Ice Pigging™ Cost Guide for Water & Sewer Mains
Eventually, all water and sewer mains will need to be cleaned as part of a maintenance or rehabilitation program. This is because, with water mains, biofilm develops along the walls of water pipelines, and manganese and iron buildup flake off into portable water that is fed to businesses and homes. Grit and sediment are other problems with water mains.
In sewer mains, flow often becomes restricted because of corners, bends, and depressed sections that collect deposits. When these buildups occur, a reduction in water flow happens, leading to an inadequate water supply.
To clean water and sewer mains, pigging has been a viable solution. Yet, in recent years more municipalities are turning toward Ice Pigging™. This type of pigging is a method that utilizes an ice slurry instead of a solid “pig” to clean pipelines and mains. It is a popular choice because it is known as one of the most cost-effective water and sewer main cleaning solutions.
In our guide, we will tell you the average Ice Pigging™ cost and the factors that influence the cost of this type of pigging procedure. Our team at American Pipeline Solutions also shares why Ice Pigging™ is generally regarded as a cheaper alternative to other pipeline cleaning methods.
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What Is the Average Cost of Ice Pigging™ for Water and Sewer Mains?
It can be challenging to determine the average cost of Ice Pigging™ for water and sewer mains because every project is unique. In most instances, the larger the project, the more expensive it will be. Before we give the average Ice Pigging™ cost, let's discuss the process more in-depth.
Interestingly, Ice Pigging™ was originally designed for portable water mains and later adapted for sewer force mains. This type of pigging procedure has been designed to clean any material pipe, so it's an excellent cleaning solution for municipality water and sewer mains. Yet, not every municipality will be able to afford Ice Pigging™, and this pigging solution isn't suitable for every situation.
For example, ice pigs cannot and should not be used for gravity-fed sewers because ice pigs need the force that pumped water provides to be suitably driven forward along a sewer or water main. Additionally, Ice Pigging™ cannot remove tubercles, hard water deposits, and heavy corrosion, nor can it rehabilitate pipes. Yet Ice Pigging™ can put off rehabilitation costs by removing organic matter, loose materials, and mineral buildup.
So what are the costs of Ice Pigging™ compared to other pigging methods? According to an AWWA webinar, Ice Pigging™ is one of the cheaper water and sewer main cleaning methods. For example, Ice Pigging™ costs an estimated $1.70 to $5.50 per linear foot, while swabbing costs between $5.70 and $9.10 per linear foot, and traditional pigging between $16.10 and $21.00 per linear foot.
As we mentioned previously, the cost of Ice Pigging™ will largely depend on the size of the project. To give a realistic expectation of how much an Ice Pigging™ project could cost a municipality, we want to share a real-world example.
Real-World Ice Pigging™ Municipality Cost Example
In 2014 in Bethlehem, New York, an Ice Pigging™ project clean-up occurred. An Ice Pigging™ procedure cleaned 10,000 linear feet of Bethlehem’s most problematic water mains during this clean-up.
During this project, several neighborhoods with ongoing water problems were attended to. Needless to say, after Ice Pigging™ was completed on the water mains in this area, the waterlines were much clearer.
According to the company involved in this project, Ice Pigging™ costs between $1 and $8 per foot of pipe. So it's unsurprising that a 10,000 linear foot Ice Pigging™ project cost the Bethlehem municipality $30,000. This cost is still less than other traditional pigging methods. If you want to know more about how much an Ice Pigging™ project could cost a municipality, you can talk with us at American Pipeline Solutions.
What Are the Notable Factors That Influence the Cost of Ice Pigging™?
Every Ice Pigging™ project will have a different cost based on different factors. Below are a few reasons why Ice Pigging™ could cost more for a municipality's water or sewer mains cleaning project.
The bigger diameter water and sewer mains will need more ice slurry, which could affect the cost. (Note that Ice Pigging™ is not suitable for larger sized diameters of more than 24 inches)
Ice slurry is not as good at detecting obstructions, and this could become costly if an obstruction is not dealt with early on. However, usually, if there is a full blockage or a closed valve, an ice pig can detect this kind of obstruction.
Why Is Ice Pigging™ Less Expensive Than Other Pigging Methods?
There are multiple reasons why Ice Pigging™ is less expensive than other pigging methods. Below you will find more information on some of the reasons why this pigging solution is often the preferred choice for municipalities needing to clean water or sewer mains.
