The City is preparing to carry out the final phase of a 1.3km water pipe replacement project in Plumstead.
The project will see ageing fibre cement pipes being replaced with more durable high-density polyethylene pipes.
“The pipes in Plumstead needed to be replaced because they were over 50 years old and our operation teams had to deal with multiple bursts. Proactive improvements of aged infrastructure are crucial. These kinds of projects frequently cause significant interruptions to our residents, but the innovative, trenchless pipe-cracking method, allows for less disturbance and inconvenience,” said mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien.
The first phase of the project, which involved replacing the water pipes in St Joans Road, was finished in November, and phase two, in Gray Road, was completed in December. Phase three, in Adelaide and Rivers End roads, is anticipated to start mid-January.
According to the City, this project uses trenchless pipe-cracking technology, which involves a bursting head that is hydraulically pulled through the existing pipe, breaking it apart at the same time that a new pipe is pulled along to replace the old one.
“This has shown to be a less expensive option for replacing pipes than the conventional ways. Because fewer excavations are needed, it also ensures a quicker completion time and less disruption,” the City said in a statement.
Other advantages of the approach, the City says, are lower restoration costs because there is less excavation and there are fewer expenses involved in repairing roads, pavements and landscapes; it is less labour-intensive, needing fewer workers than conventional open-cut techniques; it reduces environmental disturbance, helping preserve ecosystems, landscapes and trees; it reduces disturbances for residents and has fewer safety hazards; and the approach is applicable in various soil and environmental conditions.
High-density polyethylene pipes resist corrosion and last longer, meaning fewer replacements are needed over time, the City says.