Force Main Inspections: How They Work & When to Do Them
A functioning sewer system is necessary and vital to proper sanitation and disease prevention. The longer a sewer system is in use, the more its pipelines face issues such as blockages and deterioration. A city needs to create a wastewater pipeline maintenance strategy to prevent devastating expenses and public safety problems.
The first step in maintaining wastewater pipelines is to assess the condition of the sewer system. This examination varies depending on the sewer system pipelines. The primary purpose of these examinations is to determine the best pipeline cleaning and maintenance method for a sewer system.
In this article, we focus on a particular type of sewer system pipeline: the force main. Keep reading to learn what a force main sewer pipe is and what to expect from force main inspection.
Force Main Pipe Inspections: What to Know
What is a Force Main Pipe?
A sewer system consists of pipes that run from a city’s buildings. These pipes typically lead to other sections of the sewer system for wastewater processing.
A common pipe used in these systems is one that uses gravity to transport wastewater. However, the topography of a city can create obstacles. Some scenarios exist where a sewer system must transport wastewater from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. A gravity pipeline would be inefficient here, as it would be unable to move wastewater against gravity.
As a result, many sewer systems use a force main sewer pipe, which uses a lift station to pump wastewater from a low elevation to a higher elevation.
When a city examines its sewer system to determine pipeline conditions, these examinations will likely include force main inspections.
Force Main Pipe Inspection Processes
Like other types of pipelines, a force main sewer pipe wears as it’s used.
A city can proactively evaluate its force main pipeline infrastructure by partnering with companies like American Pipeline Solutions. The team at American Pipeline Solutions has 100 years of combined experience in pipeline testing and pigging.
One type of pipeline testing that American Pipeline Solutions uses when evaluating force mains is a pipeline integrity test.
Pipeline integrity testing is a universal testing method that applies to all pipelines. This form of testing examines the structural integrity of a pipe using specialized pigging tools.
Common Pipeline Issues to Assess With Pipeline Inspections
Force main inspection encompasses two types of processes: pipeline integrity testing and visual inspection of a pipeline.
Let’s say a city noticed their force main sewer pipes were performing below industry standards. Potential pipeline issues can include low pipeline flow, blockage in the pipe, or low pump speed.
In this scenario, American Pipeline Solutions would visually inspect the pipeline using a camera pig and closed-circuit television system or CCTV. The pig is run through the pipe so that the American Pipeline Solutions team can obtain visual records on the pipe’s interior. After, the team can assess the footage to determine if there are blockages and the most efficient solution.
A visual inspection is not the most effective way to inspect pipeline leakage or internal corrosion. Instead, American Pipeline Solutions uses an i2i smart tool to conduct an integrity test.
An i2i smart tool is beneficial for proactive force main inspections. This tool is sensitive to internal issues like pits, metal loss, and circumferential cracking in pipelines. So, American Pipeline Solutions can better detect integrity issues before they cause any further damage to the pipe.
Maintain Your Sewer System Pipelines With Routine Inspections
A common question about force main inspections is this: How often should I inspect my force main sewer pipes?
The simple answer is it depends.
American Pipeline Solutions recommends that you inspect your newer force main pipes every five years. However, for a sewer system with older pipes, inspection frequency must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Because pipeline inspections are integral to regular maintenance, you should ensure it occurs when necessary. Thankfully, partnering with the pipeline pigging experts at American Pipeline Solutions helps ensure the longevity of your pipes.
By combining quality inspection equipment with decades of industry experience, American Pipeline Solutions provides unparalleled pipeline maintenance services.
Are you looking for an expert to help you inspect the integrity of your force main pipes?
Contact American Pipeline Solutions by calling (201) 525-0088 or online to find the best pipeline solution.