When comparing pipe relining quotes, most people focus on the main pipe. But what about the junction pipes?
Usually hidden underground, a drainage system is only as good as its weakest connection – and in many cases that connection is the junction pipe.
Many relining methods repair the main pipe and then simply cut the junction back open once the liner has cured: meaning that the junction itself, isn’t rehabilitated leaving a vulnerable section in the drainage network.
What Are Junction Pipes?
A junction pipe is the point where a smaller branch pipe connects into a larger main pipeline, for instance:
- Between household plumbing and the sewer line
- Where stormwater drains connect into larger drainage systems
- Throughout commercial and industrial drainage networks
Because junctions are connection points, they are often just as vulnerable as the main pipe – or perhaps even more so – to invasive tree roots, ground movement and joint separation.
Why Junction Rehabilitation Matters
Many customers believe that once a pipe is relined, everything connected to it is also covered by the repair. However this isn’t necessarily the case.
The quality of a pipe rehabilitation project is about more than restoring flow; there may still be an untreated connection point between the branch pipe and the relined main line.
While this allows wastewater or stormwater to continue passing through the system, the junction itself may not have been structurally renewed.
This can mean:
- The junction remains an older section of pipe;
- The connection may not be covered by the same warranty protections;
- Rough edges can potentially create points where debris may catch over time;
- The weakest part of the system may remain untreated.
Why Junction Rehabilitation Matters
Where appropriate, Nuflow Logan can install specialised long-arm junction liners designed to extend from the relined main pipe into the branch connection itself, for a solution that lasts.
The result is a more complete rehabilitation of the pipe system – as provided in the following examples.
Example 1: Tree Root Invasion in Shailer Park
A home owner in Shailer Park called us as he was sick of getting a plumber out to clear his drains every year or two, as he was experiencing recurring sewer blockages.
We conducted a CCTV inspection which revealed the tree roots were actually entering via a junction connection.
By rehabilitating the pipe AND the junction itself, the problem was properly solved and backed by a watertight (excuse the pun) warranty!
Example 2: Stormwater Problems in Loganholme
This Loganholme backyard had constant issues with water pooling after heavy rainfall, and the home owner suspected that the main stormwater pipe was the culprit.
He was surprised when he saw on our CCTV camera footage that the problem was actually caused by a deteriorated junction where two drainage lines met.
Had the main pipe simply been relined and the junction reopened, the weakest part of the drainage system would have remained. This is why it’s important to ask whether your junction pipes are actually being rehabilitated as part of the project.
Example 3: Older Drainage Infrastructure in Woodridge
A commercial property in Woodridge had been dealing with recurring drainage issues despite previous maintenance work.
Our CCTV inspection revealed deterioration throughout the pipe network, including the junction connections. Our drainage specialists developed a tailored relining solution that renewed both the main line and the junction connections, providing a more comprehensive long-term repair.
Questioning any Quotes
Price is only one consideration when it comes to pipe relining. Before accepting a quote, it’s worth asking the following questions:
- Will my junction pipes actually be relined – or just reinstated?
- What sort of warranty do you provide for the product, and also the workmanship?
Once you have the answers, you’ll be able to compare any quotations fairly and understand exactly what you’re paying for.
And don’t forget to check the warranty. Some companies promote design lives of 50, 75 or even 100 years. However, design life is NOT the same as a manufacturer’s guarantee or an installation workmanship warranty.
3 Reasons to Choose Nuflow Logan
- Stronger Pipes, Stronger Warranty – Our work is backed by a 10 year installation warranty and up to 50 year product warranty.
- No Dig, No Worries – Our patented technology and sophisticated methods mean there’s less inconvenience and no need for excavation.
- Repair what’s There – And it’s the eco-friendly pipe repair solution.
When it comes to pipe relining, the main pipe is only part of the story.
Junction pipes play an important role in the performance of your sewer and stormwater systems, and not every relining provider treats them in the same way.
For our famous “no dig” pipe relining solutions – which include junction pipe repair – contact the team at Nuflow Logan today on (07) 3277 8401.
