WALTHAM ABBEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: A Sainsbury's employee checks an automated sorting area at Sainsbury's Waltham Point Depot on December 13, 2010 in Waltham Abbey, England. The 700,000 sq ft fulfillment factory is the largest Sainsbury's distribution centre in the UK supplying around 90 stores across London and the South East of England. The depot is gearing up for the last two weeks before Christmas, which is the busiest time of the year. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
There is more than what meets the eye, so the old saying goes. And cliche as it may sound, this has never been more apt when it comes to describing the network of pipes buried beneath the United States. Containing a whopping 2.5 million miles of pipelines, you might wonder if utility pipes ever intersect underground.
These intersecting utility lines are referred to as “cross bores.” Posing risk with death as the worst possible case scenario, a thorough cross bore inspection, Dallas, Texas is needed when laying new pipelines to avoid cross boring.
How Dangerous Are Cross Bores
It was in 1976 when cross bores became first known to the industry and to the public. Rather tragic, the concern arose when an explosion caused by a sewer drain cleaner hitting a cross-bores gas line claimed the lives of two people.
As mentioned, death is the worst possible danger brought upon by intersecting utility lines. But even if there’s no death involved, the resulting explosion can negatively impact the health of the pipeline workers and the surrounding neighborhood. Especially if the affected utility line is a gas line, cross boring can trigger fire emergencies that can damage not only the network of pipelines underground but also the establishments near the area.
The Importance of Cross Bore Inspection
The total length of underground pipelines the US has — which carry different products including oil, natural gas, and water — can circle the Earth about a hundred times. In this intricate network, many cross bores remain undetected underground for years.
Even today, various construction and infrastructure projects that break ground put this landscape of networks at risk, and if a cross bore is hit, it can cause dangers of varying degrees. The use of trenchless excavation technologies, if not carried out properly, can increase the potential of puncturing an existing underground infrastructure. Hence, before laying new pipelines or fixing an old one, it is important to conduct a cross bore inspection, Dallas, Texas first.
Companies that provide such services have access to information where previously located cross bores are. They also have the needed equipment to ensure the entire scene is safe before giving any pipeline work a go signal.
If a cross bore is detected, experts recommend cured-in-place pipe repair. Without breaking the ground, this method allows workers to fix a certain damaged portion of a pipe and have it replaced by a new pipe within. When installing, the use of a CCTV or a monitoring device will be helpful to check if the repair is being carried out properly — meaning, it is not causing any further damage to the pipeline.
Preventing Cross Boring
As stated, there are still cross bores that remain undetected underground. Apart from avoiding damaging them, another important thing to do is to prevent creating other cross-bored utility lines.
Besides cross bore inspection, Dallas, Texas, companies that are about to lay new pipelines or update an aging one should undergo thorough preconstruction planning. They also need to ensure they have the best markings and records, utilize CCTV devices to monitor installation in case there are inaccurate records, and report to authorities should they encounter damaged lines along the process so that appropriate actions can be taken.
Cross boring can be dangerous and our team at Advanced Pipe Repair can help you make sure that your property is safe. Contact us today for a proper cross bore inspection, Dallas, Texas.
