Force Main Inspections: How They Work & When to Do Them
A functioning sewer system is essential for sanitation and public health. Force Main Inspections play a vital role in maintaining these pipelines, helping detect pipeline flow problems, blockages, and corrosion before they escalate into costly failures. Over time, sewer pipelines face challenges such as pipeline deterioration, blockages, and corrosion, making routine sewer system maintenance critical. By implementing proactive force main pipeline inspection programs, municipalities and property managers can extend the life of their pipelines and reduce environmental risks.
The first step in maintaining wastewater pipelines is to assess the condition of the sewer system. This examination varies depending on the sewer system pipelines. The primary purpose of these examinations is to determine the best pipeline cleaning and maintenance method for a sewer system.
In this article, we focus on a particular type of sewer system pipeline: the force main. Keep reading to learn what a force main sewer pipe is and what to expect from force main inspection.
Pipeline Experts: Inspection, Cleaning, Coating & More
Certified solutions for inspection, pre-commissioning, cleaning, internal coating, ice pigging™, mapping, and turnkey pipeline projects—maximizing safety and reliability at every stage.
Force Main Pipe Inspections: What to Know?
What is a Force Main Pipe?
A sewer system typically consists of pipes running from buildings to a central processing or treatment area. While most sewer lines rely on gravity to move wastewater, there are scenarios where wastewater must be transported from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. In such cases, a standard gravity pipeline is ineffective.
This is where a force main sewer pipe comes into play. A force main uses lift stations and pumps to move wastewater uphill, ensuring the system operates efficiently. Because these pipelines operate under pressure, they require specialized attention during maintenance and inspection, making force main inspections essential to the longevity and reliability of the sewer system.
Why Force Main Inspections Are Important?
Force Main Inspections are a critical component of sewer system maintenance. Over time, these pipelines can experience issues such as pipeline flow problems, internal corrosion, force main pipe blockages, or pipeline leakage. Without regular inspection, these issues may go unnoticed, potentially resulting in environmental contamination, public safety hazards, and expensive repairs.
A comprehensive sewer pipe inspection service ensures that any irregularities or potential failures are identified early. This proactive approach helps maintain pipeline integrity, improves performance, and ensures compliance with local and federal regulations.
Force Main Inspection Methods
Cities and utilities employ several pipeline inspection methods to evaluate the condition of force main sewer pipes. These methods include both visual inspections and advanced pipeline testing:
1. Visual Inspection Using CCTV
One common method is a sewer pipe camera inspection or CCTV inspection. During this process, a camera pig is sent through the pipeline to capture real-time footage of the pipe interior. This allows inspection teams to detect:
Force main pipe blockages
Cracks or signs of deterioration
Sediment buildup or obstructions
After reviewing the footage, teams can recommend pipeline cleaning or maintenance strategies to restore optimal flow.
2. Pipeline Integrity Testing
While CCTV provides visual data, it may not detect internal corrosion or subtle structural issues. This is where pipeline integrity testing becomes essential. At American Pipeline Solutions, specialized tools such as i2i smart devices can detect:
Metal loss
Circumferential cracking
Internal corrosion
Minor leaks or weaknesses
By combining visual inspections with pipeline integrity testing, utilities can implement a more comprehensive maintenance program for their force main sewer pipes.
3. Force Main CCTV Inspection for Condition Assessment
A targeted force main CCTV inspection is particularly valuable for pressurized pipelines. These inspections allow teams to:
Track pipeline leakage
Identify force main pipe blockages
Assess sewer pipe corrosion detection
Evaluate pipeline flow problems
This dual-approach ensures that no defect goes unnoticed and facilitates precise planning for maintenance and repairs.
Common Issues Found During Force Main Inspections
When conducting force main inspections, several recurring issues are often detected:
Pipeline flow problems such as reduced capacity or sluggish wastewater movement.
Force main pipe blockages, often caused by debris, mineral buildup, or root intrusion.
Sewer pipe corrosion, which can weaken walls and compromise structural integrity.
Pipeline leakage inspection findings, where leaks are identified before they escalate into catastrophic failures.
Detecting these issues early allows municipalities, property managers, and engineers to take preventive action. By resolving minor problems promptly, you can extend the pipeline’s lifespan, avoid costly emergency repairs, and protect surrounding environments from contamination.
How Often Should Force Main Sewer Pipes Be Inspected?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “How often should I conduct a sewer force main inspection?”
Newer pipelines: At least once every five years.
Older pipelines: Inspection frequency varies depending on pipeline age, usage levels, and existing condition reports.
Routine wastewater pipeline inspections are critical for preventive maintenance. A well-timed inspection schedule ensures uninterrupted service, reduces the likelihood of sudden blockages, and helps utilities manage costs more effectively.
Maintain Your Sewer System Pipelines With Routine Inspections
A common question from municipalities and property managers is: “How often should I perform force main inspections?”
The frequency depends on factors such as pipe age, material, and historical performance. General recommendations include:
Newer force main pipelines: every 5 years
Older force main pipelines: case-by-case assessment, often more frequent
Regular inspections are key to mitigating pipeline deterioration and preventing sudden pipeline flow problems or catastrophic failures.
Benefits of Routine Force Main Inspections
Investing in force main inspections provides several long-term benefits:
Prevent costly failures: Early detection of leaks or corrosion reduces repair costs.
Maintain optimal pipeline flow: Ensures pipeline flow problems do not disrupt wastewater transportation.
Extend pipeline lifespan: Proactive inspection reduces wear and tear.
Improve environmental compliance: Prevents spills and contamination.
Streamline maintenance planning: Provides actionable data for sewer pipe inspection services.
Partnering With Pipeline Inspection Experts
Implementing a successful force main pipeline inspection program requires experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment. At American Pipeline Solutions, our team combines decades of expertise with advanced tools to provide:
Sewer pipe inspections using CCTV and smart pigs
Pipeline integrity testing for pressurized force mains
Comprehensive wastewater pipeline inspection reports
Recommendations for maintenance and preventive measures
By collaborating with experienced sewer pipeline inspection companies, cities and property managers can ensure their force main systems operate efficiently, safely, and with minimal risk of failure.
Pipeline Experts: Inspection, Cleaning, Coating & More
Certified solutions for inspection, pre-commissioning, cleaning, internal coating, ice pigging™, mapping, and turnkey pipeline projects—maximizing safety and reliability at every stage.
Contact American Pipeline Solutions
Are you looking for expert force main inspections or comprehensive pipeline inspection services? Contact American Pipeline Solutions today to schedule a consultation and protect your wastewater infrastructure from costly damage and environmental risks.
Are you looking for an expert to help you inspect the integrity of your force main pipes?
Contact American Pipeline Solutions by calling (201) 525-0088 or online to find the best pipeline solution.
