Manhole and Lift Station Rehab is necessary where old, unstable, and decayed manholes are allowing water infiltration. Because manholes are a large, if not the largest entry point for infiltration of many sewer systems. For the last few decades most cities and towns have concentrated on lining the horizontal sewer mains and laterals. So, the water then gets redirected to the next relief points. Which are the manholes of the system. So, if the manholes are not structurally sound and watertight, infiltration will occur. And rainwater and other water sources simply enter through manholes since that is the next available weakness. Therefore, these structures need to be inspected, repaired, and rehabilitated to perform as they should.
Deterioration of Manholes and Lift Stations
Deterioration of Manholes and Lift Stations will occur through many years of use. First, normal deterioration simply from aging is to be expected in any structure. In Addition to that, sewer gases are created. Hydrogen Sulfide, known as H2S, created from flowing sewage are chemically harmful to concrete, mortar, and other cementitious materials. As a result manholes and lift stations will fail. In addition to the disintegration caused by H2S gasses, concrete manholes and lift stations develop leaks because of freeze thaw cycles. And problems with manholes and lift stations made of bricks and blocks have much of the same deterioration. But these structures degrade to a much greater extent and at a faster pace. The freeze thaw cycles and H2S gasses erode the mortar joints and cause bricks and blocks to simply fall out of place. And these missing bricks and blocks create voids for water entry and structural destabilization.
Failed Manholes and Lift Stations
Failed Manholes and Lift Stations create a great number of other problems for a cities sewer system. The loose bricks and blocks often fall out of place and are washed into the sewer lines. And the loose manhole and lift station bricks often cause sewer back ups in the system. Then these backups can cause sewage to back up into peoples’ homes. These problems create both a frustrating clean up processes and health concerns as well. Leaky manholes also allow subgrade material to be rinsed and washed away under streets and roadways. And the void left by evacuating sub grade material will result in potholes, street failures, and costly repairs.
OBIC Armor
OBIC Armor is a no-dig, cost effective rehab solution. Rehabilitation will extend the structural, waterproof, and operational life of your manholes and lift stations. This system is a and closed cell foam system applied to the existing substrate to restore the integrity lost to age and H2S gasses.
Installation Process
Initially we scan the structure with our IBAK Panoramo SI 4K scanner. This will first determine the condition of the structure and serve as our before video. Next the structure is pressure washed to remove all loose debris from the surface substrates. After that leaks will be stopped using injection grouting. Then the structure will be heat dried and the first coat of OBIC 1000 will be applied at a thickness of about 125 mils. Next a layer of OBIC 1306 high density closed cell foam is applied at a thickness of ½ inch or more to smooth out some of the voids and add structural properties. Lastly a final layer of OBIC 1000 is applied to produce a seamless, waterproof, strong, coating and fully rehab your structure.
Quality Control
Since our OBIC 1000 has excellent elongation properties, the coating is applied all the way onto the casting and eliminates the need for chimney seals. Once all the coatings have been applied, we then perform a quality or “Spark Test” to ensure no weaknesses or bug holes exist in the finish product. After that, the date of the project is stamped directly into the material at the top near the casting and serves as the start date of our 10-YEAR MATERIAL AND INSTALLATION WARRANTY! And finally, a post panoramic scan is done, and the video is put on a flash drive and delivered to the customer. The OBIC Armor system has excellent, adhesion, flexural, structural, and abrasion resistant properties to insure decades of additional use to your existing manholes and lift stations.
OBIC Armor Benefits
OBIC Armor Benefits are as follows:
- 1. Backed by Warranty, Like No Other: OBIC Armor is back by a 10-year warranty on BOTH the material AND Installation.
- 2. Structural Reinforcement: The 3 layer product provides structural reinforcement to deteriorating manholes, restoring their integrity, and preventing further damage.
- 3. Surfacer: When dealing with brick/block manholes, this helps smooth out those surfaces providing a better finished product. It expands to fill cracks, joints, voids, and bug holes in the substrate, improving structural integrity.
