Cracked & Broken Pipes
Smart Lock can be used for sealing off pipe areas that are compromised or in a state of progressing pipe failure, in just 20 minutes. Full pipe rehabilitation can be achieved, alleviating on-going infiltration and exfiltration with the pipe structure and integrity restored.
Root Infiltration
After the tree roots are removed by a water jet or robotic cutter, they are still required to be sealed off internally. Usually, a difficult situation to resolve, however the unique silicate resin transfer capability applied to the fiberglass mating not only forms a hardened gasket when compressed, but also fills in the cracks and voids, sealing the space around the tree roots.
Abandoned Junctions
The advantage of using a Smart Lock to seal off an unwanted branch is that it leaves a smooth, uninterrupted internal stainless steel surface, perfect for future relining. This method provides a no dig solution, sealing the branch internally, preventing the possible entry of concrete due to future construction works. It also is a structural barrier for tree roots that may grow inside the disused lateral preventing future root intrusions into the main line.
When wouldn’t you use a Smart Lock?
Whilst a Smart Lock is the gold standard in pipe repair, there are certain circumstances where it is not the right ‘tool for the job’. In these rare situations you might need to turn to our Smart Patch, or look to us for advice on the best way to achieve your repair.
Some situations require consideration for the use of a Smart Lock.
Collapsible content
Insufficent Access
The installation of a Smart Lock requires a pit or manhole large enough to accommodate the installation trolley. This includes the pit lid opening and sometimes the removal of a limited number of step ions. Where a concrete chase inhibits the placement of the installation trolley into the pipe opening, a small section of the concrete chase may be required to be removed. A decision to perform the process from the other end of the pipe may be a good option. This is common on a sewer junction manhole. Where the only access is an inspection shaft it is not possible to install a Smart Lock. A small section of the pipe may be removed to allow temporary trolley access. This is possible to achieve when a new larger branch is being installed on the main line and the old property junction is required to be closed off.
Large Pipe Displacement
Excessive internal pipe alignment factors may cause travel issues to the pipe defect and the defect itself may be outside the Smart Lock ability to create an effective airtight seal. Contact the Smart Lock Group technical support for an effective solution.
High Flow Levels
If a pipe is running above 30% capacity it is recommended to reduce the flow or reschedule the installation away from peak flow periods.
What can i use if i have Insufficent Access?
Smart Patches. The traditional pipepatch, but smarter.
In cases where the Smart Lock is not the right tool for the job, why not try our Smart Patches?
Usage Situations
| Smart Lock | Smart Patch | |
|---|---|---|
| Rolled Rubber Ring | ✓ | ✓ |
| Missing Lifting Hole Plug | ✓ | ✓ |
| Short Pip Engagement | ✓ | ✓ |
| Circumferential Cracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dropped Joing > 10MM | ✓ | |
| Full Longitudinal Crack > 1MM | ✓ | ✓ |
| Abandoned Property Junction | ✓ | |
| Tree Root Intrusion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Localised Breaks and Missing Pipe | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leaking Joint | ✓ | ✓ |
Case Studies
View all-
Case Study: Bridge Gaps
22 Smart Locks used to avoid collapse 100 year old DN450 sewer pipe reinforced to stop potential collapse under Major Wellington Carrigeway. Project Description HydroTech was approached by Wellington Water...
Case Study: Bridge Gaps
22 Smart Locks used to avoid collapse 100 year old DN450 sewer pipe reinforced to stop potential collapse under Major Wellington Carrigeway. Project Description HydroTech was approached by Wellington Water...
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Case Study: Specialised System
Custom made one piece DN1200 On a Major Victorian Government project, a DN1200 pipe with a high level of water infiltration required permanent sealing. Project Description Rangedale was contacted...
Case Study: Specialised System
Custom made one piece DN1200 On a Major Victorian Government project, a DN1200 pipe with a high level of water infiltration required permanent sealing. Project Description Rangedale was contacted...
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Case Study: In-Series Install
A Series installation of 5 Smart Locks Unable to close the road where it intersects with the main bridge crossing the Taruheru River. The Gisborne District Council needed a solution...
Case Study: In-Series Install
A Series installation of 5 Smart Locks Unable to close the road where it intersects with the main bridge crossing the Taruheru River. The Gisborne District Council needed a solution...
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Get in touch with the team and start saving time and money on your pipe repairs today...