Category Archives: Recent Jobs

What Is Butt Welding and How Can It be Used Effectively?

There are several ways to attach two metal pipes together.  To choose which one to use, you must decide based on what is best or needed for the job at hand therefore it is vital to understand each method.  These methods are:

  • Threaded
  • Stab-type Fittings
  • Soldered
  • Brazed
  • Welded – Which has two types, namely : Butt Weld and Socket Weld
  • Saddle Fusion

Among these, Butt Welding is the most common of pipe welding joining methods.  This is commonly used for pipes which generally shares the same diameter.  This method is also most popularly used in commercial and industrial pipe systems. 

What Is Butt Welding?

Butt welding is when two pieces of metal pipes are joined together within the same plane.  This method requires some preparation and is used mostly for thin metal sheets, which need to be welded in a single pass.  This technique can be automated or it can be pieced together by hand on to the steel pieces.  Brazing can also be done under this method for copper pieces.  This method is used to attach two metal pieces such as pipes, framework in factories, and in flanges as well.

The butt-welding method is the preferred type for commercial purposes since it is more economical, as well as providing a strong fusion of the two metal pieces.  Also, it uses the least amount of welding materials and at the same time giving out a strong weld.  The automated butt weld process is the more favored process because of its ease of preparation and there is a low chance of adjustments in cases of non-ideal joint preparation because of the absence of human guidance.  It is expected that butt welds have the strongest welds with the least amount of imperfections. 

How Can Butt Welding be Used Effectively?

Butt welding is used when directional drilling so as to avoid joiners from sticking out thus making the thrust difficult.  A smooth flush finish outside the pipe is needed to enable the thrusted pipe to be pushed through without getting stuck.  Also this method does not need the metal piece to be welded together by having to bend everything and reinforce the structure which can then cost more than just welding two metal pieces together through this method. 

This method works best with MIG or TIG welding applications because of its ability to connect two metal pipes.  This method can be done by pressing the ends of the material together while a current is passing through them.  The temperature between the materials is high which softens the metal into a plastic-like state which them makes it fuse together.  When using this technique, it should also be noted that the diameter and thickness of the pipes and fittings should be equal as well as the material used. 

Advantages of Butt Welding

There are several advantages of butt welding among these are:

  1. It assures of its permanent leak proof quality and strength. 
  2. Having a continuous steel structure between the pipes and fittings gives the piping system better strength.
  3. The pipe fittings when used using this method gives out a smooth surface and a gradual directional changes thus making it decrease the pressure losses, the turbulence of the system and protecting it from corrosion and erosion.
  4. This method is more economical, which does not hurt the budget.
  5. Butt welding joints also offer smaller space in the system. 
  6. A weld can be made using this method in a wide range of sizes and complex shapes although both ends should be equally matching. 
  7. This can be used in a wide range of materials such as steels, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys or titanium. 
  8. Solidification cracking and porosity is usually not an issue.
  9. The butt welding process can be automatic or semi-automatic and monitoring of the welding process can already indicate the quality of the work.

How Can Drainage NZ Help?

Drainage NZ’s over 20 years of experience in this field can provide services together with their qualified drain layers. The team is certified, qualified, and registered, therefore, assuring clients that only the best services are offered with the highest of standards and in compliance with NZBC standards. 

Services include all aspects of drainage, such as driveway cesspits and channels, drain repairs, and drain unblocking in both residential and commercial drainage work.  Aside from these, the company is also offering its services in general plumbing and gas fitting works. 

Drainage NZ offers services in directional drilling works.  Their services include water distribution piping, fire protection lines, sanitary sewer piping, storm sewer drainage piping, gas distribution piping, landfill applications, irrigation applications, and electrical/telecommunications. 

There are also several reasons why horizontal directional drilling is used. One of the reasons is that there is lesser traffic disruption.  It also offers lower costs since there is no labor or concrete reinstating.  There is also a possibility for deeper installation, long installation is possible, job can be completed for a short period of time and lastly, it is safer for the environment.

For more information, just visit our website.

Stormwater Galv Kerb Outlet Installation

What is a kerb outlet? They are essential parts of drainage systems which serve to remove the excess water from your property by directing it to the kerb on the street, which will then flow into the stormwater system.

Firstly, kerb has two spellings, also being written as curb. “Curb” is the American spelling of the word, where as “kerb” is the correct English standard as has been used since the mid 17th century. Since in New Zealand we use the English standard, we will go with the spelling “kerb”.

Kerb outlets can be used in conjunction with driveway channels, gutters and other types of water removal drainage systems.

We just completed a job for a customer which involved installing a kerb outlet for their stormwater drainage system.

For this job, we had to remove part of the footpath as well as some ground from their property in order to run the piping for the outlet. Once the ground was removed, we could lay down the pipe which was 100mm diameter uPVC in this case.

In this system the kerb outlet was used in conjunction with a 5,500L stormwater above ground detention tank. The outlet was connected to the gutter drain as a means of escape for the stormwater.

Once the pipes were laid, we reinstated the concrete on the foot path and to the neighbouring property that had to be removed. The road and driveway were then cleaned up from all the left overs of working there.

Why would you need to replace a kerb outlet?
Kerb outlets are crucial part of stormwater drainage systems that ensure that water being drained can be removed from the property onto the road, where it can then drain into the main drainage system. If your kerb outlet is blocked or damaged, you could find yourself with a flood in your yard, which could even cause damage to your home.

