Services | TDG Environmental

SERVICES

Pits, Pipe & Culvert Cleaning

Keep your stormwater and sewer infrastructure flowing freely with professional cleaning services from New Zealand's drainage experts.

Why Choose TDG’s Environmental

  • 30+ years of environmental services expertise

  • Approved disposal compliant with regional council and trade waste requirements 

  • Advanced chemical root treatment technology

  • 24/7 emergency response available 

  • Water recycling technology on all combination units 

  • Trained operators with relevant safety qualifications 

Common Drainage Problems

Blocked Pits and Culverts 

Sediment, debris, and vegetation build-up can restrict water flow, leading to flooding during heavy rain events and potential property damage. 

 

Tree Root Intrusion 

Tree roots seeking moisture infiltrate sewer and stormwater pipes through joints and cracks, causing severe blockages, structural damage, and complete pipe failure if left untreated. 

 

Sewer System Failures 

Accumulated fats, oils, grease, and root masses cause blockages that can result in overflows, environmental contamination, and health hazards requiring immediate intervention. 

 

GPT Performance Issues 

Unmaintained Gross Pollutant Traps lose effectiveness, allowing pollutants into waterways and failing to meet council stormwater asset management requirements. 

 

Emergency Blockages 

Unexpected blockages during storm events require immediate response to prevent infrastructure damage and costly emergency repairs. 

 

Compliance Risks 

Inadequate maintenance can breach Trade Waste Bylaws and environmental regulations, resulting in fines and enforcement action from territorial authorities. 

How Our Cleaning Service Works

Advanced Combination Jetting Technology

TDG's combination jet/vac units independently adjust flow and pressure rates, allowing us to customise cleaning techniques for each pipe condition. This is particularly crucial for deteriorated pipes where excessive pressure could cause further damage. Our equipment delivers high-pressure water through specialised nozzles to dislodge even the toughest blockages, while powerful vacuum systems simultaneously recover debris for compliant disposal rather than simply pushing it downstream.

Root Cutting and Chemical Treatment

Tree root intrusion is one of the most persistent drainage problems. Our multi-faceted approach tackles roots effectively:

Mechanical Root Cutting: Our remotely operated robotic milling units can remove tree roots, concrete, and hardened obstructions from pipes. These precision tools cut through root masses without damaging the pipe structure, restoring full flow capacity.

Chemical Root Treatment: Following CCTV identification of root-affected areas, we apply targeted chemical treatment using our advanced spot-spray process. This method uses up to 98% less chemical than traditional root foaming techniques, treating only the specific affected sections identified visually within the pipe. After treatment, we conduct follow-up CCTV inspections to visually confirm successful treatment and ensure roots have been eliminated.

This combined approach provides both immediate relief from blockages and longer-term root management to reduce recurring problems.

Water Recycling Systems

We've invested heavily in water recycling technology across our entire fleet. Our units continuously capture, filter, and reuse water during the cleaning process, drastically reducing potable water consumption and minimising the environmental impact of our operations. This approach aligns with New Zealand's Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and demonstrates our commitment to sustainable practices.

Comprehensive Cleaning Solutions

Our fleet handles everything from routine maintenance to emergency response. We clean reticulation and trunk sewer networks, sewer pump stations, wet wells, grit collection chambers, stormwater pits, culverts, and treatment facilities. Each unit carries multiple cleaning nozzles designed to tackle specific blockage types—from grease and sediment to tree roots and hardened debris.

Compliant Waste Transport and Disposal

All waste removed from your infrastructure is transported to approved disposal facilities compliant with regional council and trade waste requirements. Where appropriate, collected material is diverted to our Mainstream Recycling facilities, where up to 98% can be processed and repurposed for the landscaping industry, supporting New Zealand's circular economy goals.

Real-Time Job Tracking

Every cleaning job is tracked through our UtilityTrack system. Operators enter detailed reporting data including date of cleaning, estimated tonnage removed, waste type classification, structural defects identified, root intrusion locations, and before-and-after photographic evidence. You can access this information immediately through our web-based portal, ensuring complete transparency and accountability.

Confined Space Entry Capability

For complex sewer pump stations and wet wells requiring internal access, our team is equipped with specialised confined space entry equipment. Our trained personnel can safely undertake the complex entries often required for thorough cleaning and inspection of these critical assets.

Why Choose TDG Environmental

Technical Excellence 

Our modern fleet of combination jet/vac units represents the latest in drainage cleaning technology. Remotely operated robotic milling units tackle the toughest obstructions including tree roots, concrete, and steel. Water recycling systems on every unit reduce environmental impact while delivering superior cleaning performance. We maintain specialist equipment for every scenario—from standard pipe cleaning to emergency response in challenging conditions. 

Regulatory Knowledge 

We understand New Zealand’s regulatory framework inside and out. Our operations comply fully with the Resource Management Act 1991, Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and Waste Minimisation Act 2008. We work within Trade Waste Bylaws specific to each territorial authority across the North Island, ensuring your infrastructure maintenance meets all compliance requirements. 

