Pipe Core and Plumbing and Pipeline Solutions have preserved a South Australian town’s history with innovative trenchless technology.
In a first for South Australia, Plumbing and Pipeline Solutions (PPS) has successfully rehabilitated a potable water main using UV-cured CIPP technology.
UVs installed beneath the historic Mill Inn Bridge in the township of Gawler, about 40km north of Adelaide, the project solved a problem for the local community while also showing what’s possible when innovation and collaboration align.
The DN300 mild steel, concrete-lined (MSCL) water main, installed into the 1908 bridge structure, was leaking and in need of failure. Located on one of Gawler’s busiest thoroughfares, traditional dig-and-replace methods were not feasible.
So PPS instead turned to global leader SAERTEX multiCom® and its SAERTEX-LINER® H2O S+XR, the only UV-cured liner that is globally approved and approved for the rehabilitation of potable water pipes.
Director of Special Projects Steven Marshall explained it was a complex project, but one that has set new benchmarks in trenchless water renewal.
Service Stream Service Delivery Manager Ryan Martin said the project provided a solution for the local asset owner and set a precedent for future projects.
“By embracing innovative UV relining technology, the team was able to extend the life of a critical asset, avoid costly disruptions, and protect a key piece of Gawler’s history,” Martin said.
Initial preparation involved excavating two excavation pits, cutting the pipe to gain access to the network, and conducting a CCTV inspection. The liner entered the site in one piece, was impregnated locally at the access lanes, being fed into exposed and unanchored bends of the failed pipe, and ultimately winched into final position.
SAERTEX multiCom® supplies one of the safest pipe-lining options using detailed video footage before developing and installing the liner. For this application, the liner was airfreighted to Australia with support from Pipe Core, exclusive distributor of SAERTEX-LINER® in Australia and New Zealand.
Pipe Core CEO Jason Marshall said the success of the job is a true demonstration of trenchless collaboration.
“From technology to engineering and execution, each partner brought deep knowledge and commitment to delivering a safe, efficient and cost-effective outcome.”
Despite the project’s complexity, coordination across multiple service zones ran smoothly. Pipe Core and SAERTEX multiCom co-hosted a comprehensive planning session involving staff from South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and even New Zealand.
PPS Director Benton Lewis was impressed by the collaborative efforts.
“This job was already challenging, and the team delivered it efficiently, safely, and on time. I’m proud of how our team stepped up and worked with key stakeholders to make this happen,” he said.
Service Stream SA Water Maintenance Program team and SA Water Engineering Services also played key roles in the project, with the utility’s engineering and water quality teams offering input throughout the process.
Now successfully installed, the water main has been rehabilitated with a 50-year design life, reducing the likelihood of future leaks, improving water quality and preserving a critical part of Gawler’s water network.
The UV pipe lining solution also ensured lower carbon emissions and minimal disruption to the local community.
The relining, completed during two night shifts, began at 10:00pm and was completed by 4:00am without the need for shutoff or customer interruption.
UV-curing in process.
Liner performance was tested to meet SA Water’s standards, followed by chlorination and site reinstatement.
Prepared for success
What was arguably the key to the success of this installation was the training that was completed months earlier. PPS had undergone SAERTEX-certified installer training in November 2023 coordinated by Pipe Core, ensuring the team was confident and capable with UV-CIPP methods long before arriving on site.
The crew worked through the night to avoid sun exposure to the liner and minimise traffic disruption.
“Having certified training under our belts gave us the confidence to manage a complex job under pressure,” Lewis said. “Knowing we had Pipe Core and SAERTEX multiCom in our corner made a huge difference.”
This project wasn’t just about renewing a pipe, it was about preserving a critical piece of Gawler’s infrastructure – and history – while extending the life of a vital water main. By avoiding excavation and minimising disruption, the team delivered long-term value for the community and utility. It also demonstrated how the right combination of planning, technology and teamwork can make all the difference for trenchless rehabilitation in Australia.
Anyone facing a challenging water infrastructure project can visit Pipe Core at stand #NDE32 at No-Dig Down Under 2025 to explore a solution.
For more information, visit pipecore.com.au
