Our water systems that have reached their useful life
Across North America, gray or ductile iron water pipes installed decades ago are gradually losing their hydraulic capacity due to the accumulation of internal tubercles reducing the diameter of the pipe until it becomes obsolete.
In Quebec, up to 50% of the water infrastructure or 22,000 km of pipes are made of cast iron and therefore at risk of being affected by internal and external corrosion problems.
These increasingly degraded infrastructures can have a major impact on the sustainability of the network, in particular by causing recurring breakdowns, water flow problems for fire protection and even issues regarding the color and quality of the water.
When these situations occur, the traditional solution consists of lining or replacing the affected pipes, leading to very significant costs : according to CERIU*, replacing a pipe costs up to $1.25 million per KM of pipes replaced.
An economic rehabilitation solution
Faced with increasingly corroded pipelines, municipalities find themselves not only with outdated infrastructure, but with difficult budgetary choices.
Faced with this situation, Soleno Service now offers a rehabilitation solution that is up to 10x cheaper than traditional lining and 18x cheaper than replacement, without excavation.
Our rehabilitation solution can clean and dislodge more than 95% of sediment while protecting it from corrosion for the next 50 years thanks to the addition of a corrosion inhibitor. To be able to clean everything, we use the fire hydrant is used as an access shaft to the distribution network.
An economical and sustainable process
Frequently Asked Questions
Gaining a better understanding of exotec technology and the rehabilitation of hydraulic capacity in cast iron water mains without excavation
What does the rehabilitation of the hydraulic capacity of water mains involve?
This service aims to restore optimal flow of drinking water in cast iron pipes, which are often clogged or reduced in diameter by rust and limescale deposits that have accumulated over time. Using a trenchless method, Soleno thoroughly cleans the internal walls, followed by the application of a protective coating. This operation restores the pipe to its original hydraulic efficiency while extending its useful life without having to replace it.
Why is this necessary?
Over the years, cast iron pipes accumulate significant amounts of rust deposits. These deposits not only reduce the effective diameter of the pipes, but also affect the quality of drinking water (metallic taste, discoloration) and increase pressure losses. Rehabilitating these pipes without replacing them is a cost-effective way to solve these problems while keeping the network in service during the work.
What are the advantages of this trenchless method?
One of the biggest advantages is that it avoids excavation work, which is often time-consuming, costly, and disruptive in urban areas. This method allows for quick, targeted, and clean intervention with little or no impact on traffic or residents. In addition, it extends the life of existing pipes by restoring their hydraulic capacity and protecting internal surfaces from future corrosion. It is also 10 to 18 times cheaper than alternatives such as relining or replacement.
Is this method safe for drinking water?
Yes, absolutely. All materials used, including the coating applied to the inside of the pipes, are certified to comply with drinking water standards. The process is designed to meet strict health requirements for municipal water distribution. Disinfection is carried out at the end of the work, before the treated section is put back into service.
What is the typical procedure for an intervention?
The process begins by isolating the section of pipe to be treated. Mechanical cleaning is then performed using rotating tools that strip away internal deposits. Once the walls have been cleared and inspected, a special epoxy coating is applied to cover the internal surfaces, restore flow capacity, and protect against corrosion. The pipe is then rinsed, disinfected, and put back into service.
Is the water supply interrupted?
Yes, but only temporarily and in very localized areas. Bypass plans are often put in place to limit service interruptions. Residents are notified in advance, and measures are taken to ensure a quick return to normal service once the work is complete.
Has the flow capacity really been restored?
Oui. L’élimination des dépôts internes, combinée à l’application d’un revêtement lisse et résistant, permet de restaurer, voire parfois d’améliorer, la capacité hydraulique de la conduite. Les pertes de pression sont réduites, le débit est optimisé et la qualité de l’eau est améliorée grâce à la suppression des zones de rétention de sédiments ou de corrosion.
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