Reasons for Hiring Sewer Contractors

Sewer contractors carry out work pertaining to installing, repairing, or removing sewer pipelines. Contractors undergo considerable training to become licensed and certified. The types of jobs they perform must meet compliance guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency and other state and federal agencies.

It is vital to hire skilled sewer contractors that have a good reputation and possess an excellent safety record. Anytime sewer pipes are incorrectly installed there is a high probability that pipes will leak and discharge toxic contaminants into the ground and environment.

Contractors usually specialize in one specific type of sewer construction, such as industrial or public works. A few sewer companies are qualified to conduct work in all fields. These include those mentioned earlier, along with institutional, residential, and commercial.

Due to the fact sewer pipes are constantly exposed to environmental elements they need to be monitored and maintained on a regular basis. Many issues can arise when pipes become broken or damaged. If untreated sewage or environmental toxins are accidentally discharged, contractors can be faced with hefty fines and cleanup costs.

Sewer contractors not only install and repair pipelines. They also engage in related duties such as performing sewer video inspections; backwater valve cleanout; pipe cleanout; and septic tank conversions to tap into city sewer lines.

Septic tank conversion is one of the top reasons people employ sewer contractors. The conversion process necessitates working with city inspectors, design engineers, subsurface utility engineering contractors, and pipeline construction companies.

Septic tanks have to be drained and plugged to prevent environmental contamination. Additionally, new pipes are connected to the house and city lines. When municipalities make sewer improvements the job can require dozens of laborers and take several months to convert entire towns from septic tanks to city sewer lines.

Another common reason for hiring sewer companies is pipe cleanout. One way to reduce the need for pipe cleanout is controlling the sorts of waste placed into the system. One of the biggest culprits of clogged pipes is greasy products. Instead of pouring grease down the drain it's much wiser to toss it in the garbage bin or dispose of it at recycling centers.

It is also crucial to be aware of the kinds of environmental toxins being flushed down toilets and sinks. Household waste accounts for 25 percent of contaminants that are discharged into U.S. waterways. The remaining 75 percent comes from commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.

Wastewater is transported via underground pipeline networks to treatment facilities. One essential element of sewer pipe networks is manholes. This apparatus provides access for workers to make repairs and conduct inspections, and also help to release gas that accumulates inside pipes.

Gravity-powered sewer systems are the most prevalent kind of system used in the U.S. Sewer laterals are connected to trunk and branch lines that can be accessed by sewer manholes.

Gravity-powered systems are impractical whenever sewer pipes need to be installed along coastlines or in low-lying terrain. The solution is to place lift stations near pipes to increase elevation. Certain situations call for making use of pressurized systems that convey sewage to distant locations for discharge.

Regardless of whether an individual needs a new sewer system installed or an entire city is converting septic tanks to public lines, it is vital to hire experienced sewer contractors. Always seek out contractors that can comply with project schedules and budgets, and have a superb record of construction safety.

The Inner Workings of a Storm Water Drainage System

A storm water drainage system is an engineering marvel that involves extensive collaboration amongst everyone involved in the project. These systems are vital for collecting and carrying away storm water runoff from gutters, roofs, and ground surface areas.

Design engineers draft water drainage system blueprints and make use of construction materials that comply with government regulations. Construction plans must undergo review by city planners before pipeline contractors can begin the installation process.

Engineers have to take many factors into account during the design phase. Two of the more important factors involve the rate at which storm runoff accumulates upstream and how quickly water flows onto surface areas.

Knowing how quickly water will flow helps engineers decide which kinds of street gutters are needed for open channel flow, as well as the types of inlets. Inlets assist with collecting debris to minimize the amount of waste placed into the system. 

Storm drainage systems are comprised of a pipeline network that carries away water to a release destination. A significant number of mathematical calculations are needed to determine anticipated rainfall levels and minimize the potential for flooding.

Due to the fact runoff water frequently contains debris; environmental toxins; and petroleum-based materials, storm water pollution has become a big concern for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Storm water management practices are crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of America's waterways and for monitoring the amount and types of toxins discharged into the environment.

Certain kinds of pipeline construction jobs necessitate that storm water runoff be carried to detention ponds where it is stored and discharged at a later date. Detention ponds are either wet or dry. Wet ponds are utilized as a make-shift treatment facility, while dry ponds store excess water.

