Pipe Line Leak Work

Pipe Line Leak Work

It is one of the most important responsibilities of a Water Undertaking to properly maintain the transmission and distribution mains in order to prevent waste and provide a constant pressurized flow of potable water to the consumers. It is equally important to prevent damage to the public property which could arise for not properly repairing a defective pipe. Proper planning and implementation of remedial measures will avoid leakages and breakdowns.

For proper planning for the operation of the repair work it is necessary to assess the probable causes of failure. Following guidelines outline some of the factors to be duly considered to ensure protection of pipes from damage/failure.

1. Damage during transport of the piping material
2. Defective stacking and storage
3. Damage to the pipe wall and coating
4. Cracks in pipe during careless unloading and pipes striking against each other
5. Weathering effect due to unfavorable environment.
6. Mixing up of different classes of pipes and their jointing materials.

1. Deviation from proper laying procedures
2. Improper bedding
3. Loss of support of bedding after laying.
4. Slipping of trench sides.
5. Sinking of soil after laying.
6. Poor quality of backfill material.
7. Improper compaction of trench backfill and its subsequent settling.
8. Excessive overburden on piping trenches, not taken care of during the design of pipeline.
9. Point loads coming on the pipe through the backfill.
10. Excessive vibrations due to traffic during the laying of pipeline.

Following Procedures may be followed

1. Internal mobilization.
2. Detection of pipe failure: Inspection of site
3. Notification of interruption in water supply and related issues.
4. Location and demarcation
5. Repair planning
6. Repair work: Selection of most appropriate method for repair.
7. Testing of ‘dry’ repair.
8. Restoration
9. Completion
10. Hygiene
11. Notice of restoration and completion