Plumbtrax Infrastructure Services has successfully completed the first installation of Picote Flexi-Sliplining technology, marking a significant milestone for the adoption of this innovative rehabilitation method in Australasia.
Delivered beneath an active townhouse construction site in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, the project demonstrated how emerging trenchless solutions can simplify installation, reduce risk, and maintain asset functionality, particularly in constrained environments where traditional methods present challenges.
Watch the first Flexi-Sliplining installation in Australasia, delivered in Melbourne.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v9UaXanzkVI
Early intervention avoids future asset failure
The works formed part of routine pre-construction inspections commissioned by the local council ahead of the development of two townhouses. CCTV investigation identified root ingress, infiltration, and displacement within an existing DN150 stormwater line constructed from reinforced concrete pipe (RCP).
According to Plumbtrax Infrastructure Services Managing Director Jeff Laurie, the asset was servicing multiple rear properties and posed a significant risk if left untreated.
“It was good to catch the asset before it deteriorated further,” Laurie said. “If these defects had progressed, there was a real risk of ground movement, particularly given the construction activity above.”
Access to the asset was already constrained, with one pit located in a nature strip manhole and the other a small 400mm square pit within a neighbouring backyard. Delaying intervention would have made future rehabilitation significantly more complex and disruptive.
Why Flexi-Sliplining?
Plumbtrax Infrastructure Services was tasked with delivering a trenchless solution and elected to deploy Picote’s Flexi-Sliplining system - an approach they were keen to trial given its potential advantages over conventional UV-CIPP methods.
“We would typically use UV relining for this type of asset,” explained Tim Hogan, plumber at Plumbtrax Infrastructure Services. “However, in this case, the access constraints would have made that difficult. The equipment required for UV—rollers, packers, and light trains—would not have fit without reconstructing the manhole.”
Flexi-Sliplining provided a viable alternative, reducing onsite time, enabling a manhole-to-manhole installation without bypass pumping and without the need for extensive site modification.
Installation methodology
Prior to installation, the crew pre-cleaned the pipeline the day before, using a combination truck to remove roots and address minor displacements. A test section of Flexi-Pipe was then pulled through to confirm the asset was free from obstructions that could impede installation.
The 34.2-metre pipeline was constructed from five 6-metre lengths of Flexi-Pipe, which were welded together onsite to form a continuous pipe string. The welding process utilised Picote’s purpose-designed equipment, incorporating pre-set heating and cooling cycles to ensure consistency and remove operator variability.
Each joint was formed by placing a welding ring into the pipe groove, inserting an inflatable welding packer, and allowing the system to complete its automated cycle. Cooling times were displayed in real time on the welding unit, providing clear feedback to the crew.
“All welding parameters are preset, removing guesswork,” Laurie said. “It’s a controlled, repeatable process that supports consistent quality and reduces risk.”
Once assembled, the pipe string was pulled through the host pipe in a single continuous operation using a winch system, achieving installation speeds of up to 8 metres per minute. The pipe ends were then trimmed and finished using equipment supplied as part of the Flexi-Sliplining system.
A simplified, low-risk solution
Unlike other trenchless products, Flexi-Sliplining is a straightforward mechanical process that does not require complex installation methods or specialised equipment. The factory-manufactured pipe is installed as a fully formed structural liner, meaning the rehabilitation is complete as soon as the pipe is in place.
Importantly, the system allows for continued flow within the pipe during installation, eliminating the need for bypass pumping and reducing both cost and operational disruption.
“With other trenchless lining methods, there are multiple stages requiring equipment setup, which can be challenging in remote sites,” Hogan said. “This process is much simpler. The equipment can be carried to the installation site, and once the pipe is pulled through, the job is essentially complete.”
Designed for modern rehabilitation challenges
Picote Flexi-Sliplining is a self-supporting, three-layer polyethylene pipe system designed for the rehabilitation of DN100–DN300 non-pressure pipelines. The system is DIBt-certified and engineered to navigate bends and irregularities within existing assets.
Because the installed pipe is independent of the host pipe condition, successful rehabilitation can be achieved even in assets with significant structural deterioration.
The system also offers a number of environmental and safety advantages:
· No hazardous chemicals or resins
· No emissions during or after installation
· Minimal raw material usage, resulting in lower CO₂ footprint
· Safe handling for operators
In addition, the lightweight and compact installation equipment enables deployment in confined spaces, with minimal setup and training requirements.
A successful outcome and future potential
The Council project was completed successfully, with minimal disruption to the surrounding construction activity and no requirement for additional civil works.
For Plumbtrax Infrastructure Services, the project represents a strong endorsement of the technology’s capabilities.
“We’re really pleased with how the installation went,” Laurie said. “It’s given us confidence in the system, and we already have other clients lined up where this approach could be a great fit.
As councils and contractors continue to seek faster, safer, and more sustainable rehabilitation solutions, Flexi-Sliplining presents a compelling addition to the trenchless toolkit—particularly for sites where access constraints or operational limitations make traditional methods less viable.
