Potable Water Main Repair – NATCEM® 35
A potable water main repair was necessary at a treatment works site after having developed joint failures once ground movement affected the line. The issue began when a leaking below-ground storage tank washed away the fine material supporting the pipeline. As a result, the ground settled and the pipe joints shifted out of alignment.
The 800mm diameter pipeline used a socket and spigot design made from cement-lined ductile iron with cast iron bends. Because of the settlement, several joints moved, creating large angular deflections and ultimately leading to joint failure.
To deliver a lasting and non-invasive repair, the team used internal band seals across the failed joints. Before installing the seals, they removed the existing cement lining. This step was essential because the lining is slightly permeable, and leaving it in place could allow water to bypass the seal.
After preparation, the team installed the band seals to create a permanent watertight joint. They then reinstated the internal lining using NATCEM® 35. Its rapid setting and high-strength performance made it ideal for this environment. Moreover, the no-dig approach minimised disruption and allowed the pipeline to return to service quickly.
The team selected NATCEM® 35 for its proven performance on potable water assets and its ability to perform under challenging site conditions. It offered both reliability and compliance with drinking water standards.
Key advantages included:
DWI Reg.31 and WRAS approval, confirming full suitability for potable water use
Rapid curing time, which enabled a quick return to service
Excellent performance in low-temperature and high-humidity conditions
Great workability, even in damp or submerged environments
Environmentally friendly formulation, free from harmful additives
As Joe Mortiboy from Gravitas explained, “We are often in situations where the client is looking to refill lines or tanks as soon as we’re complete. NATCEM® 35 allows us to achieve that without compromise.”
By combining internal VIP-Weco band seals with NATCEM® 35, the team restored the pipeline’s structural integrity and extended its service life. Consequently, the main returned to operation within a tight schedule, meeting the client’s urgent demand for a rapid solution.
Overall, this project demonstrates how Natural Cement’s materials enable efficient potable water main repair by offering approved, sustainable, and high-performance solutions that deliver lasting results for vital infrastructure.
Date added: 06/11/2025