The City of Port Colborne is repairing aging sanitary sewers through lining existing pipes. This work helps reduce groundwater entering the sewer system and extends the life of existing infrastructure.
Project Location
Work is taking place at various locations throughout Port Colborne.
About the Project
Port Colborne’s sanitary sewer system receives more water than it was designed to handle. This happens when groundwater leaks into aging pipes, or when downspouts and sump pumps are connected to the sanitary sewer system. Extra water is treated at the wastewater treatment plant, and the cost of treating this water is then reflected in residents’ water bills.
To reduce this extra water, The City has started a program repairing existing sanitary sewers by installing liners inside older pipes. This method is more cost-effective and less disruptive than traditional pipe replacement because there is little or no digging required.
How Sewer Relining Works
The process works by inserting a flexible liner into the existing pipe through manholes. The liner is then inflated so it fits tightly against the inside of the old pipe. Heat from steam or hot water hardens the liner, creating a new pipe inside the existing one and preventing groundwater from leaking in.
After the liner has hardened, a robot is sent into the pipe to reopen connections from nearby homes and businesses.
How Repair Locations Are Selected
Before this work begins, the City completes inspections using cameras and flow monitoring equipment to identify areas where the most extra water is entering the sanitary sewer system. This information is then used to prioritize which pipes should be repaired first.
Project Updates
The project is approximately 90 per cent complete. The contractor continues to reline sanitary sewer pipes at various locations throughout the city.