TubeBarrier Installation & Maintenance Guide
Welcome to the comprehensive guide for installing, maintaining, and storing your TubeBarrier flood protection system. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to ensure your TubeBarrier is deployed effectively, maintained for optimal performance, and stored correctly for long-term use. Whether you’re a seasoned flood defence professional or new to temporary flood barriers, this resource will help you maximise the lifespan and effectiveness of your TubeBarrier investment.
Who should use this guide?
This guide is designed for anyone responsible for the deployment, upkeep, and storage of TubeBarrier flood barriers, including:
- Municipal workers and emergency response teams
- Industrial site managers and safety officers
- Commercial property owners and facility managers
- Homeowners and private residents
What you’ll learn
This guide covers all aspects of TubeBarrier installation and maintenance, including:
- Site preparation and barrier deployment
- Connecting and anchoring TubeBarrier units
- Inspection and monitoring during flood events
- Safe removal and cleaning procedures
- Maintenance best practices for long-term durability
- Proper storage techniques to prevent damage
The Importance of Proper Installation & Maintenance
A flood barrier is only as effective as its installation and upkeep. While TubeBarrier is engineered for rapid and straightforward deployment, adhering to best practices is crucial for ensuring reliable flood protection. Correct installation guarantees a watertight seal, preventing leaks and underflow. Regular maintenance extends the system’s lifespan, protecting your investment and minimising long-term costs.
Unlike sandbags, which degrade and require disposal after a single use, TubeBarrier is designed for repeated deployment over many years. Proper handling, cleaning, and storage are essential to achieving this longevity and maximising your return on investment.
Pre-Deployment Site Preparation
Effective flood protection begins with careful site preparation. Before deploying your TubeBarrier, follow these steps to ensure optimal performance:
- Clear the area: Remove any debris, stones, branches, sharp objects, or other obstructions from the area where the barrier will be placed. A clean, flat surface is essential for creating a tight seal.
- Address uneven surfaces: If the ground is uneven, fill gaps and depressions with sand, soil, or other suitable material to create a more uniform contact surface. This will prevent water from seeping underneath the barrier.
- Identify potential hazards: Look for any potential hazards, such as underground utilities or protruding objects, that could damage the TubeBarrier during deployment or filling.
- Plan your layout: Determine the optimal placement of the TubeBarrier to effectively protect the area at risk. Consider the direction of water flow and potential weak points in the perimeter.
TubeBarrier Installation Guide
Follow these steps for quick and effective TubeBarrier deployment:
- Unrolling: Each TubeBarrier unit is delivered rolled and compacted for easy transport. Unroll the 10-meter section carefully along the projected waterline, ensuring the intake flaps are facing the direction of the incoming floodwater.
- Connecting: Use the integrated YKK zippers and Velcro flaps to connect multiple units. This modular design allows you to create barriers of any length, from short sections for driveways to hundreds of meters for protecting entire streets. Ensure the zippers are fully closed and the Velcro flaps are securely fastened to create a watertight seal between units.
- Pre-Filling (Optional): While TubeBarrier self-fills as floodwater rises, you can pre-fill the units using a standard garden hose to expedite deployment, especially in anticipation of heavy rainfall. This provides an immediate weight and seal, enhancing initial protection.
- Anchoring (Optional): On smooth surfaces like concrete, or in areas exposed to strong winds or currents, use optional anchoring rails or straps to prevent movement. These anchors provide additional stability and ensure the barrier remains in place during extreme conditions.
- Inspection: Before water levels rise, walk along the entire length of the deployed barrier and carefully inspect all zippers, flaps, and the overall alignment. Ensure there are no gaps or obstructions that could compromise the seal.
A trained team of four can deploy up to 100 meters of TubeBarrier in under an hour, significantly faster than traditional sandbagging methods.
Maintaining Your TubeBarrier System
Regular maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan and ensuring the reliability of your TubeBarrier system. Follow these best practices to keep your barriers in peak condition:
- Annual Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of all seams, zippers, valves, and fabric for signs of wear, damage, or degradation. Repair or replace any damaged components immediately.
- Zipper Care: Apply a silicone-based lubricant spray to all zippers at least once per year to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
- Cleaning: Rinse the exterior and interior of the TubeBarrier with fresh water after each use to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants. Pay particular attention to removing any salt residue if the barrier was exposed to saltwater.
- Drying: Ensure the TubeBarrier is completely dry before storing it. This will prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which can damage the fabric.
- Rodent Protection: Store the TubeBarrier in a location that is protected from rodents, as they can chew through the fabric.
- Training: Conduct periodic training sessions for staff or volunteers to ensure they are familiar with the proper installation, maintenance, and storage procedures.
Safe Removal and Storage
Proper removal and storage are crucial for preserving the integrity of your TubeBarrier system:
- Draining: Once floodwaters recede, open the drainage valves to empty the TubeBarrier. Allow the water to drain completely before proceeding.
- Cleaning: Rinse the exterior and interior of the barrier with fresh water to remove any remaining debris or contaminants.
- Drying: Allow the TubeBarrier to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. This may take several days, depending on the weather conditions.
- Folding: Once dry, carefully fold the TubeBarrier back into its compact form (approximately 160x100x60 cm).
- Storage: Store the folded TubeBarrier on pallets in a dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight and rodents. This will protect the barrier from damage and ensure it is ready for future deployment.
Environmental Benefits and Cost Savings
TubeBarrier offers significant environmental advantages and cost savings compared to traditional sandbagging methods. By reusing the same barriers for multiple flood events, you can dramatically reduce waste, minimise transport costs, and lower your carbon footprint.
Consider the following comparison:
| Feature | TubeBarrier | Sandbags |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Durable, reinforced PVC | Single-use burlap or polypropylene |
| Lifespan | 20+ years with proper maintenance | Single use |
| Deployment speed | Up to 100 meters per hour with a trained team | Significantly slower, requires extensive labour |
| Disposal | Minimal waste, reusable | Requires disposal of contaminated sand and bags |
| Transport | Compact and lightweight for easy transport | Bulky and heavy, requires significant transport resources |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces waste, lowers carbon footprint |