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Camera
Inspection
Using camera technology for sewer inspections is an effective way to identify the location of blockages and other issues in your pipes.
Common issues that can be detected include cracks, blockages, and other imperfections in the line. The camera can provide accurate information about the source of the problem without the need for invasive excavation.
During the inspection, a robotic video camera is navigated through the utility line using remote control, and the footage captured by the camera is transmitted to an on-site monitor for viewing. The video feed provides real-time information to the technician about any issues present within the sewer line, allowing for swift and efficient repairs.
Sewer Inspection & Cross-Bore Mitigation
Midwest Utility Locating offers sewer inspection services that utilize advanced video inspection technology to inspect large municipal and commercial sewer mains and service lines. Using our lateral launch cameras, they can identify areas of concern, mark them with paint or flags, and document their findings on video and in a written report. With this service, clients can receive real-time confirmation of hidden dangers and mitigate the risks associated with cross bores, which occur when sewer and gas lines cross paths and pose a potential risk for explosions. Sewer laterals on private property are often not marked and can be difficult to locate, leading to the creation of cross-bores. Midwest Utility Locating's services help increase worker safety, decrease liability, and prevent dangerous situations from arising.
What is Cross-Bore Mitigation and why do you need to know about it?
Cross-bore mitigation refers to the process of identifying and eliminating potentially hazardous underground utility conflicts between pipelines and other buried infrastructure, such as public and private sewer lateral lines. The term "cross-bore" typically refers to a situation where a pipeline, such as a gas or oil line, has been accidentally installed through an existing sewer lateral line, creating a potential hazard.
Cross-bore mitigation became a priority for the utility industry after a series of incidents in the early 2000s involving explosions and fires caused by gas pipeline cross-bores. In response, industry associations, regulators, and utility companies developed best practices and technologies for identifying and mitigating cross-bore risks.
The exact number of miles of pipelines and public and private sewer lines in the United States is difficult to estimate, as it varies depending on the source of the data and the definition of what constitutes a pipeline or sewer line. However, according to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), there are over 2.7 million miles of pipelines in the United States that transport oil, gas, and other hazardous materials.
As for public and private sewer lines, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are over 500,000 miles of public sewer lines in the United States. The number of private lateral sewer lines is more difficult to estimate, but it is believed to be in the millions.
Cross-bores can happen anywhere on a property, but they are most commonly found in the area between the street and a home or business, where sewer lateral lines are typically located. These areas are often crowded with other utilities and infrastructure, making it difficult to avoid cross-bore conflicts. However, with proper planning, design, and inspection practices, cross-bore risks can be minimized.