COLLECTION & CONVEYANCE
Wastewater collection systems maintenance is responsible for all maintenance,
cleaning, rehabilitation, and tap-on approvals for sewer lines within the
Lexington-Fayette County service area. The system includes nearly 1,400 miles of
sewer line and over 28,000 manholes. Parts of the collection system date back to
the 1930's and are in constant need of repair.
Sewer Line Stoppages
Two Vactor Trucks work daily to eliminate pipe line and manhole stoppages and regular preventative maintenance.
This equipment is used to jet clean the line with high pressure water hose. The debris is then
vacuumed from the manhole with the high powered vacuum hose. Preventative maintenance concentrates
on tree root cutting and grease removal in designated areas. Grease and tree root removal is a
major problem which in Fayette County and takes considerable man and equipment hours.
Sewer Line Inspection
New Construction: All new construction sewer lines are TV inspected to map the lines,
verify as-built drawing and ensure the line has no construction flaws. This inspection process
must be completed prior to accepting this line for maintenance. Additionally all manholes are
vacuum tested to ensure tightness and prevent future infiltration of storm water and release of
sewer odors.
Preventative Maintenance Inspections: TV inspections are performed on sewers lines as a
result of line blockages and other sewer related problems. The TV inspection process is critical
in the detection and location of needed repairs. With the TV camera, the crew can find the exact
location of lateral connection and type of problem. This information is valuable in the digging
and repair process as it eliminates digging "guess work".
Sewer Line Repair and Rehabilitation
The Division has two full time dig up and repair crews. After a TV inspection finds and locates
a problem, the Dig up crew begins the repair process. The crews performs approximately 400 repairs
per year. These range from cleanout installation to the repair of a high pressure 24 inch force main.
The repair crews upon request from the citizens install backflow preventer valves if feasible. The
backflow preventer program installs these units free of charge to prevent basement flooding or
sewer backups in the home.
Inflow and Infiltration
An aging sewers system is in constant need of inspection and repair. Cracked and broken sewer lines
and manholes allow ground water to enter the sewers system. In additional to groundwater, illegal
sump pump connections and roof downspouts add rainwater to the sewer system. This additional water
volume is called inflow and infiltration. During a rain event this additional water can overburden
the sewer system and cause overflows.
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