Sliplining Used in Franklinton, La.

Sewer lines throughout Franklinton are being repaired, part of a $2.5 million project and without even having to dig up the pipes, some of which are 50 years old or older, according to The Daily News.

“We’re doing a lot of repair work on our sewer lines here in Franklinton,” said Franklinton Public Works Director Reginald McMasters.

Work crews are repairing sewer lines on 10th Avenue, Main Street and various other areas of town, he said. The project, which began last year with video monitoring of the lines, also includes repairs of manholes and other aspects of the sewer system.

Currently, work crews are using a technique called “sliplining,” which utilizes steam to insert a liner pipe into the existing pipe and seal any leaks.

“It’s kind of like a pipe inside a pipe,” McMasters said. Work crews use special tools to insert liner pipes without having to dig up the existing pipes.

Franklinton Mayor Wayne Fleming said residents would not necessarily see the effect of the newly repaired pipes in their homes.

“It mainly affects our sewer plant,” Fleming said, adding the repaired pipes won’t be susceptible to groundwater intrusion.

Groundwater or dirt seeping into the sewer lines can cause big problems, the mayor said.

“Eventually, it will wear your system out,” he said.

The project is being paid for with a loan and a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. Insiturform of Hammond is the contractor.

The new sewer lines mean a lot for the town, according to the mayor.

“It’s really a major upgrade,” Fleming said.