Preventative Maintenance Program for Cast & Ductile Iron Water Lines Reduces Leakage & Operating Cost

Corrpro's Break Reduction/Life Extension (BRLE) program for cast and ductile iron water pipe derives primarily from life extension programs that have been and are presently being successfully implemented throughout Canada by various water utilities. The Canadian experience dramatically illustrates the significant capital and repair monies that can be saved by implementing such a program. The key elements of the BRLE program include: (1) an upfront corrosion assessment of the water distribution system and; (2) installation of galvanic anodes in selected areas of the water distribution system based on the corrosion assessment. The corrosion assessment ordinarily includes a review of the water system's general characteristics (e.g. age, material, pipe wall thickness, construction practices, etc.), a review of its break/leak history, a field survey (e.g. soil conditions, electrical tests), and, when appropriate, inspection of the pipe at selected bell-hole excavations. The data are then analyzed to develop a priority indexing for the water system. The priority indexing identifies and prioritizes opportunities for economically reducing replacement/repair costs by installing galvanic anodes in selected areas of the water system.