Detention ponds are helpful in maintaining water flow rate to outlet pipes and making certain discharged water doesn't create a negative impact on property that is positioned downstream.

Storm water drainage systems consist of a minor and major system that can work independently or together. Minor systems gather runoff water and carry it to the discharge location. These systems are essential in redirecting water to street gutters, storm water pipes, channels, and swales.

Anytime water levels become too much for minor systems to manage the major system takes over. Major systems can move water at a swifter rate and aids in minimizing flooding.

When hiring pipeline construction companies to install storm water drainage systems it's important to make certain systems are in compliance with Best Management Practices established by the Environmental Protection Agency and American Society of General Engineers.

Pipeline Construction Offers Multiple Career Opportunities

Pipeline construction has significantly improved the lifestyle of people around the world. Pipeline networks supply us with many kinds of petroleum products; protect subsurface utility systems; provide domestic water; and carry away sewage waste.

Without pipeline construction, Americans would not be able to enjoy the luxury of indoor plumbing, cable TV, central heat and air, or being able to pull up to a gas station and fill their automobile with gasoline.

Additionally, pipelines carry untreated sewage and storm water runoff away from our homes and communities. Sewage is swept away through sewer pipes and taken to treatment facilities. Storm drainage systems help to eliminate excess water so that roadways and parking lots don't flood during periods of heavy rainfall.

Pipeline construction is one of the few industries that is expanding instead of shrinking. According to the California Economic Workforce Development Program, the pipeline industry is planning to add almost 800,000 new jobs through 2012.

There are many kinds of career opportunities in the pipeline industry. Positions include: general labor, design engineer, heavy equipment operator, mechanic, construction diver, oil pipeline walker, pipeline welder, gas pipe layer, pipe fitter, foreman, and superintendent. There are also several positions that involve office work and accounting.

Workers that enter into gas and oil pipeline construction are required to obtain substantial training. This field presents dangerous risks that necessitate employees to be informed about HAZMAT, EPA regulations, and workplace safety.

Energy pipeline construction oftentimes requires employees to work in remote areas for an extended time period. Working environments encompass mountains, deserts, frozen tundra, rivers, and oceans and can be extremely physical work.

Other types of work include wet utility and dry utility pipeline construction. Wet utility encompasses jobs that pertain to installing pipes that convey liquid materials such as sewer and water pipes, storm water drainage systems, and fireline. Dry utility construction pertains to pipes used to convey non-gaseous materials or to safeguard underground utility systems.

Southern California has one of the highest numbers of pipeline construction companies. Additional U.S. job markets include Alaska, Texas, and Louisiana. Jobs in these states include entry level positions; laborers and engineers for Alaskan pipeline; and welders for offshore oil rigs.

The International market is rapidly expanding with numerous job opportunities in Asia, India, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates; particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Within the U.S. there is more than 200,000 miles of pipeline used to convey petroleum products. Furthermore, there are millions of miles of sewer and water pipes, dry utility pipelines, storm drainage systems, and fireline. Installing and maintaining the ever-expanding pipeline networks necessitates a massive number of employees.

Overseeing the expansive pipeline network involves employing a highly trained team of project managers, design engineers, and pipeline construction contractors. The type of education and skills required depends on the job position. Many entry level jobs only require a GED or high school diploma, while others require a college degree.


Pipeline construction is not for everyone, but people that enjoy physical work and engineering, will find this industry offers many opportunities for lifelong careers.

Common Subsurface Utility Engineering Terminology

Subsurface utility engineering refers to methods utilized by pipeline construction contractors to identify underground utilities. SUE equipment provides critical data regarding the location of existing pipeline networks and utility systems.

The practice of subsurface utility engineering provides numerous benefits to project owners, design engineers, and pipeline contractors. Having the ability to locate previously installed pipelines helps to provide a safer workplace and reduces the need for redesigning construction blueprints or relocating installed pipes and utilities.

SUE can also help project owners reduce costs and allow engineers to identify potential conflicts prior to commencing with construction. If utility systems or pipes need to be relocated, engineers can quickly obtain precise data to make the process safe and cost-effective.

Subsurface utility engineering is an invaluable method for all kinds of pipeline projects that involve utility systems, fireline, storm water drainage systems, and water pipeline. Everyone involved in the project benefits from using SUE methods.

