In 2014, the Re-Tec Patch Kit underwent extensive scrutiny during the WRC long-term hydrostatic test at the WRC headquarters in Swindon.
Three repairs were carried out on 100mm clay pipes. In each pipe, a window section was removed, and a Re-Tec patch repair was installed. The process was repeated on three separate 1m pipe samples. On the third pipe, an external collar was placed around the pipe and connected to a hose suspended 5m above ground level to create significant water pressure. This setup simulated groundwater ingress. The tap was left running during installation to full cure.
All three sample pipes were then capped at both ends, and a probe was inserted to measure any leakage into the pipe. The long-term hydrostatic test lasted six months.
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Month 1: The pipes were fully submerged in a water tank. A maximum of 100ml leakage per day was permitted.
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Month 2: The samples were removed and left in the dry to simulate drought conditions and assess any potential shrinkage.
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Months 3 to 6: The pipes were alternated in and out of the tank at varying intervals. Any reading above 100ml leakage on a single sample would result in failure.
At the end of the six-month period, all three samples recorded zero leakage. This was an exceptional result.
Short-Term Flexural Test
A second test was performed in accordance with ISO 11296-4, WIS 4-34-04, and BS EN ISO 178:2003. The clay was removed from the liner, and the liner alone was tested for flexural modulus. To pass, it needed to achieve 1,500 MPa. The Re-Tec liner delivered outstanding results, withstanding over 8,000 MPa.
Test Outcome and Product Assurance
After passing both tests, WRC confirmed that the Re-Tec Patch Kit has a 50-year design life.
A full copy of the testing documents, including confirmation of lifespan, is freely available upon request. We are proud to continue supplying the same high-quality patch kit today as we did over a decade ago when these tests were completed.