What Is Inflow & Infiltration?
Inflow & Infiltration (or I & I for short) is the process of water seeping into underground infrastructure. When unwanted water begins filling pipes, it will likely cause further damage. I & I also means unnecessary water is entering the sewer system, which increases treatment cost and lowers efficiency.
I & I is either caused by groundwater or stormwater. Groundwater tends to seep in through physical defects in the infrastructure. Stormwater, on the other hand, usually enters the system through improper storm drains tied into a sanitary mainline. It may also seep in through other entry points, such as manhole covers.
Leaks responsible for I & I are most commonly found in these 4 specific areas in and around a pipe:
- Pipe Joints
- Manholes
- Service Connections
- Within the First Few Feet of Service Laterals
By repairing problems that cause I & I, you will be doing much more than just preventing further damage. When pump stations get overwhelmed by unnecessary water, the efficiency of the whole system decreases. Also, the treatment of unnecessary water can end up being very costly. By repairing problems that cause I & I, you will be improving your system's efficiency and saving money, all while preventing more future damage.
Wessuc's Solution
Traditional solutions for I & I involve a dig and replace method. This involves creating trenches to access and fix leaks. This is costly, time-consuming, and potentially harmful to the environment. At Wessuc, we prefer to take a trenchless and green approach. We use a simple grouting system that can fix leaks in a matter of hours.
Hiring Wessuc to fix I & I will solve the following problems in your pipes:
- Further Infiltration
- Outer Erosion
- Water level sags
- Holes
- Sinkholes
- Wrinkles/bubbles in liner or sport repair
- Decreases Costs of Treated Groundwater
We have the ability to fix manholes, mainlines, laterals, and service connections up to 600mm in diameter. Application will depend on where the infiltration is occurring.
Grouting has many advantages, including:
- Preventing Infiltration and Exfiltration
- Keeping Water and Debris out
- Combating Erosion
- Preventing Hazardous Waste Encroachment
- Strengthening and Stabilizing the Soil Outside and Around Pipes
- Controlling Unwanted Groundwater
- Being Cost Effective
Our Process
At Wessuc, I & I is addressed primarily through grouting. We use grouting to stop any existing leaks, thus preventing any further damage to the pipe. Through this process, we ensure increased longevity in your pipes, and significantly lower risk of future failure.
Pipes are first examined by certified CCTV operators, and reviewed by project coordinators who will determine if grouting is required. We may also use smoke testing to identify any other problematic areas. For more serious structural defects, spot repair may be considered in addition to grouting. If there are any severe problems, the client will be consulted before moving forward.
We then use inflatable packers to apply the grout to any infiltration defects. We use a water solution acrylamide. With the addition of catalysts to this solution, a cohesive gel is formed. This stops the infiltration and fills the void at the exterior of the pipe.
If a pipe has serious structural damage, grouting may not be enough to solve the problem. This is where we would begin considering our spot repair process. In most otherwise well-functioning pipes, grouting alone is enough to solve issues related to I & I.
If you suspect your pipes are being impacted by inflow and infiltration, they should be repaired immediately. I & I can not only cause further damage to your pipes, but may be dramatically lowering the efficiency of your water treatment system. For non-intrusive, cost-efficient repair solutions, contact Wessuc today.