Case Study: Above-Ground Reroute of Cold Water Service Pipe at a School in Crowthorne

Client Issue

A local school contacted SR Industrial Ltd after discovering a leak on the cold water down service pipe supplying their kitchen and nearby toilet facilities. The supply originated from an external cold water storage tank located on a tower adjacent to the kitchen.

Upon investigation, the leak was found to be underground. Excavation revealed that the pipe was situated underneath several other key services—namely gas and electrical cabling—and ran between a retaining wall and a sewer chamber, making any attempt to replace the pipe using the original route both dangerous and impractical.

Our Solution

SR Industrial surveyed the site and proposed an alternative above-ground routing solution to avoid the complexities and risks of underground excavation.

Key Steps:

1. New pipe installed from the tank’s existing down service.

2. Pipe routed above ground alongside the hot water feed.

3. Route extended across the boiler room roof.

4. Final drop into the kitchen service duct to rejoin the internal system, feeding multiple washroom areas.

Protection Measures

To ensure long-term durability and year-round operation:

• The pipe was trace heated to prevent freezing.

• It was then insulated and finished with PIB rubber cladding, providing weather resistance and thermal protection.

Outcome

This approach avoided the need for disruptive excavation, reduced time on site, and ensured the school’s water supply was restored with minimal impact on daily operations. The system is now protected against cold weather and built to last.

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