Do you need a kerb outlet for your drainage system? Contact us today to discuss your drainage needs.

Thrusting, directional drilling, water main leak repairs and replacement

Yes we do it All!

Drainage NZ are setup to replace and repair waters at unbeatable rates! Thrusting and directional drilling services also available.

With the Pohutukawa’s bursting into full flower this past week we know that Summer for 2016/17 has definitely arrived. Don’t be persuaded to think otherwise with the intermittent rain that seems to keep surprising us – all the weather watchers are saying we’re in for a long, hot drawn out summer.

With the dry season upon us, the ground we stand on, build on and otherwise exist on is going to dry out. When the ground dries out the natural consequence is that the ground contracts. When this happens, water mains can burst under the pressure.

A burst in your water mains supply between the street and your meter is the responsibility of the water supply company; but the pipe between the meter and your house is your responsibility.

There are three types of water mains commonly found in New Zealand. Galvanised, Copper and Plastic.

If you have a galvanised water main, this pipe is likely from the 1920’s. Simply due to age these pipes are usually very corroded internally and it is uneconomical to repair these. Replacement is your only option.

If you have a copper water main these are usually easy to locate and able to repaired fairly well without incurring large costs.

If you have a plastic water main, then a number of issues are usually found with these. A lot of early plastic water mains were made from a very hard polyethelene. Polyethelene is susceptible to pin holing or splitting.  This needs to be completely replaced.

Once a pipe is over 30 years old, it will probably leak again

Drainage NZ are setup to replace and repair water mains at unbeatable rates!

Drainlayer $ 75 + GST / HOUR
Truck and Driver $ 90 + GST / HOUR
Drainlayer and Excavator $ 110 + GST / HOUR
Drainlayer Labourer $ 45 + GST / HOUR
Concrete cutting $ 45 / METER

Soil Removal based on local fees

Drainage Fix Pricing:

100mm UPVC FROM $ 55 / meter
100MM SN16 (heavy duty) FROM $ 65 / meter

Drainage NZ also have thrusting and directional drilling services available. Thrusting is used when installing:

  • Water Distribution Piping
  • Fire Protection Lines
  • Sanitary Sewer Piping
  • Storm Sewer Drainage Piping
  • Gas Distribution Piping
  • Landfill Applications
  • Irrigation Applications
  • Electrical/Telecommunications

Using the latest technologies and techniques, we also provide directional drilling. We service jobs big or small for both residential and commercial at competitive rates; telecom and water mains, storm water drains and sewers.

Directional Drilling allows for

  • Less traffic disruption
  • Lower cost (no labour, concrete reinstating etc)
  • Deeper installation possible
  • Long installations possible
  • Quickly completed
  • Safer for the environment

So watch out this summer for any burst mains and if this happens at your home or workplace – keep Drainage NZ in mind. If you have drainage needs right now – give us a call on 0800 DRAINLAYER (0800 372 465) and see what we can do for you!

Our Drainlayers specialise in public drainage

Public drainage includes all works that take place on public stormwater or sewer lines. This will includes repair works and new installations.

In Auckland, city council is responsible for stormwater while Watercare looks after the public sewer network system.

Whether a drainlayer is working on the public stormwater or sewer line, applications to both authorities must be made and approvals obtained before any works may take place.

Some councils such as Manukau city council may also have their set of standards which may defer to the common Auckland city standard. One example of this is the well-known “London junction” which is an approved standard in Manukau.

Whilst a registered drainlayer may do any residential drainage works, special training, experience and registration with Auckland city council and Watercare is required to enable works on the public network.

Drainage NZ have obtained all qualifications and experience to repair or install any size public drainage. Scope of experience and works include:

  • Public sewer line thrusting over 200mm.
  • Road drainage and manhole installation. Up to 1500mm diameter.
  • Sub divisions and rearranging of network layout.
  • Public sewage pumped systems.
  • Public stormwater and grease management.
  • Commercial grade Grease traps.
  • Repair works on large scale public systems.
  • Design and planning of public networks. 

Drainage NZ are able to advise on solutions and provide quotes in a timely manner on any size public drainage work.

Give us a call on 0800 DRAINLAYER for more information.

Here are some images from a recent job on the Northshore showing extensive repair works to existing public manholes. Works included raising levels to accommodate a subdivision and raising of existing ground levels.  

manhole_installation manhole_benching  manhole_repairs  public_drainlayers  9 8-2

ALC Public Stormwater Thrusting and Welding


We sure love the big jobs that involve big machinery! In the above video you can view another successful job done in the Manukau district. This job involved a complicated thrusting of over 40 meters of 225mm HDPE pipe which is to be used as extension of the existing Manukau district Stormwater network. Specifically installed to accommodate a new subdivision in the area.  In the video you can watch how this pipe was directional drilled (under existing services) under several properties and new manholes installed. You can also see how technology helps reduce time and effort as a specialized welding machine is used to connect several lengths of pipe (max length per pipe is 12 meters) to enable a 40 meter thrust from one new manhole to another. Once this is complete several new connections are to be installed into the up-stream manhole into which a new private storm water line and three type2 cesspits for a common driveway will discharge into.

Once all the internal benching is done a council survey inspection will take place allowing the new subdivision to progress with plan and build.

Drainage NZ provide a range of ALC services. For more information please call 0800 DRAINLAYER.