Restoring Correct Flow: A Complex Pipeline Rehabilitation at Scottsville City Mall
In the heart of Pietermaritzburg, Earlsfield Plumbers, in partnership with Specialised Pipe Rehabilitation Specialists (SPRA) and Nu Flow South Africa, recently completed one of the most challenging pipeline rehabilitation projects to date.
The Challenge
The client, Scottsville City Mall, contacted us after four full-bore pipelines began leaking inside the building – creating visible water stains in tenant shops, damaging the building’s foundations, and ruining valuable stock items.
However, this project presented multiple layers of difficulty:
Access points had been completely covered by previous shopfitters and contractors.
The system featured varying diameters (DN110mm–DN160mm).
There were 3–5 bends per pipeline.
The existing pipes were brittle and severely degraded, breaking apart during the initial cleaning phase.
Despite the complexity, the combined expertise of Earlsfield Plumbers, SPRA, and Nu Flow South Africa ensured a professional, innovative, and lasting solution.
The Solution
The project began with a thorough descaling process using our Picote Miller system, preparing the interior surfaces for rehabilitation.
Once the pipelines were cleaned, we applied a two-part restoration method:
Picote Brush Coating System – to reinforce and protect the interior of the pipes.
Cured-in-Place Glass Liner (CIPP) – to structurally rehabilitate the lines and restore full functionality.
In total, 30 meters of severely damaged pipeline were fully rehabilitated – restoring integrity and flow throughout the system.
Working Through the Night
To reduce disruption to the mall’s tenants and visitors, our team worked through the night to safely create access points and carry out essential sections of the rehabilitation.
This after-hours dedication allowed us to keep the project on schedule while maintaining a clean and safe environment for daytime mall operations.
Uncovering Hidden Infrastructure
Using utility scanning, we discovered several hidden manholes and access points buried beneath tiles and concrete.
This critical information now gives the facility management team accurate access for preventative maintenance and scheduled cleaning, reducing the likelihood of future leaks and costly downtime.
The Outcome
Despite limited access, fragile pipes, and multiple system bends, our collaborative team completed the project successfully.
✅ Leaks eliminated
✅ Structure preserved
✅ Access restored
✅ Future maintenance simplified
This project highlights how teamwork, trenchless technology, and innovative methods can overcome even the most complex plumbing challenges – efficiently, cleanly, and without excavation.
At Earlsfield Plumbers, we’re proud to deliver solutions that combine precision, innovation, and reliability – keeping South Africa’s plumbing infrastructure strong and flowing.
Key Technologies Used:
Picote Miller Descaling System
Picote Brush Coating System
Nu Flow CIPP Glass Liner
GPR Utility Scanning
Earlsfield Plumbers — Precision. Innovation. Dedication.
