Lateral Service Line Inspection and Sealing

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that private lateral sewer lines account for 75% of the infiltration of groundwater into the nation’s main sewer lines. These leaking laterals cause treatment plants to treat a higher-than-anticipated volume of water, resulting in higher treatment costs for the sanitary district, and higher customer fees. Eliminating the extra cost of treating this infiltration will more than compensate for the investment needed to inspect and repair laterals.

CCTV inspection of laterals from main line

When inspecting from the main line, we employ special lateral launch CCTV cameras with self-leveling heads that allow the operator and viewer to always know what part of the lateral is being viewed. Each head also features a built-in sonde, a device that allows for precise above-ground location of observations made within the lateral line.

CCTV inspection of laterals from cleanout

When inspecting lateral service lines from cleanouts, specially designed miniature cameras and equipment are used that enable our technicians to inspect the laterals and assess their condition.

Cleaning & root cutting of laterals

Laterals that have been assessed and designated for repair are thoroughly cleaned, and intrusive roots are removed to ensure a secure seal. Working from within the mainline, our operators employ the use of our specially designed lateral launchers to remove both dirt and roots from the laterals without disturbing residents.

Lining lateral service lines from main-to-house (MTH)

The most effective and least costly solution for problem laterals is our MTH lining of laterals. From within the mainline sewer, our specialized lateral packed unit, used in conjunction with a CCTV camera, is moved into position at the lateral connection. An epoxy-impregnated CIPP liner is then inverted into the lateral and is inflated using high-pressure air inversion. The curing process, using steam, takes approximately two hours to complete. Once cured, the liner provides a new jointless, tight-fitting, and infiltration-free lateral pipe. Our MTH lining process can rehabilitate up to 80 feet of lateral pipe without the need of a cleanout.

Lateral connection repair

To repair faulty lateral connections to the mainline, our technicians use a “full wrap” structural/main line/lateral CIPP connection liner. A unique LCR inflatable packer uses an “extendible lateral tube” that adjusts to the angle of the lateral junction being repaired positions an inverted silicate resin-impregnated sock. Using CCTV, the packer deploys the seal up to 20 inches into the lateral. The packer is inflated, tightly pressing the repair against the interior walls of the mainline and lateral, squeezing resin into cracks, gaps, and the annulus between the pipe and liner. This pressure is held until the resin cures.

Once cured, the “lateral tube” is retracted and the packer is deflated and removed. Our silicate resin has high chemical and heat resistance and will cure with minimal shrinkage, eliminating the need for a hydrophilic seal. The resulting repair has a smooth edge, preventing debris build-up in the line, and creates a strong barrier against both root intrusion and infiltration. Our unique process does not require a clean-out for installation, thus eliminating any associated costs.

This technique is a proven solution for restoring structural integrity to connections in both lined and unlined pipes, and meets ASTM 1216F.

Sealing of laterals with chemical grouting

Carylon companies specialize in sealing lateral connections using chemical grout. Working from the mainline, we quickly and effectively seal leaks in service laterals in unlined pipe as well sealing the annular gap in lined pipes at the lateral connections. The grout is chemically formulated specifically for sewer applications, including acrylamide grout complying with ASTM F2304. Using a CCTV camera, the operator located the lateral and centers an inflatable grout packer over the areas to be sealed. He inflates the packer and injects chemical grout through the joints and into the surrounding soils, forming a watertight collar on the exterior of the pipe, effectively sealing the line and preventing future root intrusion. The lateral is then tested to ensure all leaks have been properly sealed.

When working from within the building or an outside cleanout, the operator inserts a special lateral packer in the lateral line that injects chemical grout into each joint, effectively sealing the lateral all the way to the mainline.

Excavation of laterals

If a lateral service line is severely defective or structurally unsound it may need to be dug up and replaced. In these cases, Carylon companies offer non-destructive hydro or air excavating services to quickly, safely and economically excavate laterals in areas inaccessible to conventional digging equipment.