Flexible Pipes Sewer Studies is a collection of informative articles designed to better educate anyone working in the municipal water industry. Our staff has spent the last 30 years collaborating with some of the most innovative manufacturers in the field, constantly striving to enhance operator comfort, efficiency, and, above all, safety. We hope to share our extensive knowledge with anyone looking to improve their workplace and the infrastructure they maintain.

How Small Communities Can Combat Aging Infunstructure

The Problems Facing Small Communities

In Minnesota and the Dakotas, public works operators in small towns are struggling to address wastewater infrastructure issues that are being resolved too slowly by their respective state governments. These challenges not only make it harder for operators to manage these systems but also negatively affect the public health of the communities they serve. So, what can these communities do to protect and provide for themselves, as they often do?

In 2014, the Center for Small Towns at the University of Minnesota-Morris conducted a study and surveyed operators across rural Minnesota. The survey found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of operators identified infiltration and inflow as the biggest challenges facing their wastewater infrastructure. The main causes of infiltration and inflow were identified as cracks and breaks in the underground pipes, primarily due to poor stormwater management and aging infrastructure.

In many of these communities, most of the wastewater infrastructure consists of clay pipes that were installed decades ago. These clay pipes become increasingly difficult to maintain as they age, with factors such as the depth of the pipe and the vegetation in the soil significantly affecting their lifespan. Roots are the primary cause of intrusions into the pipes, leading to failures. While a good maintenance schedule using jetting equipment can help keep these pipes free of blockages, it cannot always prevent infiltration and inflow.

The same study by the Center for Small Towns reported that three-quarters of operators indicated their towns had plans to address the issue of aging infrastructure. However, more than a third of these operators stated they lacked the funding for these expensive projects. Completely replacing pipes with more durable PVC alternatives is costly, and even hiring contractors to line existing pipes with a resin coating can be difficult for these communities with small tax bases to manage.

How to Combat Aging Infrastructure

Until more funds are available for communities to replace and rehabilitate their wastewater systems, these problems will likely persist. Nonetheless, towns can continue to tackle these issues, and with the right equipment, they can stay ahead of problems before they escalate. Keeping up with maintenance and utilizing the appropriate nozzles for root control on jetting equipment is essential, along with having hydro-excavation equipment for safely reaching and repairing broken pipes. However, locating cracks or breaks in storm and wastewater lines is crucial for effectively addressing these issues before they worsen.

Investing over one hundred thousand dollars in a full mainline sewer inspection system would normally stretch a small town’s budget. However, for a fraction of the cost, using simple municipal-sized push cameras enables operators to collect data on the condition of their infrastructure. This video footage of pipelines has proven extremely useful for utility supervisors when presenting to their governing bodies, helping them acquire the much-needed funds to ensure that utilities function properly and that the community remains safe.

For more information on sewer inspection equipment contact one of our industry professionals.

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Hydro Excavation Benefits Point to the Future

Old Tech in a Growing Industry

Hydro excavation has been around for decades, but its significant benefits in safety and efficiency have led to a rapid increase in its adoption. This is most evident among contractors, where the number of companies using this equipment is growing quickly. The way hydro excavation works, compared to traditional digging methods, explains why many places are making the switch.

How Hydro Excavation Works

Hydro excavation is a technique used to dig and move soil without damaging underground utilities. Protecting these utilities minimizes the risks and costs often associated with traditional digging methods. This is achieved by using highly pressurized water to cut through and loosen the soil while an air vacuum simultaneously removes the debris. The high-pressure water can cut through the soil more accurately and efficiently than a traditional backhoe, leaving any cables or pipes below unscathed. In cold weather, a hydro excavation unit can include a boiler that heats the water, allowing it to cut through frozen ground more effectively than a backhoe.

Increased Efficiency helps Save Money

This method applies significantly less force to the ground than a backhoe, allowing operators to dig safely around hazardous unseen utilities like gas lines or high-voltage cables. Conventional excavation methods typically require more space or additional trucks to store or haul away materials. In contrast, a hydro excavation unit stores debris inside its tank, which can be later used to backfill holes or easily transported for disposal when the job is complete.

Hydro Excavations Saftey is its Best Quality

Manual digging is labor-intensive and time-consuming, while heavy machinery poses safety risks to workers and can damage the surrounding area. Hydro excavation eliminates these issues. It is a non-mechanical, eco-friendly, and safe approach that completes jobs faster and more accurately with less effort from laborers. This results in reduced costs and enhanced service efficiency.

Due to these benefits, hydro excavation is particularly valuable in several industries, including excavation, plumbing, sewer work, and the installation of posts and poles, among others. Its advantages are making it increasingly popular in both industrial and municipal applications.

For more information on hydro excavation equipment contact one of our industry professionals.

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Why Municipalities Incorporate Valve Exercising?

Water distribution valves are essential components of municipal water systems, primarily designed to regulate the flow and distribution of water. Often situated underground and typically left in an open position, these valves are vulnerable to several issues, including rust formation, cathodic damage, and becoming stuck in place. Over time, they may become obscured by dirt or inadvertently paved over, making them more difficult to locate and access. In colder climates, the ground’s repeated freezing and thawing can also cause the valves to shift, complicating their operation and maintenance.

A crucial aspect of valve management is the process known as valve exercising. This involves meticulously locating the valve, which may require digging or clearing away debris, and then cleaning the valve box to ensure unobstructed access to the valve nut. Once accessible, the valve must be operated to verify its functionality. It is vital to regularly turn these valves, as some can be accidentally left closed, resulting in reduced water pressure and flow rates throughout the distribution system. This exercise highlights the importance of maintaining meticulous documentation of valve maintenance activities. Keeping accurate records ensures that all valves are given appropriate attention and that any valves identified as inoperable are marked for replacement.

Undertaking valve exercising by hand can be physically demanding, posing risks of strain or injury, particularly lower back injuries, for valve operators. To mitigate these risks and improve efficiency, many cities have adopted the use of specialized valve operating machines. These machines are equipped with advanced features such as revolution counters, torque gauges, and GPS technology to accurately document valve operation data and maintenance histories.

These automated machines significantly enhance productivity, allowing for the operation of many more valves daily compared to manual methods. They contribute to a consistent workflow, ensuring that all valves in the system are exercised and maintained regularly. Complete valve maintenance units, which often include pressure washers, excavating vacuums, hydrant flushing diffusers, and valve operating machines, are typically mounted on trucks or trailers. This setup enables quick mobilization and efficient handling of valve maintenance tasks, ultimately supporting the reliable operation of water distribution systems in urban areas.

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