A method for sanitary sewer evaluation and repair that is gaining popularity offers municipalities an interesting alternative to comprehensive sanitary sewer evaluation surveys (SSES) and long-term repair programs. Known simply as “find and fix,” this alternative combines a focused examination of problem areas with a collaborative approach by the engineer and contractor to design and implement the solution. A compact schedule, streamlined contract documents, lower fees…this process can clearly yield a win-win result for a local government working with limited funds for sanitary sewer repair.

A Common Sense Approach

Traditional SSES, involving broad studies of system infiltration and inflow, offer many benefits. These detailed surveys locate problems in sanitary sewers, help municipalities prioritize repairs, and indicate the best method for rehabilitation or repair. The process provides a thorough roadmap for planning purposes, from which specific projects can be addressed over time as the budget allows.

Unfortunately, for many municipalities, limited budgets mean limited action—and the SSES report may sit on the shelf for quite a while. The investment in these comprehensive surveys might be more effectively applied, for some localities, in “cutting to the chase” with a find and fix approach that begins to tackle sanitary sewer repairs right away.

Find and fix takes advantage of the array of technologies associated with sanitary sewer evaluation and rehabilitation that are available today. This option is most effective when delivered by a consulting engineer working closely with a knowledgeable contractor—a productive team working in tandem to identify and resolve problems.

Quick Turn-Around

Municipalities looking to expedite sanitary sewer repairs using the find and fix method can begin by working with their consulting engineers to identify problem areas using historical knowledge of the system. For example, identifying typical sewer overflow locations can help point to priorities, or conducting a simplified inflow and infiltration study with flow monitoring and possible smoke testing. An experienced consultant can then have sewer rehabilitation specifications out to bid within two to three weeks.

Once the construction contract is underway, the engineer can work with the contractor to focus on a specific portion of the sewer. The contractor cleans the pipeline and performs a CCTV inspection of the area. The engineer evaluates the video and provides a recommendation for rehabilitation, along with streamlined contract documents. This targeted approach can eliminate duplication of effort, as the CCTV inspections are often performed as part of a larger SSES, and then repeated during the specific rehabilitation process. With find and fix, the cleaning and video inspection only takes place once.

Most engineers readily understand that our clients require creative solutions, including solutions that save time and money. The find and fix method for sewer rehabilitation is clearly one such example. It exemplifies best practices in applying modern technology, determining the best engineering approach, and collaborating with the client and contractor.

Now, as we focus on the importance of public works during National Public Works Week, it’s also a time to commit to developing and using innovative, cost-saving measures to strengthen our infrastructure. Find and fix should prove to be a great “find” for many local governments.