What is water main cleaning & lining

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1 What is water main cleaning & lining The Borough s water distribution system includes cast iron pipe. The program involves cleaning older section of cast iron pipe and lining it with cement mortar. Over time, the build-up of iron scale inside a pipe can diminish its water carrying capacity. Cleaning the pipe helps improve water flow while lining the pipe helps prevent future build-up of scale. The program essentially renews older pipe and helps improve overall water quality and service. The Borough of Lake Como began the cleaning and lining as a means to strengthen its water distribution system infrastructure. In addition to rehabilitating the water main, we also use this opportunity to replace all valves, any fire hydrants needing repair and water meters in need of periodic change. We are committed to rehabilitating our existing distribution system and plan to continue this program throughout our service area. What is involved in the process? There are three stages to the program and each stage requires your cooperation. Stage I is the preparations stage during which bypass piping and temporary hydrants are installed. Stage II is the actual cleaning and lining process. Stage III is cleanup and restoration. Throughout the process, the Borough s goal is to keep road excavation and customer inconvenience at a minimum. This brochure describes the entire effort and can help you better understand the scope and purpose of this worthwhile project. Stage I The Stage I part of the process is called Bypass. During this stage, a temporary above-ground water system is constructed which involves the following: Bypass pipe in the street Bypass service hose from the street to the homeowner s home Blowback hose from the indoor water meter set to the exterior of the home In Stage I, limited openings are made in the street to allow access to the water main valves. Because the process involves taking the water main out of service, crews must identify an alternative source of water supply for homeowners. This source is usually a hydrant that is not linked to the main being cleaned. At this time, bypass piping will be seen in streets and across driveways. These pipes are linked together so that an entire area can obtain water from the hydrant yet bypass the water main being serviced. Each bypass pipes interior is flushed with water, chlorinated, and then tested to ensure adherence to federal, state and local water quality standards. Next, a contractor s representative must enter your basement to shut-off water valves, disconnect your water meter and install a temporary blowback hose. This blowback hose keeps the service connection clear of obstructions during the cleaning and lining process so that once the process is over, normal water service can be restored. The blowback hose must then be snaked outdoors either through a wall or basement window.

2 While the meter is being disconnected, the home will be out of water for about one half hour. Water service is available once the bypass service hose outside your home is hooked to an outside hose connection. Homeowners with no outside water connection will have a temporary service line installed inside their home. Homeowners will not be billed for water usage while their meter is disconnected 1. Supply pipes 2. Asphalt patch 3. Supply hose 4. Blowback hose installation in cellar. Blowback hose exits house. 5. Meter capped and set on floor 6. Service line entering basement 7. End of pipe plugged. Stage II Once the preparation of Stage I have been made, it is time for Stage II the actual Cleaning & Lining Process. Stage II involves 5 critical steps: Scraping Drying Cement Lining Inspection Disinfection Step One A scraping instrument is pulled through a length of pipe to remove tuberculation from the interior of the pipe. The pipe is flushed with water during this operation to assist with the removal of the residue. Step Two A rubber-edged disc is pulled through the pipe to remove excess water from the pipe s interior. Step Three Cement mortar is pumped through the hose and is followed by a cone-shaped trowel which smoothes the mortar to the interior of the pipe. Step Four A video camera is inserted into the pipe to inspect the quality of the lining and check necessary tap connections. Step Five All openings are reconnected. The main is chlorinated, flushed, sampled and tested. Stage III Once the cleaning and lining process has been successfully completed, it is time for cleanup and restoration. The bypass piping and blowback hoses are removed from each home and water meters are reconnected. The service line is again flushed and chlorinated to assure complete compliance with all water quality standards. Any street openings are backfilled and fully restored. Any homeowner property restoration is also made at this time.

3 Commonly asked Questions about the Cleaning & Lining Program: Q: How long does the entire process take? A: The entire process takes about 2 ½ months with Stages I and II taking one month each and Stage III lasting approximately two weeks. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding throughout this project. The short term inconvenience does result in long term benefits. Q: Why does my water seem warmer than usual? A: Throughout the cleaning & lining period, we are bypassing the main and obtaining water from another source through the bypass pipe along your front property. These hoses may be laying in direct sunlight which may cause the water to be warmer than usual. Q: What are the black patches on my driveway? A: Cold patch is a temporary asphalt material that is compacted on driveways so that cars driving over the bypass hose are not disrupting the water service every time they enter or leave the driveway. Once the bypass hose is removed, the cold patch is also removed. Q: Is the bypass piping lying in my front yard safe and clean enough to obtain water from? A: The bypass piping is perfectly safe and is flushed, disinfected and tested before being connected to your home. Q: I am concerned about security throughout this process. How can I protect myself and my home? A: A Contractor s representative will need to enter your home to disconnect your water meter, make hose connections, etc. Before allowing anyone entry, please check for proper identification. Each employee carries photo identification. If you have concerns about anyone associated with the program, please call the Borough or Company for verification. Some homeowners are concerned about the exit from the basement required by blowback hoses. The Contractor s representatives will work with homeowners to identify and provide a secure outlet for hoses. If any holes must be drilled, full restoration will be made. Q: Will I continue to have water service throughout this effort? A: Homeowners will be given advance notice of when they will be without water. Normally, the only disruption of water service occurs while the bypass connection is being made. During this time, you should only be without water for less than an hour. If you are without water for any extended period of time, please call the Borough. Water service may also be disrupted if the bypass pipe springs a leak or is broken. In order to minimize this occurrence, please do not park your vehicle on the bypass. Should you suspect a leak in a bypass hose or pipe, please notify a Borough representative immediately.

4 Q: How do you determine which pipes require cleaning & lining? A: The Borough has records of unlined pipe in its distribution system. An area is selected based on a comprehensive review of the main s history, geographic location, fireflow capacities and number of complaints received from the area. Q: What can I do to help with the program? A: Your cooperation is needed and appreciated throughout the entire process. If you have been out of your home for any length of time during the effort, you should turn on your faucet as soon as you enter your home to make sure you have an adequate water supply. Be sure to check for ID on anyone who must enter your home for this process. Please report any water disturbances or problems as soon as possible and note with whom you spoke. When walking, please be alert for hoses that may be lying along your property. Information Service Should you have a question or concern about the program, please call , ext. 0, and ask for a Water Department Representative.

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