More often than not, low water pressure is caused by what we in the business call tuberculation. It’s a buildup in pipes that results from corrosion. Tuberculation not only causes low water flow, it can also be responsible for discolored water and even pipe failure.

Sometimes the buildup happens within the building. But oftentimes, the problem is out in the water mains. Whatever the case may be, when tuberculation occurs, folks in your community won’t just be just looking for water, they’ll be looking for answers.

Fortunately, CuraFlo has two of them.

For small diameter pipes within the building, there’s The CuraFlo Engineered Flow Lining System^® -- it’s our proprietary process for restoring water pipes with minimal disruption and cost.

But what if the problem is in the water main?

It used to be the only solution was to replace the lines. But as you well know, this requires extensive excavation and disruption to the residents. And the cost is something that can put a strain on most municipal budgets.

At CuraFlo, we have an alternative called SpinCast.

SpinCast is a process that allows us to clean out and restore water, drain line and industrial process pipes ranging from 3” to 36” in diameter. And it’s the only epoxy lining process that is safe and effective for pipes over 4 inches.

SpinCast is an 8-step process.

STEP 1. First, we locate and access the pipes that need repair.
Unlike with pipe replacement where large areas have to be torn up, we only need to excavate small sections to complete the job. It’s something the folks in your town – who are concerned about the beauty of their property and the safety of the people in the neighborhood -- will appreciate.

Step 2. Next, we run temporary water lines to buildings affected by the shutdown. Then the water is turned off by closing the appropriate isolating valves. By restricting the water in small sections, we are able to maintain service to a larger portion of your community. Pipe sections or fittings are removed from each access point to allow the equipment into the pipe.

Step 3. The pipe is then cleaned using one or a combination of two methods.
POWER BORING. With power boring, high tensile steel rods rotate along the interior surface of the pipe, while a constant flow of water helps wash away the tuberculation. Once the pipe has been cleaned, the rods are removed and the remaining water and cleaning debris are flushed away. This is done by blowing foam cylindrical swabs through the pipe length using filtered compressed air.

DRAG SCRAPING. With drag scraping, the pipes are mechanically cleaned with a tool that scrapes the corrosion from the interior surface. The tool is pulled through the pipe in each direction until the surface is clean.

The remaining water and debris are then removed by pulling rubber plunger disks through the pipe.

Step 4. Once the pipes are cleaned, they are thoroughly inspected using closed-circuit video equipment.

Step 5. If the surveillance reveals no remaining tuberculation or deficiencies, the lining process can begin. To apply the epoxy, a special hose is pulled from the rig through the pipe to be lined. Once the hose reaches the end of the pipe, a spray head is attached and the epoxy is centrifugally applied as the hose is winched back through the pipe. Computerized metering and mixing equipment allow for precise control of the thickness of the epoxy pipe lining.

The pipe is inspected at both ends and then sealed to allow the lining to cure.

Step 6, 7 & 8. After curing, the pipe is re-inspected, flushed and disinfected, and the water supply is turned back on.

And because SpinCast provides a protective coating to the pipes, it prevents corrosion from reoccurring. So you can be sure your residents won’t be left high and dry again.

To learn more about SpinCast and other CuraFlo services contact your local representative. They’ll be glad to help.