- 4. High Build Thickness: Our coatings can be applied in relatively thick layers, ensuring a robust protective barrier.
- 5. Waterproofing & Reduced Infiltration and Exfiltration: This rehab method creates a seamless, monolithic, waterproof barrier, seals joints, cracks, and defects in manholes, reducing the risk of water infiltration and exfiltration, which can be environmentally and economically problematic.
- 6. Chemical Resistance: OBIC Armor offers excellent resistance to chemical corrosion, it is impervious to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), protecting manholes from the harsh and corrosive elements found in wastewater systems. SWAT Approved.
- 7. Strength: It adds structural enhancement, approximately 25%-30%, or reinforcement into the structure.
- 8. Durability and Abrasion Resistance: OBIC 1000 is exceptionally durable, with high abrasion resistance designed for the harsh conditions in wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, and manholes.
- 9. Bond Strength: The coating forms a strong bond with the existing manhole substrate, ensuring long-term adhesion and durability.
- 10. Flexible and Durable: OBIC 1000 is highly flexible, 395% elongation, and can withstand thermal expansion and contraction, eliminating cracks under temperature changes.
- 11. Longevity: Has a 50-year design life.
- 12. Eliminates Chimney Seals: Since the OBIC Armor system is a continuous monolithic system from bench of the invert up to where it is attached to the casting (manhole frame) there is no need for additional cost of chimney seals.
- 13. Rapid Cure Time: OBIC Armor is tack-free in 20-30 seconds, allowing for quick return to service, minimizing disruptions in the wastewater system.
- 14. Versatility: This system can be customized for specific project requirements. Our chemists will work with you to ensure you get the proper coating for your project.
- 15. Return on Investment (ROI): Rehabilitating manholes with OBIC Armor can significantly reduce the amount of groundwater treated. For instance, rehabilitating 10 manholes eliminates enough groundwater to allow 82 new homes to connect to the system. This results in a return on investment in approximately 15 months.
- 16. No VOC’s: OBIC 1000 is 100% solid, so there are zero VOC’s.
- 17. Environmentally Friendly: Rehabilitating manholes with OBIC Armor can help minimize the environmental impact associated repairs.
- 18. Expertly Trained and Certified Installation: All OBIC installers are required to be professionally trained at the OBIC facility in Ohio to be certified. And OBIC materials can only legally be installed by Certified installers maintaining the highest quality
Contact Us
So, if you are in need of Manhole or Lift Station Rehab, please today! Please feel free to watch our videos on OBIC Armor by clicking the link. To learn more about the full range of our OBIC coating products and applications please visit our OBIC page.
WHAT WE CAN DO
We specialize in a variety of services that allow us to inspect, clean, repair, replace, and line municipal pipes with speed and efficiency. So call us if you have any sewer related issue.
Hydro Excavation
Using high-pressure water to remove the soil from around your municipal pipes will allow our team to safely and naturally excavate your property. So the cost and mess will be reduced.
Cured-in-place Pipe (CIPP)
Your city’s sewer and drain system needs to be running at all times. So Manhole to manhole pipe lining eliminates the need for excavating your streets.
Manhole Rehab
Failing manholes are a common weakness within sewer systems. In addition to I & I problems, leaky manholes cause street problems and costly repairs. We can seal your manholes and return their structural integrity with trenchless methods using OBIC rehab systems.
Robotic Cutting
We use industry leading technology to robotically cut and reinstate your pipes from within. And this is safer because human entry is dangerous and prohibitive.
Jetting and Descaling
It is essential for your pipes to be thoroughly cleaned with environmentally-friendly techniques. And that's why we have certified professional for the job.
Cleaning and Televising
Determining the right solution for your municipal pipes is made possible through effective inspection technology. And it starts with a cleaning and televising plan.
Call us to schedule your service or request a free estimate today. And we are available 24/7.