In today’s video, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a critical sewer inspection at a community facility that has been experiencing significant backup issues. When you have a high-traffic location like this, ensuring that the plumbing systems are working efficiently is crucial for both public health and comfort. Join us as we walk through our findings, the technology we used, and what steps are needed to resolve these plumbing challenges.
The Situation: Understanding the Backup
When we arrived on-site, the first thing we noticed was the alarming reports of frequent backups from the toilets in this facility. With so many people using the restrooms, it’s vital that the sewer system operates smoothly. Our task was clear: diagnose the problem and find a solution to restore proper flow.
We began by speaking with facility management, who explained that the city had previously investigated and suggested that there might be stones in the manhole, indicating a potential crack in the sewer pipe. This initial assessment raised concerns about the integrity of the sewer system and prompted us to proceed with a detailed inspection.
Flushing the System: The First Step
Before we could assess the condition of the pipes, we needed to address the immediate blockage. The city-side connection was completely clogged, so we started with a thorough flushing of the entire system. This involved using specialized equipment to clear any obstructions and ensure that the flow could be restored.
As we opened the hatch beside the manhole, it was clear that the pipe was entirely full, and we couldn’t even determine the pipe's presence. This is a common issue we encounter, and it emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and inspections.
CCTV Inspection: Uncovering the Truth
Once the system was flushed, we deployed our CCTV camera for a visual inspection. As the camera traveled through the system, we were able to observe several key indicators of trouble:
The Dip in the Pipe: The first significant finding was that the pipe dips down and then back up again at the manhole. The dip raises concerns about whether the pipe has collapsed, cracked, or was improperly installed from the beginning.
Water Accumulation: As the camera pushed further into the pipe, it became submerged in water, which is a red flag. We would expect to see a gradual flow of water toward the city sewer, but the camera showed water pooling, indicating that there was a significant issue affecting the flow direction.
Access Points: Another critical observation was that while the access point was dry, the camera soon encountered water further in. This suggests that for a distance of about 2 to 3 meters, the flow is actually reversing back toward the building instead of moving toward the sewer system.
Locating the Problem Area
To further investigate the exact location of the dip in the pipe, our crew utilized electromagnetic locating devices. This technology helps us map out the sewer system and identify where issues are occurring without extensive digging. We were able to pinpoint the low point in the pipe, which confirmed our suspicions that there is a significant problem that needs to be addressed.
Understanding the Gravel Issue
While inspecting the manhole, we also discovered gravel present in the bottom. This gravel is a strong indication that something is amiss. Our assessment revealed that the gravel is likely coming from around the PVC pipe that connects to the concrete city-side pipe.
Joint Sealing Problems: The city-side pipe is concrete and was initially sealed properly, but on the customer side, the PVC pipe has not been sealed adequately to the concrete shaft of the manhole. Over time, the grouting around the pipe has deteriorated, allowing water and gravel to seep in.
Potential Cracks: If there’s a crack in the joint of the PVC pipe located a couple of meters upstream, this could allow water flowing out of the building to escape around the pipe. This water then carries gravel with it, leading to the accumulation we observed in the manhole.
Next Steps: Planning the Repair
Now that we have a clear understanding of the issues at hand, the next steps involve a detailed plan for repairing the sewer system. Here’s what needs to be done:
-Digging Up the Problem Area
-Repairing or Replacing the Pipe
-Re-sealing the Joints
Conclusion: The Importance of Regular Inspections
This project highlights the importance of regular sewer system inspections and maintenance. Neglecting these critical systems can lead to costly repairs and system disruptions.
Timecodes:
0:16 - Introduction of Project
1:06 - Sewer Flushing
1:40 - Animation of Sewer System Issue
2:14 - CCTV Sewer Camera Video
2:56 - Secondary Grouting Issue
3:33 - Animation of Sewer Pipe Leak