Sanitary Sewers: Why They Need Repair and How USG Repairs Them
Sanitary sewers silently work to keep wastewater out of our homes. These essential systems carry water from our sinks, showers, and toilets, ensuring efficient waste management and protecting public health by preventing the spread of disease. However, like any structure exposed to water, over time, sanitary sewers are vulnerable to wear and damage. In this article, we’ll explore the common challenges faced by sanitary sewers and how Utility Services Group specializes in restoring their functionality and integrity.
Causes of Damage to Sanitary Sewers
- Corrosion: Over time, sewer pipes made from materials like cast iron or concrete can corrode, weakening the structure.
- Ground Shifting or Settling: Natural soil movement or nearby construction can cause misalignment, cracks, or collapses in sewer pipes.
- Aging Infrastructure: Older sewer systems often deteriorate due to wear and outdated materials, making them more susceptible to damage.
- Grease and Debris Build-Up: Accumulation of non-biodegradable materials or grease can lead to blockages and increase internal pressure on the pipes.
- Heavy Traffic or Load Stress: Sewer pipes under roads or near heavy equipment can crack or collapse due to excessive weight.
- Roots: Roots will seek out structures as they are a great place for water. This leads to blockages and compromising of the functionality and structural capacity of the system.
How USG Repairs Sanitary Sewer Systems
At Utility Services Group, we bring the right tools, techniques, and expertise to every project. Our combination flusher/vacuum units and CCTV trucks allow us to clean, inspect, and assess sanitary sewer systems with precision. Whether it’s routine maintenance, utility locating, or advanced laser profile deflection testing, our highly trained personnel ensure that every project is completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
By identifying areas of concern during the initial cleaning and inspection, USG can deliver precise, trenchless rehabilitation solutions. Spot repairs can be inserted to seal leaking joints or patch holes in pipes—no excavation required. High-strength, ambient-cured fiberglass patches can span open sections or breaks in pipe, offering a far less disruptive alternative to traditional dig-and-replace methods.
USG also rehabilitates manholes and inlet structures using high-strength cements and epoxies, again without digging. This approach gets systems back in service faster, causes minimal disruption to the public, and is often more cost-effective than excavation and replacement.
These trenchless solutions apply not only to sanitary sewer lines, but also to storm sewer systems. Across the U.S., miles of corrugated metal pipe (CMP) remain in service—many well beyond their intended lifespan. This service life can be extended with Centrifugally Cast-in-Place (CCIP) pipe lining. In this process, a high-strength, modified cement formulated for horizontal applications is sprayed inside deteriorating pipes. The lining seals cracks, restores some structural capacity, and can even improve flow characteristics—an added benefit to overall system performance.
In cases where sanitary sewers require structural repairs, USG offers innovative solutions using polyurethane technology. Polyurethane injections are a powerful method for sealing leaks and stabilizing surrounding soils without excavation. This approach not only restores the structural integrity of the sewer system, but also minimizes disruption to the environment and nearby communities.
USG’s comprehensive approach ensures sanitary sewers are repaired and stabilized with exceptional results, delivering long-term reliability and performance.
Sanitary sewer systems are vital to maintaining the health and efficiency of our communities, yet they face numerous challenges as they age. Addressing damage promptly with reliable, non-invasive solutions is crucial to ensuring their longevity and performance. At Utility Services Group, we combine advanced tools, expert techniques, and innovative polyurethane technology to repair and stabilize sanitary sewers with minimal disruption.
Whether it’s routine maintenance or comprehensive structural repairs, USG is committed to delivering exceptional results tailored to your project’s needs. By choosing USG, you’re not just investing in repairs—you’re investing in the long-term stability and functionality of essential infrastructure.