can be cleared with cleaning equipment, persistent root ingress in certain locations can lead to recurring issues. To address this, SA Water’s Production & Treatment Alliance Projects team runs an annual program to upgrade problematic connections.
Traditionally, connections are replaced using excavation or hydro-excavation—especially when working in Tree Protection Zones. However, these methods are time-consuming and can disrupt traffic, properties, and natural habitats.
Looking for a smarter alternative, SA Water engaged PPS to trial our in-house developed inflatable CIPP liner technology—a trenchless solution that reinforces pipes from the inside, without any digging.
The resin-impregnated liner is inserted through the customer’s existing inspection point, then inverted and inflated. As the resin cures in place, it forms a strong, structural liner inside the pipe—restoring its integrity without excavation.
Following successful trials at our Marleston workshop, we partnered with SA Water to roll out this technology at select sites.
Final reinstatement will be completed in close consultation with Gawler Council, ensuring the site is fully restored and ready for the long haul—both functionally and visually.
“The CIPP lining technology allowed us to replace the Glynburn Road connections without impacting the root zone of this important tree,” said the Production & Treatment Alliance Project Manager, “with the added benefit of avoiding traffic disruptions that excavation would have brought.”
Thanks to this trenchless approach, the upgraded sewer connections now have a life extension of up to 50 years—a win for infrastructure, the environment, and the local community.