Proven Track Record 

 Our teams have successfully cleaned thousands of kilometres of pipes, culverts, and drainage systems across New Zealand’s North Island. We service councils, water authorities, industrial facilities, commercial properties, and residential developments. Our client retention rate speaks to the quality and reliability of our service delivery. 

Environmental Commitment 

Through our Mainstream Recycling division, we achieve up to 98% beneficial reuse of collected stormwater and drainage waste. Our chemical root treatment uses up to 98% less chemical than traditional foaming methods, minimising environmental impact while maximising effectiveness. This commitment to waste minimisation reflects our ISO 14001 environmental management certification. 

24/7 Emergency Response 

Drainage emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Our emergency response teams are available around the clock to address urgent blockages, overflows, and system failures. With depots across the North Island, we can rapidly deploy equipment and personnel to minimise damage and restore normal operations. 

Want to know more?

Download our Capability Statement below.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Most councils recommend annual cleaning for stormwater pits and culverts, with higher-risk areas requiring quarterly attention. Sewer systems typically need cleaning every 12-24 months depending on usage patterns and pipe condition. Properties with known tree root issues may require more frequent maintenance. We can develop a customised maintenance schedule based on your infrastructure’s specific requirements and historical performance data. 

    We use a two-stage approach. First, our robotic milling units mechanically cut and remove root masses to restore immediate flow. Then we apply targeted chemical treatment to the affected areas identified through CCTV inspection. Our spot-spray method treats only the specific root-affected sections, using up to 98% less chemical than traditional root foaming. Follow-up CCTV inspections confirm treatment success and document the restored pipe condition.

    All waste is transported to approved disposal facilities compliant with regional council and trade waste requirements. Stormwater waste and non-destructive digging material typically goes to our Mainstream Recycling facilities where it’s processed and up to 98% is recycled. Sewer waste is disposed of at licensed treatment facilities. We provide full documentation of disposal for your compliance records.

    Yes. Our combination units allow independent control of water pressure and flow, meaning we can adjust settings to suit pipe condition. For deteriorated pipes, we use lower pressures with higher flow rates. Our robotic cutting equipment is designed to remove obstructions like roots and concrete without damaging the pipe wall. Our operators are trained to assess pipe condition and select appropriate cleaning methods to maximise effectiveness while protecting infrastructure integrity.

    We offer 24/7 emergency response across the North Island. When you’re facing an urgent blockage or overflow, our dispatch team can mobilise equipment and operators quickly. Emergency callouts are prioritised to minimise damage, protect public health, and restore normal operations as rapidly as possible.

    Our teams hold current confined space entry certifications and use specialised safety equipment for working in sewer pump stations, wet wells, and other restricted environments. We follow strict safety protocols including atmospheric testing, emergency rescue planning, and continuous monitoring throughout the entry. All work complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

    Every job generates comprehensive documentation through our UtilityTrack system. Reports include before-and-after photos, estimated tonnage removed, waste classification, structural defects identified, root intrusion locations and treatment details, and GPS-confirmed locations. You receive immediate access to this data through our web portal, with exportable reports in multiple formats for your asset management systems.

    Yes. Our service locating teams use electronic locators and ground-penetrating radar to identify and map underground assets. As a Certified Locating Organisation, we can accurately locate pipes, pits, and connections before cleaning work begins, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring complete network coverage.

    Our water recycling systems capture and reuse water throughout the cleaning process, dramatically reducing potable water consumption. Our chemical root treatment uses up to 98% less chemical than traditional methods. Waste is diverted to recycling wherever possible rather than landfill. Our operations are ISO 14001 certified, and we comply with the Resource Management Act 1991, Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and regional council requirements for environmental protection.

    Our equipment handles pipes from 100mm diameter up to large culverts exceeding 1200mm. We have specialised nozzles, robotic cutting equipment, and cleaning tools for different pipe sizes and blockage types.

    We currently service numerous councils and water authorities across New Zealand’s North Island. Our systems integrate with council asset management databases, and we’re experienced in working within contractual KPIs, reporting requirements, and emergency response protocols specific to local government operations.

    Our Service Areas

    TDG Environmental provides pits, pipe, and culvert cleaning services throughout New Zealand's North Island.

    Auckland: Central Auckland, North Shore, Waitākere, Manukau, Papakura, Franklin, Rodney, Hibiscus Coast, Pukekohe

    Waikato: Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Matamata, Tokoroa, Taupō, Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Waikato District

    Bay of Plenty: Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, Kawerau, Western Bay of Plenty, Ōpōtiki

    Hawke’s Bay: Napier, Hastings, Wairoa, Central Hawke’s Bay

    Taranaki: New Plymouth, Stratford, South Taranaki, Inglewood, Waitara

    Manawatū-Whanganui: Palmerston North, Whanganui, Tararua, Horowhenua, Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu

    Wellington: Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast, Wairarapa, Masterton, Carterton, South Wairarapa

    Our strategically positioned fleet and experienced regional teams ensure rapid response times and consistent service quality across all North Island locations.

    24/7 Emergency Response Available

    The TDG team is on call when you need immediate support. Get in touch.

    What we Offer

    TDG Environmental is the most experienced provider of sustainable waste and stormwater management solutions throughout New Zealand and Australia specialising in a comprehensive range of environmental services including:

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