2 Most Common Issues in Water Mains Pipes

Water distribution systems are the backbone of cities and towns. Without proper maintenance of the system and its components, pipeline issues can build up over long term use, a city’s residents would be left without water. 

Pipe maintenance addresses current pipe issues as well as takes preventative measures against potential issues.

At American Pipeline Solutions, it is our goal to help you maintain your water mains. Below, we’ve taken a closer look at three water mains projects to show you common pipe issues and their solutions. 

2 Common Issues in Water Mains Pipes

Clogged or Restricted Pipelines 

Can my pipelines be restricted even if there are no telltale signs of water shortages?

Pipeline issues can build up with long-term use. Due to the slow accumulation of corrosion, you may not immediately notice issues in your pipes. This was the case for a project that American Pipeline Solutions completed in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Montgomery County’s water supply lines had become clogged and restricted from years of use. After 60 years, the pipelines were heavily tuberculated. 

Tuberculation is a hard rust like deposit that accumulates predominantly in cast-iron pipe. Tuberculation can cause long-term integrity issues as well as restricted flow and discolored water.

A tuberculated pipe can increase water pumping costs. Additionally, it may increase the distribution system’s pressure while decreasing efficiency.

In this project, tuberculation within the water distribution system’s mains pipes caused a decrease in gallons' flow rate per minute. Generally, a clean six-inch pipe has a flow rate of 800 gallons per minute. However, these pipes could only achieve 130 gallons per minute. 

To address the tuberculation, we used a combination of high pressure jetting–8,000 PSI–and foam pigs, and were able to return the system to normal flow coefficients.

Not only does this solution address the issue, but saved the county money because it didn’t have to replace the pipes.

Pipeline Has Dirty Water

If your pipeline is running dirty water, there is likely an issue that needs to be addressed.

The cause of dirty water in your mains pipes can vary.

For example, some causes can be traced back to construction activities for new buildings. When a new building is constructed, it must be connected to the water mains system, which can result in temporary dirty water. 

However, there are instances where a dirty water issue is not temporary.

Over time, a pipeline will accumulate sediment and debris and can lead to water discoloration. The American Pipeline Solutions team encountered this issue in South Carolina. 

We used a traditional foam pig to clean the pipeline. Below is a video of part of this project’s pigging process. You may be surprised at just how much debris could be in your pipes!

Looking for the right main water pipeline management solution?

Contact American Pipeline Solutions and partner with a team with over 100 years of combined experience in pipeline pigging integrity testing.