Long Beach Utilities Turns to Trenchless for Lateral Repair

Long Beach Utilities, responsible for maintaining the vital sewer infrastructure within a densely populated urban area, faced a challenging situation. A critical section of a lateral sewer line in a residential neighborhood had been severely compromised by invasive tree roots.

This issue was not just a minor inconvenience; it was causing significant backups in a homeowner’s plumbing system, leading to potential health hazards and increasing the urgency for repair.

Any city’s plumbing system is a crucial aspect of daily life, and any disruptions can have a ripple effect throughout the community. Long Beach Utilities understood the need for a quick, effective solution that would not only resolve the problem but also minimize disruption to the residents and the environment. Traditionally, such repairs would require a costly and invasive excavation, but the city was looking for a more efficient alternative.

The Problem

The damaged section of the sewer line was located in an area with limited access, as it ran beneath an alley frequently used by multiple residents.

A traditional excavation would have required the temporary closure of this alley, disrupting the daily routines of those living nearby. Furthermore, with only one crew available to perform the repair, any delays could exacerbate the inconvenience and prolong the disruption.

The potential cost of the traditional repair method was another significant concern.

Estimates ranged from $8,000 to $10,000, a steep price tag that included not only the labor and materials but also the collateral impact on the neighborhood. The city needed a solution that would be cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly — enter PipePatch.

The Trenchless Solution

Faced with these challenges, Long Beach Utilities opted to use the PipePatch Standard system, a trenchless point repair solution provided by Source One Environmental (S1E). The PipePatch system was chosen for its ability to deliver a quick, durable repair with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

The repair team began by conducting a thorough assessment of the damaged pipe section. They used a sewer camera to pinpoint the exact location of the damage, which revealed an offset and a broken section caused by the invasive tree roots. With this information in hand, they were able to develop a targeted plan for the repair.

Key Steps in the Solution

Rapid Deployment: After clearing the roots and cleaning the line, the team deployed the PipePatch system. They installed two patches—one to transition the offset and another to cover the broken section. The entire process was completed without the need for any excavation, preserving the integrity of the alley and avoiding the disruption that a traditional open-cut repair would have caused.

Minimized Disruption: By opting for a trenchless repair method, Long Beach Utilities was able to complete the project without shutting down the alley. Residents continued to have full access to their homes and garages throughout the repair process, ensuring that their daily routines were not interrupted.

Cost Efficiency: The job was completed for a fraction of the cost of a traditional lateral pipe repair. 

Permanent, Long-Lasting Repair: PipePatch not only provided a quick solution but also delivered a permanent, durable repair that ensures the longevity of the sewer line. This long-lasting result reduces the likelihood of future issues, offering peace of mind to both the city and the community.

Environmentally Safe: One of the standout features of PipePatch is its commitment to environmental safety. The system is free from harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a safe choice for both the workers performing the repair and the surrounding environment.

Results

Within just a few hours, the repair team had successfully restored the damaged sewer line. The system was back in operation, and the residents experienced minimal interruption in service. The rapid deployment and completion of the PipePatch repair meant that what could have been a prolonged and disruptive process was instead handled quickly and efficiently.

Snapshot Outcome

Repair Time: This solution allowed the repair to be completed in less than half a day, minimizing the downtime and inconvenience for the residents.

Cost Savings: By choosing the trenchless method, Long Beach Utilities saved northward of $6,000 compared to the traditional repair approach, demonstrating the financial benefits of opting for trenchless solutions.

Community Impact: The repair was conducted seamlessly, with no need for alley closures or lengthy repair schedules. The residents were able to continue their daily lives without interruption, and the positive feedback from the community underscored the success of the project.

By opting for a trenchless solution, Long Beach Utilities was able to address a critical infrastructure issue in a way that was both cost-effective and minimally disruptive to the community.

Logan Albert is marketing director at Fernco.