Our team was called in to inspect and repair a malfunctioning sewage treatment plant at a residential property. The inspection revealed several critical issues with the drainage system, the construction of the sewage treatment plant, and the connections between components. The repair process spanned multiple days, requiring detailed excavation, careful handling of materials, and precise repairs to ensure the system’s integrity.
Initial Inspection and Findings
Upon arrival, two of our engineers conducted a thorough inspection of the site, utilising CCTV equipment to examine the drainage system running from the sewage treatment plant to the house. The inspection revealed the following:
- Damaged Pipework: At the junction where the pipework transitioned from plastic to clay, we found a damaged one-metre section of clay pipe with a poorly executed connection. This required a one-metre remedial patch to restore functionality.
- Sewage Treatment Plant Issues: The plastic weld on the sewage treatment plant was incorrectly done, raising concerns about the integrity of the connection between the risers and the chamber. There was a high likelihood of groundwater penetrating the system due to improper sealing. Additionally, the manhole covers and frames were not fitted correctly, and the covers under the first set were also not sealed.
Repair Process
Day One:
- CCTV Inspection: Completed a detailed CCTV inspection of the drainage system.
- Initial Repairs: Identified the need for a one-metre remedial patch in the clay pipe and noted the issues with the sewage treatment plant’s construction.
Day Two:
- Material Handling: We carefully removed the decorative stone surrounding the sewage treatment plant. This task required meticulous attention to prevent mixing the stone with other rubble, as the stone would need to be relaid.
- Excavation: Our engineers removed the incorrectly installed manhole covers and frames, which were neither secured with the proper concrete nor aligned correctly.
- Chamber Investigation: Further excavation around the riser revealed the presence of concrete and rubble instead of the recommended hardcore. We found that the tank had likely dropped due to the lack of a proper base underneath, causing the top of the tank to remain stationary while the base moved, compromising the system’s stability.
- Pipework and Connections: The pipework exiting the chamber was also poorly fitted, with a leaking pump waste away pipe that required repair. We exposed the connection around the chamber and corrected the installation, ensuring all connections were properly sealed and tested for leaks.
Conclusion
Our team worked meticulously to address the numerous issues with the sewage treatment plant and its surrounding infrastructure. The improper installation of various components, from the manhole covers to the pipework, had led to significant operational problems. By the end of the project, we ensured that all elements were correctly installed, sealed, and tested, restoring the system’s integrity and preventing future issues.
Results
- System Integrity Restored: All faulty connections were repaired, and the sewage treatment plant was properly sealed to prevent groundwater infiltration.
- Enhanced Durability: The excavation and proper reinstallation of the system components ensured that the treatment plant would function reliably for years to come.
- Customer Satisfaction: The homeowner was thoroughly briefed on the issues and the corrective actions taken, providing peace of mind that their sewage treatment system was now operating as intended.
This case study highlights our commitment to thorough inspections, detailed workmanship, and ensuring that all repairs meet the highest standards of quality and safety.