Wanting to build a fence, subdivide or put a pool in your yard? You may be required to apply for a Works Over Approval which we call a Pre-Build Inspection.
We have been flat out with these in November!
Typically, before proceeding with any of these three projects, an engineer or Watercare representative will ensure compliance is met and that the process won’t put Watercare assets at risk of getting damaged.
Our CCTV division will visit your site and ensure that the condition of any public sewer system is investigated before or after any work takes place. This inspection procedure is carried out with CCTV equipment and still images that you can keep on record.
Most people who build pools or fences etc usually use contractors who are aware of following these procedures but say Joe Blog down the road builds a fence and hits a line because he didn’t get consent, he would be in trouble and liable for repair costs to the pipe. Doing a Pre-Build Inspection helps you to mitigate this risk, plus it gives you a record of the pipe’s condition before you start work so you have something to fall back on if necessary.
The process involves inserting a sophisticated camera into the pipes for inspection. For larger pipes, like those used in sewerage systems, a CCTV tractor is used. The operator pushes the camera inside the pipes and checks for possible problems such as clogs, cracks and leaks.
Some key things you can check via a CCTV pipe inspection:
- Hairline cracks which affect the integrity and stability of the pipes
- Bigger cracks which can affect water pressure and bring sand and silt inside the pipes
- Tree roots and other organic debris stuck inside the pipes
- Punctures on the pipe due to previous renovation work
- Corroded or severely damaged pipes and assembly joints
- Location of other pipe joints and how to access them
We also provide an As-Built Inspection which is an overview of the property, with the pipes that have been located and their depths. This gives you a good idea of what is below the ground on your property before you start any kind of constructions, hopefully helping you to avoid any expensive mistakes!