Robotic cutting offers a revolutionary way of efficiently and conveniently removing blockages and obstructions from a wide range of drains. Unlike traditional methods of clearing sewer pipe obstructions, robotic cutting combines technologies to precisely target obstacles like tree roots, metal and wood, cement and concrete, and other obstructions without damaging the pipes. All of this is achieved with minimal disruption and usually without digging.

Let’s look at robotic pipe cutting, how it works, and its many benefits.

What is robotic pipe cutting

IMS Robotic Cutter

The IMS Robotic Cutter is a state-of-the-art robotic system specifically designed for removing stubborn blockages and obstructions where sewer machines and high-pressure water jets fail. It combines innovative robotics, advanced imaging technology, and powerful cutting capabilities to deliver a comprehensive solution for obstacle clearing, pipe relining, CCTV camera inspections, and water jetting.

This video demonstrates an IMS Robotic Cutter in action, illustrating how it effectively clears various drain blockages.

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High-definition cameras

With its compact and agile design, the IMS Robotic Cutter can easily navigate through pipes of various sizes and configurations, ensuring that no area goes unexamined. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, it provides real-time visuals and data, enabling our drainage specialists and clients to make informed decisions and execute precise actions.

As all the footage is recorded, it is particularly useful for strata managers to clearly illustrate issues to property owners and provide cost-effective solutions to resolve problems quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption.

The advantages of robotic cutting services

Using robotic cutters over less effective clearing tools has a range of benefits. These are:

  • Robotic cutters achieve excellent results, reducing the time needed to remove stubborn blockages or obstructions.
  • Using advanced imaging technology and sensors, the IMS Robotic Cutter provides high-definition detail, guaranteeing accurate assessments and optimal results.
  • Removing blockages and obstructions that traditional methods cannot eliminate the need to excavate, saving time, money, and inconvenience.
  • Robotic cutters can navigate multiple junctions and bends to reach blockages or obstructions without damaging the original or relined pipe.
  • The compact design allows access to hard-to-get locations with minimal disruption.
  • The IMS Robotic Cutter can remove concrete, steel and other materials that traditionally require excavation.

advantages of robotic cutting

What obstacles can be removed with robotic sewer cutters?

A robotic cutter can combat a range of sewer pipe challenges. These include:

  • Reopening a crushed or damaged pipe to its full diameter to restore flow
  • Removing a lip or catch point at a joint to reduce or eliminate choke points
  • Cutting through large tree roots, where traditional methods fail
  • Grinding through deposits of concrete or grout, particularly after construction activity
  • Reinstating junction branch connections after pipe relining
  • Removing foreign objects from pipes, i.e. star pickets, metal or timber stakes
  • Grinding away lodged pieces of earthenware pipe, rocks, and other foreign objects.

What kind of pipes are suitable for robotic pipe cutting?

Robotic cutters are incredibly versatile and can adjust to fit a range of different types and sizes of pipes. They are suitable for old and new pipe systems and can be used to repair PVC, clay, concrete, steel, and cast iron pipes.

Due to the inflatable head that locks the cutter in place, robotic cutters can be used in pipe diameters ranging from 80mm to 150mm. So whether the obstructed pipes are narrow, such as those beneath a domestic property, or larger, like those on a strata property, robotic cutters can usually remove the obstruction with minimal fuss.

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Robotic cutters for sewer repairs - a cost-effective solution

Robotic cutting is one of the fastest and most effective methods for clearing blockages, debris, or other pipe obstructions. In some cases, it’s the only viable solution. Due to its specialized cutting head and attached camera, this technology is among the most precise and durable tools for removing pipe obstacles.

Think of it as a premium upgrade to traditional sewer machines or high-pressure water jets. It is an excellent tool for cutting through tough blockages and debris, such as concrete sediment or steel, that require extra force for removal. Robotic cutters are equipped to handle those challenging tasks efficiently and cost-effectively with minimal fuss.

Examples where robotic cutting has worked wonders

Case Studies

Case Study 1:

We visited a residential property in Bentleigh East on behalf of PlumbLocal. The owner reported a sewer blockage that affected the entire house, rendering all sewer drains unusable. The plumber successfully cleared the blockage and discovered that a foundation post for a new timber deck at the back of the property had penetrated the sewage pipe, causing the obstruction.

To address this issue, we used the IMS robotic cutter to remove the post and install a structural reline section through the damaged area. This was accomplished without removing the deck or the foundation posts, resulting in substantial cost savings.

Case Study 2:

We inspected a collapsed drain that connects the staff toilets to the main sewer in one of the buildings at Chisholm Institute in Dandenong. The pipe, made of vitreous clay, had been damaged while constructing a new building next door. To address the issue, we used the IMS robotic cutter equipped with a diamond-tipped tool to grind out and remove the broken sections of the pipe until we restored its diameter to its original size.

After removing the damaged section, we installed 2 metres of structural fibreglass liner to replace it and provide a permanent repair. This method avoided jackhammering up the reinforced concrete foundation of the new building. As a result, we achieved significant savings in time, costs, and construction delays and completed the repair within two days.

In Summary

Robotic cutters provide drain experts with an efficient solution for quickly and effectively addressing various sewer pipe obstructions. These advanced tools offer numerous advantages: they can be used on different types of pipes, tackle stubborn blockages, and achieve precise repairs without damaging them. Additionally, they eliminate the need for ground excavations. Overall, this sophisticated technology enhances the efficiency of pipe repairs, requiring less disruption and reducing the time needed to complete the job.

If you suspect you have a pipe obstruction or blockage that no one else can resolve, contact Drain Fixers. We will happily inspect your pipes using high-definition cameras. If we discover an obstruction is the cause, and it cannot be removed with more traditional means, we’ll use robotic cutting technology to fix the problem without expensive excavation.

Our friendly team has extensive experience operating robotic cutters in sewers and other piping systems, ensuring efficient and cost-effective resolution of pipe obstructions with minimal fuss and inconvenience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Robotic pipe cutting uses a state-of-the-art robotic system fitted with a high-definition camera and powerful cutting head to precisely remove blockages and obstructions from inside pipes. It targets the problem directly without damaging the pipe or requiring any excavation.

Robotic cutting is used when traditional methods such as high-pressure water jetting or sewer machines cannot remove the obstruction. This typically includes large tree root masses, concrete or grout deposits, foreign objects like steel stakes or timber, and crushed or collapsed pipe sections.

Robotic cutting can remove large tree roots, concrete and grout build-up, foreign objects such as star pickets and timber stakes, broken pipe fragments, and other debris that standard clearing methods cannot dislodge. It can also reinstate junction connections after pipe relining.

No. The robotic cutter uses advanced imaging and sensors to operate with precision, targeting only the obstruction while leaving the pipe walls intact. It is suitable for use in original and relined pipes across a range of materials including clay, PVC, concrete, steel, and cast iron.

The robotic cutter can be used on pipes ranging from 80mm to 150mm in diameter. It is compatible with a wide range of pipe materials including clay, PVC, concrete, steel, and cast iron, making it suitable for both older residential properties and larger strata or commercial systems.

In most cases, no. The robotic cutter is inserted through an existing access point and navigates through the pipe system, including multiple junctions and bends, without any need for excavation. This saves significant time, cost, and disruption to your property.

Often, yes. If a pipe contains an obstruction that would prevent a liner from being inserted correctly, robotic cutting is used to clear the pipe first. Once the pipe is clear, relining can proceed to provide a permanent repair.

Costs vary depending on the nature and location of the obstruction. Drain Fixers provides a free inspection and upfront quote with a $0 call-out fee before any work begins, so you know exactly what is involved with no surprises.