All Clear. All Clean.
Watermain swabbing is the forceful introduction of a large sponge through a pipe to remove debris such as stones and sand before undertaking chlorine testing procedures prior to the activation of the watermain.
CWW’s watermain swabbing equipment comes complete with mounted pump units that provide comprehensive cleaning services for installations and existing water-distribution systems.
The swabbing system is composed of a water tank, pump and swab chamber. The customer prepares the section of watermain to be swabbed with a riser positioned at each end. The assigned CWW crew member subsequently sets up at one end and connects the system to the riser. Water is then drawn from a hydrant or water supply on-site and is pumped into the watermain through the riser. A cylindrical sponge with a cone nose is pushed into the swab chamber and propelled by the water pressure generated by the pump throughout the length of the watermain. The process ends when the swab – and all sand and stone debris – vacates the watermain through the other riser.
Generally, the process is repeated three to five times until the last sponge that has fully penetrated the pipe is clean and approved by the city inspector. CWW can also manipulate valves in the waterlines to complete the swabbing of multiple watermain sections from the same setup area.
Note: Water main swabbing is now required for new water main installations in many municipalities including the City of Ottawa.
