Our Services
Lead-Ins Water Mains
When a new subdivision is being developed, and the existing water main located nearby does not meet the requirements to adequately supply water to the new development, a water lead-in is designed.
A lead-in is the connection between the subdivision and the existing water supply network, ensuring that the new homes have a sufficient and reliable water source.
Water lead-ins typically extend up to 1 kilometer in distance, but several other factors and considerations come into play, all of which influence both the cost and the time involved in the project.
Key Considerations in Water Lead-In Installations
1. Working Along Live Roads and Existing Services
Water lead-ins are often installed along live roads, meaning that active traffic must be managed and there is the potential for conflict with existing underground services.
This requires thorough planning and attention to detail to avoid damaging critical infrastructure such as gas lines, electricity cables, or telecommunication services. A key component of this work is the service locating process, which ensures that all existing utilities are clearly identified before excavation begins.
2. Non-Destructive Digging (NDD) and Vacuum Trucks
To avoid the risk of damaging these existing underground services, non-destructive digging (NDD) is typically employed, which involves using vacuum trucks to excavate the soil around the pipes.
This method is highly effective in maintaining the integrity of surrounding utilities while still allowing the necessary work to be completed. The cost of hiring vacuum trucks for NDD must be factored into the project, as well as the time it takes to carry out this type of excavation.
3. Traffic Control and Council Fees
Since the work is being carried out along a live road, careful coordination with local authorities and traffic control management is required. This may include placing road barriers, signs, and providing flaggers to ensure the safety of workers and the general public.
Traffic management costs can be substantial, particularly when work takes place in high-traffic areas. Additionally, there may be road occupancy fees, road opening fees, and council fees that need to be paid before the project can begin. These regulatory costs are typically required to ensure compliance with local roadworks protocols.
4. Verge Reinstatement and Road Restoration
Once the water lead-in installation is completed, the area where the work was carried out must be properly reinstated. This includes restoring the road, verge (the strip of land between the road and sidewalk), and any other affected areas to their original condition.
If the excavation has disrupted the road surface, asphalt, or grass, these must be replaced. Verge reinstatement is important to ensure the project meets local council standards and to avoid any further costs or penalties. This process typically includes the need to replace any pavement, fix drainage, and ensure that the area is aesthetically restored.
5. Managing Spoil and Backfilling
Excavation for water lead-ins generates spoil material (the dirt and debris removed from the ground). In many cases, the excavated material cannot be reused and must be disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. As a result, it is necessary to have machinery such as a tipper or dump truck on hand to remove the spoil from the site.
In addition, backfill material is often required to fill in the trench where the water lead-in was installed. If the trench is close to or within the live road, imported fill material must be used to meet safety standards and ensure the structural integrity of the road. The cost of importing this fill material, along with the handling of spoil, needs to be accounted for in the estimate.
6. Machinery Selection and Project Duration
Given that the work will be carried out along a live road, it is crucial to select the appropriate machinery. Larger equipment such as bulldozers or backhoes may not be suitable in these situations due to space constraints. Smaller machinery, such as mini excavators, may be required to navigate the area safely.
However, while smaller machinery is more suitable for these types of confined spaces, it typically works at a slower pace, meaning the overall duration of the project will be longer. As a result, the cost of labor, as well as equipment rental, will increase, and this must be factored into the overall cost estimate.
7. Handle Bars in Lead-In Installations
When installing a water lead-in, it is possible that the proposed water main could clash with existing utilities in terms of levels or alignment. In these situations, handle bars may be necessary.
Handle bars are used when the water main crosses under existing services, and their installation often requires additional reinforcement and encasement. This increases both the time and cost of the project, as the pipes must be securely supported and protected from damage by the surrounding services. Handle bars are major cost of the project, as it adds to both material and labor costs.
At WSE Sydney, we specialize in accurately estimating the costs for water lead-in installations. We consider all the complexities of working along live roads, including managing existing services, non-destructive digging, traffic control, spoil management, road reinstatement, and machinery selection.
Our team ensures that every aspect of the project is carefully considered and accounted for, helping you avoid unforeseen costs and delays.
📧 tenders@watersewerestimatingsydney.com.au
📞 +61 451 404 645