New 12 " Sewer Force Main

[SBACMH]

I have just reviewed engineered plans for a 3000 foot plus force main. should we have a clean out somewhere along this pipe run. Our cam will only go 1600 feet max. Are clean outs on force mains typical or is there no need for them? Thank you SBACMH

 

[semo]

As far as cleanouts go, your forcemain should be designed to provide a minimum velocity of 2.5 fps. This is done in order for the flow to scour out the pipe on each pump.

Cleanouts are not typically installed. I've designed forcemains with lengths of 30,000 feet. As long as the velocity is sufficient, you should not have problems with clogging.

 

[gtrainor]

I always ask the owners (their maintenance people) what is the length of their snakes. That will determine my spacing. This can vary from 100' to 1,000'. I will use the two way cleanout to reduce the number of cleanout stations.

 

[dicksewerrat]

Force mains are sometimes cleaned with the use of'pigs'. Just have to have an airlock to insert and retreive the 'pig'.