Relocation of Backyard Sewer Mains

The City is in the final analysis of options for replacement of sanitary sewer mains located in backyards.  Previously the City considered relocating the backyard sanitary sewer mains to the street Rights-of-Ways (ROW’s) in order to alleviate difficulties accessing and maintaining the sewer mains in backyards.  This would require property owners served by the existing backyard sanitary sewer mains to “turn around” their side sewer service lines to be connected to the new mains in the ROW’s.

The City is currently analyzing sanitary sewer main replacement in the existing backyard locations by a construction method called pipe bursting.  Pipe bursting is a process where new pipe is fused together and pulled through the existing main in its current location.  This process bursts the existing main and the existing side sewer service lines are then reconnected to the new sewer main with small excavations at the existing point of connection.  This method of sewer main replacement has become more widely used in recent years.  Pipe bursting would eliminate the need for most property owners to turn around their side sewer service lines. 

Overall, the alternative of pipe bursting for backyard sewer main replacement would save the City and property owners a considerable amount of money and would help keep sanitary sewer costs manageable.  If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Trent J. Lougheed (City Engineer) or Jeff Davis (Utility Foreman) at (253) 564-8900.