Project Overview
- Client: Independent coffee shop in Brisbane CBD
- Issue: Repeated wastewater back‑ups during peak trading hours
- Pipe Material: 100 mm vitrified clay pipe, ~35 years old
- Timeline: Same‑day diagnosis, restoration within 4 hours
- Technologies Deployed: CCTV inspection, high‑pressure water jetting (4000 PSI @ 72 L/min) seqblockeddrains.com.au, trenchless patch repair
1. The Challenge
1.1 Symptoms Observed
- Floor drains gurgling after every dishwasher cycle
- Unpleasant sulphur odours spreading to the seating area
- Slow sink drainage despite routine chemical cleaners
1.2 Root‑Cause Analysis
Sequential CCTV passes revealed a dense Melaleuca root mass 7 m from the floor waste gully.
“Once we located the blockage, we knew excavation inside the shop was a deal‑breaker. A trenchless approach had to work first‑time.” — Lead Technician, SEQ Blocked Drains
2. Solution Implemented
- Access & Isolation – Main drain isolated at boundary riser; wastewater diverted temporarily.
- Targeted Jetting – 10 mm impact root‑cutter nozzle at 4000 PSI removed root ingress without damaging clay pipe seqblockeddrains.com.au.
- Robotic Scraper Pass – Ensured no residual root fibres remained.
- Epoxy Patch Repair – 600 mm fibreglass‑reinforced sleeve installed and steam‑cured (45 min).
- Final CCTV Verification – Confirmed 100 % flow restoration and structural integrity.
2.1 Equipment Snapshot
| Equipment | Purpose | Key Spec |
|---|---|---|
| CCTV Pan‑Tilt Camera | Locate defect & measure insertion depth | 360° articulation, on‑screen distance counter |
| High‑Pressure Water Jetter | Remove roots & debris | 4000 PSI, 72 L/min seqblockeddrains.com.au |
| Robotic Cutter | Trim intruding roots flush with pipe wall | 75–150 mm compatibility |
| Epoxy Patch Kit | Seal cracks & prevent future ingress | 50‑year warranty |