The existing 24-inch cast iron pipe was installed in the 1950s, but it had been abandoned for about a decade. After several attempts, the line continued to fail pressure tests, forcing the team to look at other options. The district worked with Brystar Contracting on the job. They suggested sliplining the existing pipe with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The sliplining method lowered costs versus new installation by decreasing the construction time frame and allowing continued use of an existing right-of-way.

Brystar worked with ISCO Industries to provide technical consulting on the construction methods and material selection. ISCO also provided turnkey fusion services on the job. In the end, 16-inch DIPS DR21 PE4710 purple strip HDPE pipe fused together with McElroy fusion equipment. A perfect solution. “Any time you can install more than 10,000 feet of 16-inch pipe within about a three week time frame, you’ve done something special,” said Garrett.

HDPE pipe will offer the owner a longterm, durable, leak-free solution. The sliplining method saved time and money. “A lot of circumstances came together for the sliplining to work well, including an experienced contractor, sufficient working easement, about 10,000 feet of fairly straight transmission main with no fittings to maneuver around, and accommodating weather,” said Garrett. “I expect we’ll be adding to this system in the near future.”