Pre-Chlorinated Pipe Bursting

Pre-chlorination eliminates the need for temporary water services. The high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is bacteriologically disinfected and pressure tested above grade prior to installation, allowing it to be placed into service immediately after installation.

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​The method utilizes HDPE pipe and entails the pre-assembly and testing of approximately 300 to 600 foot lengths of pipe above grade at a nearby staging location. This work is completed in advance of pipe bursting operations. Once the pipe string is proven to be sound by the testing and disinfection procedures, bursting operations can begin. In the area of water main being replaced, a series of small excavations are made and the new pipe is pulled into place by pipe bursting the existing main. A post-chlorination and flushing of the main is then performed and the new line is connected into the distribution system.

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Ultimately, all services are connected into the new main and the surface area is backfilled to preconstruction grade. The entire process is completed within a single day, 6 to 8 hours, thereby minimizing the disruption to area residents.

Residents connected to the main being replaced that day only experience a 6- to 8-hour interruption in water service before being reconnected. Crews typically begin preparations around 7 a.m. and by noon the new pre-chlorinated HDPE is in place. Between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., residents are reconnected to the water system. At the end of each day, pits are backfilled to grade. By the end of each week, a restoration crew completes final grass and road restoration.

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Pre-chlorinated pipe bursting projects are completed by our PURIS Family of Companies team member, Murphy Pipeline Contractors (MPC). MPC was established to bring the trenchless technologies of Europe to the United States.  The main focus is on pre-chlorinated pipe bursting, sliplining, and CompressionFit™ HDPE pipe lining for water and force main replacement from 2” through 78”.