Proper maintenance of underground water collection systems is critical for the preservation of public health as well as for protection of capital investments in these utilities.

Routine cleaning is an integral part of maintaining these systems as it prevents the accumulation of debris and other obstructive materials from reducing flows and potentially causing surcharges, overflows and other problems. Mar-Tech has a number of tools at its disposal for cleaning pipelines and is capable of cleaning service laterals, mains, manholes and other underground utilities.

“I know you clean sewer mains, but what about service laterals?” No problem! We can have our crews clean your lateral either from an existing inspection chamber or clean-out or remotely from the main.

Typical problems that can be remedied with cleaning are:

• Roots infiltrating into sewer
• Grease build-ups
• Accumulation of solid debris
• Intruding lateral connections
• Obstructive material blockages
• Reduction in flow capacity due to any/all of the above

Root and Grease Removal

For root and grease removal in 4″ (100mm) and larger pipelines, Mar-Tech utilizes a number of aggressive tools. Service laterals can be cleared of roots and grease through the utilization of a c-cutter tool or water-pressure driven mini-cutter from an existing inspection chamber or clean-out. For more aggressive cleaning, a circular-saw style cutter that uses pressurized water to propel it up the pipeline is used. The blade rotates at high speeds, plowing through most root and grease masses with ease. This cutter has the capability to efficiently remove various types of roots (fine, mass and larger tap roots), as well as clear heavy grease deposits and other obstructions commonly found in water collection systems without causing damage to the pipe itself.

Intruding Lateral Connection Removal

Sometimes when laterals are added to an existent sewer the service line intrudes into the main. This can cause grease, paper material or other types of debris to hang up on the intrusion and potentially cause a reduction of flow in the line. It also may pose a problem for future pipe rehabilitation and maintenance as equipment cannot pass these intruding laterals, resulting in extra costs and sometimes damage to equipment and pipelines.

To remove intruding lateral connections, Mar-Tech utilizes a heavy-duty chain flail called the Lumberjack cutter from Flowtek. The Lumberjack is an impressive tool, capable of removing many types of intruding laterals including PVC, VC, AC and even concrete.

Lateral Cleaning

No IC’s needed! Utilization of the cleaner and video inspection equipment in tandem allow for operation of the lateral cleaner, a versatile device capable of directing the high-pressure flusher hose up a lateral connection from the mainline and remove debris from the service up to 50 feet up! Read more here.

Concrete and Hardened Slurry Removal

When hardened material blockages such as concrete threaten the capacity of a sewer line, Mar-Tech is able to offer the Intruder; a low speed, high torque impact cutter capable of boring out these hardened materials and restoring flows to normal. Read more here.

Examples of Pipe Deterioration & Operational Defects