The document summarizes a sewer line replacement job using trenchless technology to install a new HDPE pipe through an existing deteriorated cast iron sewer line running underneath a school building. Key steps of the job included inserting a cable through the old sewer line, pulling 100 feet of fused HDPE pipe through the line, and making connections at multiple drain locations while minimizing disruption to the building. Proper safety procedures and techniques such as cribbing around other underground utilities were followed.

1. TRIC Training Log: 03-24-05 Client: Sanfield Septic / Speedy Rooter, West Palm Beach, FL Job: School, deteriorated sewer with multiple connections Pull: 100’ / upstream / 4” SDR17 / bursting 4” C. I.

2. We at TRIC Tools have specific requirements for the use and maintenance of our equipment with regard to safety and efficiency on the job. Our written and verbal recommendations coincide with safety regulations set by local, state, and national government agencies. Our clients may have standards over and above industry regulations. However, the safety equipment, apparel, and operating procedures demonstrated by our clients in this presentation may or may not comply with above mentioned government regulations.

3. Dedicated Trailer: This is probably the best overall equipment solution. The ramp, walk-in headroom, and detachability are all extremely convenient.

4. Workshop on wheels

5. The job: Replace 100’ segment of deteriorated 4” cast iron sewer line from main office through service hallway and library to trunk line in courtyard. Multiple drain connections required small excavations; otherwise hallway, library floor, and concrete corridor were spared (see legend).

6. Fusing: If possible, find a clean, flat work area away from wind and weather.

7. Cable insertion: In many cases, the cable can be pushed through the old sewer by hand. In this case, inserting the cable upstream through bends and separate connection pits in building required use of the duct rod, or “fishing line,” which is fed through from pulling pit to entry area, then taped to cable as shown.

8. Entry: Across breezeway from library, at lift station.

9. Entry path: 120’ of fused HDPE pipe, winding its way to the entry pit (by fuse/switch boxes). Always fuse more pipe than the entry-to-exit length.

10. Pulling pit: In hallway between main office and infirmary.

11. Interior pulls: An old tire is excellent for cable storage. It also contains the cable when pulling from inside a building, helping to keep worksite clean.

12. From library: Reading room floor and adjacent office (to right) were entirely avoided. Pits in hallway are separate drain connections (see drawing).

13. Cribbing: Note galvanized water line crossing over sewer (see arrow). This pipeline was avoided by “cribbing back” in a longer hole than otherwise necessary, using 2” galvanized conduit as piers and wood blocks as struts and spacers. Always have plenty of wood available.

14. Connections: Since tie-in points must be excavated to make connections, remove all joints and couplings at each connection before pulling in new line. This keeps the bursting head free of debris and makes the job go easier and faster.

15. Pipe “push”: Towards end of pull, old cast iron is pushed through loose soil into pulling pit. Pipe can be broken with a sledge hammer as it emerges (be careful of cable).

16. Home stretch: Watching for the clevis (cable termination) and bursting head.

17. Arrival: Cribbing allows clear view of clevis and head assembly as they emerge, and like the TRIC extraction cage, frees the bursting head from the earth to allow cutting off pipe 8”–12” behind head assembly. When cribbing is not possible, keep cable visible at all times as it enters pulley base. Stop when clevis appears at threshold (see arrows), so as to avoid pulling clevis under pulley wheel and bending it.

18. Clean-up: Connections and concrete patching will be done in the morning.

19. New connections: After the pull, there’s one continuous line from entry to exit. Then connections are made from one end to the other.

20. PE Technique: Starting at the exit end (pulling pit), cut PE pipe and make connections in sequence towards the other end of the line. This allows the option of “bumping” the PE pipe from the entrance pit (where excess pipe is protruding) up to connections, to make perfect joints.

21. Minimal intrusion: Given the number of connections in the main hallway, the overall destruction was kept to a minimum. Views are from pulling pit in office (left) and from library (right).