Cutting system removes roots from clogged sewer line

Problem: A camera inspection revealed that backups at a residence in the Hidden Valley neighborhood of La Jolla, California, were caused by heavy root intrusion in the line. Roots from nearby trees grew into the joints and cracks, blocking the flow of wastewater. The pipe ran 6 to 9 feet below hilly terrain from the home’s clean-out in the yard and continued through the neighbor’s yard to the main sewer line.

Solution: Using the Micro-Cutter, Nu Flow America was able to clean more than 200 feet of 4-inch clay lateral line. The system rotates at approximately 2,000 rpm and will negotiate turns of 90 degrees in pipes down to 2 inches in diameter. It runs at 40 cfm and allows for multiple cutting heads to be attached.

Result: The roots were cleaned out using existing access points, without the need to dig up the customer’s or the neighbor’s property. Nu Flow America then installed a Nu Drain Pull-in-Place structural liner to prevent future root intrusion. 905/433-5510; www.nuflowtechnologies.com.

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Truck helps save Independence Day celebration

Problem: In late June, when the Illinois River reached 24 feet — about 6 feet over flood stage — the City of Peoria, Illinois, had to work fast to keep the water from dampening its Independence Day celebration. “They needed to save the Fourth of July,” says Chris Dillon, vice president of J.C. Dillon Inc., a local plumbing, heating and underground utility firm. “The river was originally supposed to crest at 24 feet, but it just kept raining and the river just kept rising.”

Solution: As the water rose, the city called on J.C. Dillon to help reinforce a sand barrier wall, as well as install plugs and caps on existing storm sewer drains in an effort to keep the flooding away from Peoria’s riverfront, where tens of thousands of spectators gather annually for food, music and fireworks on Independence Day. The company used its CAT CT660 Vocational Truck, a hydrovac unit developed through a relationship between Caterpillar and Premier, to suck up the rising river water quickly enough to find the leaks in the wall and plug them.

Result: With its CAT unit, the staff at J.C. Dillon was able to keep the cresting waters at bay and the riverfront area stayed dry for the celebration. 970/542-1975; www.poequipment.com.