Reviving Aging Infrastructure
Environmental Impact
The infiltration and exfiltration of wastewater from deteriorated and broken sewer lines pose a significant threat to the environment. The EPA reports that SSOs can contaminate surface waters with pathogens, harmful nutrients, and other pollutants, endangering aquatic life and compromising water quality. SSOs contribute to the degradation of ecosystems, disrupt the balance of aquatic habitats, and harm wildlife populations.
Public Health Concerns
The EPA notes that children are at a greater risk from water contaminants due to their developing immune systems and increased likelihood of exposure. The presence of pathogens and viruses in untreated sewage presents grave public health risks, including gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory infections, and other serious health effects. Additionally, elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to waterborne diseases transmitted through contaminated waterways.
Community Disruption
The traditional method of sewer repair, which typically requires extensive excavation, not only disrupts the daily lives of citizens but also imposes significant challenges on local businesses. Trenching operations often result in road closures, traffic diversions, and disturbances to both residential and commercial areas, exacerbating community frustration and inconvenience.
The Cost and Impact of I&I
According to the EPA, the cost of collecting and treating wastewater typically falls between $2 to $5 per thousand gallons. If a community experiences an annual I&I volume of 150 million gallons, it could incur expenses ranging from $300,000 to $750,000 per year for transporting and treating the flow at treatment plants.

PipePatch
- A No-Dig Solution: Complete trenchless repairs quickly, reducing downtime and minimizing site disturbance.
- Cost Saving: Save on labor, equipment, and restoration with targeted repairs versus traditional excavation.
- A Permanent Solution: Creates a structural repair stronger than the original pipe.

Cementitious Mortars
- Revitalization and Longevity: Extends the life and critical integrity of the sewer system.
- Cost-Effective Rehab: Reduces inflow and infiltration, addressing up to 30% of issues through manhole rehabilitation.
- Rapid Water Control: Delivers quick, high-strength repairs to stop water and infiltration in minimal time.


Grouts
- Water Control: Offers options for both rapid water control and slower-setting applications.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for both preventative and reactive water control.
- Trusted Formulas: Delivers quick, high-strength repairs to stop water and infiltration in minimal time.
Epoxies
- Water Control: Offers options for both rapid water control and slower-setting applications.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for both preventative and reactive water control.
- Trusted Formulas: Delivers quick, high-strength repairs to stop water and infiltration in minimal time.

New England, being one of the first parts of the country settled, has some of the oldest infrastructure. This is no different for the Town of Hull, MA. Recently the town put out a multi-million-dollar sewer rehabilitation bid for CIPP, which also included extensive manhole and structure rehabilitation. This sanitary sewer infrastructure was only 45 years old and is certainly not as old as other sewer systems in New England. Hull is a coastal community with high brackish ground water and minimal pipe grades, so hydrogen sulfide has been an issue in the collection system, which has increased the rate of deterioration of the system.

Preparation
Preparation involved stopping infiltration, pressure washing the walls to a sound substrate, and addressing corrosion with exposed aggregate.

Rehabilitation
Leaks were sealed and patching completed with Strong-Seal® QSR. A ½ inch layer of Strong-Seal® High Performance Mix was applied.

Completion
The final epoxy was applied at the end to ensure a durable finish.