Whether a municipality needing to make sewer pipeline improvements or a private homeowner needing to convert a septic tank to city sewer lines, SUE methods reduces risks connected with this kind of work and provides a safer construction site.

Irrespective of if a person or company needs to retain services from pipeline construction companies or an employee involved with the installation process, it is important to have a basic understanding of common subsurface utility engineering terminology. Let's review five of the more important terms.

Scope of Work: This refers to a written plan that describes the kind of work required, types of equipment needed to complete the work, financial budgets, and work schedules. Everyone involved with the project receives a copy of the scope of work. This can include project owners, design engineers, SUE contractors, city planners, and pipeline contractors.  

Locating: This refers to a subsurface utility engineering method that identifies the location of previously installed pipes and utility systems. Locating equipment supplies information pertaining to the vertical and horizontal position of installed pipes, as well as pipe dimensions.

Designating:  This type of equipment uses subsurface geophysical technology to locate installed pipes and utility systems. Pipeline contractors use designating equipment to make marks on the ground surface so pipe locations can easily be identified.   

Data Management: Pipeline construction projects require sharing collected data with everyone involved with the project to assure all parties can work together to complete the project on time. Data management software is used to collect, store, and transfer data gathered from locating and designating.

Conflict Analysis:  This process is necessary for analyzing information provided by subsurface utility engineering methods. Collected data is provided to project owners, design engineers, pipeline contractors, and stakeholders. Compiling data from a variety of SUE methods is essential for identifying issues that could create conflict with construction blueprints, as well as coming up with solutions if issues arise.

When retaining services from SUE contractors it is imperative to hire those that are experienced with the specific type of pipeline application. Contractors should also have accessibility to geophysical prospecting equipment.

Project owners rely on subsurface utility engineering companies to supply accurate data. It's vital to work with companies that know to get the most out of SUE methods and lessen project costs.

Selecting the Right Type of Pipeline Construction Companies

Pipeline construction companies are required with construction work that involves installing, repairing, removing, and maintaining the immense network of water, sewer, gas, and fireline pipes that extend across the country.

Pipeline construction companies fall into the category of either wet utility or dry utility. Wet utility encompasses jobs related to pipes that convey liquid products. Dry utility work pertains to pipes that hold non-gaseous products or safeguard utility systems such as telecommunications.

General contractors hire pipeline contractors to install new wet or dry utility pipelines. They are also necessary when work entails repairs, relocation, or removal of existing systems.

Numerous types of construction projects require contractors. People are often under the impression that utility companies install and maintain gas, electric, and cable utility pipelines, but this usually isn't the case. Although a few utility companies engage in pipeline construction, most hire contractors that are experienced with utility applications.

Utility companies like Edison Electric and California Gas fall into the category of dry utility because they specialize in electrical and gas pipe networks. Dry utility systems protect electrical conduit, fiber optics, and communications systems by making use of subsurface utility pipelines. These aren't technically a pipeline system, but instead a utility system.

Wet utility pipeline contractors install and maintain pipes that convey liquid matter. These are comprised of storm water drainage systems, fireline, water pipeline, and sewer pipes. In essence, all systems that transport liquid products fall into the category of wet utilities.

A large percentage of construction jobs make use of both dry and wet utility pipeline systems. Construction jobs fall into one of five categories which include: municipality, industrial, institutional, commercial, and residential.

Municipality projects pertain to jobs that are paid for with public funds. These can include public storm water drainage systems, sewer systems, and water pipelines. When public funds are used these kinds of jobs are referred to as 'improvements'. Work is performed on property owned by the city, state, or federal government such as interstate systems, county roads, and city streets.

Industrial projects pertain to work performed at power-generating plants, factories, processing facilities, and manufacturing plants.

Institutional projects involve jobs performed at correctional facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, colleges, schools, and churches. 

Commercial projects relate to construction work performed at sports complexes, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, retail stores, office buildings, and business centers.

Residential projects involve work that takes place in residential communities comprised of single and multi-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and apartment complexes. It also includes mixed-use retail residential, which involves retail stores that have residential housing attached.

All of these projects require employing skilled pipeline construction companies that are experienced with the inner workings of the specific application. As an example, the installation process for residential communities is different than the process used for commercial projects. Therefore, it is imperative to work with construction companies that specialize in the specific application required to complete the job.