Pitched Fibre Repairs
– Smart Drainz –
Restoring Pitched Fibre Drains Around Hampshire, Surrey, West Berkshire & West Sussex
As a professional drainage contractor, Smart Drainz excels in addressing challenges posed by aging pitched fibre systems present in and around Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury and Portsmouth, to name just a few of the locations throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire we cover. If you suspect your property has such a system, our experienced team can help with expert pitched fibre repairs.
Below, we provide more information on this subject. More interested in our service and maintenance offerings, or investing in soakaways to manage rain or wastewater? Browse our wider website or simply pick up the phone and give us a call.
What is Pitched Fibre?
Pitched fibre is a type of drainage pipe material made from bitumen-impregnated fibre. It was commonly used in the UK for drainage systems between the 1940s and the 1970s, offering a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to traditional clay or metal pipes.
These pipes were popular for their ease of installation and affordability at a time when post-war reconstruction efforts demanded efficient building materials; that’s why they can still be found in abundance throughout our service areas of Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury and Portsmouth. However, despite their initial benefits, pitched fibre pipes were not designed for long-term durability, which has led to issues in more recent decades.
Why Does Pitched Fibre Eventually Fail?
While pitched fibre pipes were a practical solution in their time, their lifespan has proven to be limited. The material, being a combination of bitumen and fibre, is highly susceptible to degradation over time. Exposure to water, waste and environmental pressure causes blistering, cracking and even complete pipe collapse. This deterioration is accelerated by modern drainage demands, which these pipes were never designed to handle.
The main issues associated with pitched fibre include:
- Blistering: The bitumen can separate from the fibres, leading to bubbles forming inside the pipe.
- Cracking: Over time the structure weakens, causing fractures and leaks.
- Collapsing: Prolonged wear can lead to the pipe losing its structural integrity altogether.
Due to these issues, pitched fibre is no longer used in modern drainage systems. However, these pipes can often be repaired and restored without the need for complete replacement. Smart Drainz is a local drainage contractor that offers specialist pitched fibre repairs for properties in Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury, Portsmouth and all surrounding locations.
How We Approach Pitched Fibre Repairs
At Smart Drainz, we use a variety of advanced techniques to repair and restore pitched fibre drains, ensuring the system functions optimally for years to come. Our approach combines traditional and innovative methods tailored to the specific condition of your pipes.
Re-Rounding
One of the most effective methods we employ for pitched fibre repairs is re-rounding. This technique involves using heavy re-rounding tools of varying sizes, which are winched through the pipe to remove blistering and force it back into its original circular shape. Re-rounding typically restores the pipe to approximately 95% of its original diameter. Once re-rounded, the pipe is thoroughly cleaned to prepare it for further restorative work, such as drain re-lining.
Re-lining Techniques
In some cases, it may be worth following re-rounding with drain re-lining, thereby providing a durable and long-lasting solution to restore the integrity of the pipe. Our re-lining techniques include:
- Felt or Polyester Lining: A lining is applied from within the pipe to cover cracks and holes, effectively sealing the damage and preventing further deterioration.
- Patching: For smaller cracks or holes, a patch is applied from the outside to reinforce the structure and maintain the flow of the drainage system.
- Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining: This involves inserting a pre-shaped tube to replace damaged sections of the pipe. It is particularly effective for pipes that have partially collapsed or become significantly deformed.
- Brawloliner: This elastic tube is ideal for lining pipes in challenging locations, such as around bends or joints, or when high pressure is required.
- Pipe Bursting: When re-lining is not feasible due to severe deformation, pipe bursting may be the best option. This involves breaking the old pipe while simultaneously laying a new one in its place.
If necessary, Smart Drainz can also undertake traditional manual excavation to replace sections of the pipe that cannot be repaired using non-invasive methods. Regardless of the method used, our goal is to provide efficient, effective and minimally disruptive pitched fibre repairs to clients across Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury and Portsmouth.
Contact Us
If you need professional pitched fibre repairs, look no further than Smart Drainz. Our team of skilled drainage contractors is ready to assist cleints in Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury, Portsmouth and all surrounding locales. Contact us today on 03332 027129 to discuss your needs and schedule an inspection.