in 2005, the estimated cost or replacing existing sewer lines in disrepair throughout the city was 50 million dollars…….plus be a heck of a mess on our streets, sidewalks, etc. The estimated cost of lining the same sewer lines was 12 million dollars…….no mess at all.
Sometime in the past several years, you may have heard or read that the City of Sanford was reconditioning sections of sewer lines in certain section of our city. East Sanford and the historic areas in particular. Most of these lines are very old and have breaks or cracks that allow ground water to infiltrate the sewer system, or sewer to possibly leak into the ground. The rain or ground water that infiltrates the sewer line is just more liquid the city has to treat at the sewer plant and more cost to sewer customers.
The city has spent millions of dollars in the past several years refurbishing these sewer lines. This is done with a lining process referred to by some as ”cured in place.”
Simply speaking….This process blows a tube, (like a long tube sock) into a section on pipe that requires lining. Hot liquid is then pumped through the liner causing the material, a form of epoxy, to expand. With the liquid removed, the material hardens. Next a robot is maneuvered through the new pipe cutting a tap out at each residence allowing the flow from each household to resume.
I’m sure I have left out a few steps in this procedure. Hopefully, you get the basic idea of how this pipe lining is preformed.
This process can be preformed on almost any sized water or sewer line and is much more cost effective. The life expectancy of this material is 30 to 50 years….depending on who you speak to about the product. In either case, this is a great alternative to digging and replacing lines and cost a fraction of the price.
If you have any questions regarding this issue please call City Manager Hal Hegwerat 919-775-8201.
I’ve often wondered if these contractors offer this service to homeowners at a reasonable cost.
As you no doubt are aware, along with the sewer main lines in these old neighborhoods, the trunks off to the houses are usually old cracked terra cotta that also could benefit from lining. It would certainly save a lot of money and hassle if the residential lines could be lined affordably versus dug up and replaced.
I really have no idea…. but thought they may want to capitalize on their already being in an area and market to the residences while there. Or maybe residential lines are too small in diameter? Maybe not cost effective?
Always been curious about this.
Al
Steve,
We’re involved in refurbishing storm drain culverts.Your comments on the sewer lines lead me to think the same process will work for our project.Will you pass along the contact info of the company that performed your pipe lining?
Thank You,
Kenny Goodson
Estimator,Bryant Land
& Development