Unlike other pigging solutions, Ice Pigging™ uses up to 50% less water which means municipalities pay less on water costs.
With Ice Pigging™, usually, no excavation is needed, so there are no digging costs or need for pipelines to be exposed or dug up (partly because ice pigs cannot get stuck).
Since Ice Pigging™ is the best at removing large amounts of sediment with one procedure, it is usually significantly more cost-effective than other pigging methods.
Ice Pigging™ lowers the chances of structural damage occurring, saving municipalities money as no repairs will need to be undertaken because of the pigging procedure used.
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Get in Touch With an Ice Pigging™ Expert From American Pipeline Solutions Today!
It's evident that Ice Pigging™ is a cost-effective solution for cleaning water and sewer mains. If you would like to learn more about how the Ice Pigging™ process works and how much it would cost, you can speak with us at American Pipeline Solutions. Our company has years of experience completing high-quality Ice Pigging™ projects that are cost-effective. You can contact us here, and we will be in touch.
FAQs:
What is Ice Pigging™ and how does it work?
Ice Pigging™ is a pipeline cleaning method that uses an ice slurry instead of a solid pig. The semi-solid ice mixture is pumped through the line to scour and remove biofilm, sediment, and mineral deposits. As it moves, it conforms to the pipe shape, cleaning effectively without damaging the walls. When complete, the ice simply melts and is flushed away.
How much does Ice Pigging™ cost per linear foot?
The cost of Ice Pigging™ typically ranges between $1.70 and $5.50 per linear foot, depending on factors such as line diameter, condition, and project scope. For comparison, swabbing may cost $5.70–$9.10, and traditional pigging can reach $16–$21 per foot, making Ice Pigging™ one of the most cost-effective options for water and sewer mains.
What factors influence the cost of Ice Pigging™?
Several elements affect pricing — mainly pipe diameter, length, condition, and accessibility. Larger mains require more ice slurry, which increases production and pumping costs. Projects that involve locating blockages, valves, or restricted sections may also cost more due to additional setup and verification procedures.
Is Ice Pigging™ suitable for all types of pipelines?
No. Ice Pigging™ is best suited for pressurized water and sewer force mains. It is not recommended for gravity-fed sewers or pipelines larger than approximately 24 inches in diameter. APS evaluates each system’s configuration to confirm if Ice Pigging™ is the safest and most effective method for that line.
Why is Ice Pigging™ cheaper than traditional pigging?
Ice Pigging™ reduces total project costs by using up to 50% less water, requiring no excavation or pipeline exposure, and minimizing the risk of pigs getting stuck. It can remove large amounts of sediment in a single pass, and it does not cause structural damage — saving municipalities on post-cleaning repairs and downtime.
What kind of debris does Ice Pigging™ remove?
Ice Pigging™ is highly effective for removing biofilm, iron, manganese deposits, and loose sediment. It can also eliminate organic buildup and suspended materials that cause discoloration or reduced flow. However, it cannot remove hard scale, tubercles, or heavy corrosion — those require mechanical or chemical cleaning.
Can Ice Pigging™ delay the need for pipe rehabilitation?
Yes. By removing organic and mineral deposits, Ice Pigging™ can significantly extend the service life of aging water and sewer mains. It restores internal diameter, improves flow, and delays more expensive rehabilitation or replacement projects, making it an excellent maintenance strategy for municipalities.
How long does an Ice Pigging™ project take?
Most Ice Pigging™ projects are completed within a single day, depending on pipeline length and site conditions. Because the process requires minimal setup and cleanup — and no excavation — downtime is much shorter than with traditional pigging or swabbing.
Is Ice Pigging™ environmentally friendly?
Yes. The process uses water, salt, and energy-efficient equipment, leaving behind no chemical waste or abrasive residue. The melted ice slurry is safely flushed and disposed of through standard wastewater systems, making it a sustainable and environmentally responsible cleaning solution.
How can municipalities request an Ice Pigging™ service quote?
Municipalities and utility operators can contact American Pipeline Solutions directly to request a project evaluation and quote. APS provides a detailed cost estimate based on line data, system configuration, and target cleaning outcomes. Contact APS via Cleaning & Conditioning or our contact form for Ice Pigging™ consultation.
