Restoring Safe Stormwater Flow at School Site

NUFLOW NORTHWEST SYDNEY
EDUCATION PRECINCT | NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Nuflow was urgently called to a school site after severe flooding occurred in classrooms, corridors, and outdoor access paths due to blocked drains and downpipes. The flooding created immediate safety hazards for students and staff, requiring a rapid next-day response. Our team was tasked with clearing blockages, inspecting the stormwater system, and addressing structural concerns across the (BOOG) General Learning and (BOOA) General Learning/Pupil Facilities buildings. Specific problem areas included the lavatory, adjacent corridors, and outdoor paths near Rooms AR0031 and AR0024.

THE CHALLENGE

  • Severe flooding into classrooms, corridors, and external access paths.
  • Multiple blocked stormwater pits and downpipes unable to drain properly.
  • Safety hazards caused by water pooling across walkways and trip hazards around sunken pits.
  • Tight access points requiring specialized equipment.
  • Evidence of collapsed and broken pipes requiring further inspection and remediation.
  • Need to minimize disruption to school operations and work around class schedules.

THE SOLUTION

To address the urgent flooding and prevent future issues, NuFlow combined immediate action with long-term
preventative measures. The team worked after school hours to minimize disruption, using advanced equipment and thorough inspections to restore flow, secure infrastructure, and provide the school with a clear maintenance plan.

  1. High-Pressure Jetting
    Deployed specialized jetting equipment after school hours to clear 12 major blockages, restoring immediate flow.
  2. CCTV Diagnostics
    Inspected stormwater lines and pit outlets, identifying collapsed sections, displacements, and root intrusions.
  3. Downpipe Reinforcement
    Secured multiple downpipes with new clips and saddles to prevent future disconnections and leaks.
  4. Safety Hazard Rectification
    Documented and reported a collapsed pipe and a sunken pit that created significant trip hazards, with measurements and photos for rectification.
  5. System Mapping
    Produced a detailed diagram of stormwater lines and downpipes, giving the school a clear roadmap for future maintenance.

THE RESULTS

The rehabilitation project successfully delivered a 15- metre, 150mm Blueline liner installation beneath the Pilates studio, restoring the stormwater system to full functionality. Both 100mm junctions were precisely reinstated using robotic cutting, and a final CCTV inspection confirmed the structural integrity of the line. The studio experienced no operational downtime, as the works were completed entirely within the overnight window and the site was restored to pristine condition before classes resumed.

Additionally, the project provided valuable learning for future installations: hot water cure lengths for thicker poly and vinyl bladders should be limited to around 7.5 metres to simplify removal and avoid excessive bunching. By documenting this lesson, Nuflow further strengthened its approach to complex rehabilitation projects carried out in sensitive, time-critical environments.

NUFLOW’S AGING INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION

For information on how Nuflow can help maintain and rehabilitate your potable water assets— including pressure main relining, concrete pipeline repairs, and trenchless rehabilitation of critical supply infrastructure—contact our team of specialists. We deliver safe, compliant solutions for even the most complex potable water pipe repair projects.

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