August 2022 Vol. 77 No. 8
Rehab Technology
Rehab News
HammerHead Introduces New Lead Pipe Replacement Kits
HammerHead Trenchless released its new HydraSlitter kits as a better solution to the nationwide lead-pipe crisis in the U.S.
The U.S. EPA enacted a water treatment technique regulation for lead, in 1991, based on the use of orthophosphates to mitigate problems associated with lead contamination occurring from corrosive water. Orthophosphates can create a protective mineral coating that keeps toxic lead stuck to pipes.
“However,” said Josh Hood, senior manager of product management and support at HammerHead Trenchless, “the protective coating they provide is not a permanent solution.”
Many local and state requirements call for its removal, and nearly every state has funding available to do so.
An estimated 6 to 10 million linear feet of lead pipe, at or nearing the end of its useful life, is still in service. Much of it exists as lateral service delivering potable water to private, residential customers.
The U.S. goal is to replace all of it within the next 10 years, and $15 billion has been set aside from the infrastructure bill to address the lead crisis.
HydraSlitter kits were specifically designed to give pipe replacement professionals an effective means of taking lead pipe laterals – 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter – out of service.
Easy to learn, use
According to Hood, the HydraSlitter system is simple, easy to learn and easy to use. Plus, “investment cost is super low, since you’re only buying tooling, not a machine.”
In most cases, the machine used to pull the tooling can be the same mini excavator used to dig the pit, depending on ground conditions and length of run.
“Runs will generally be 40 to 50 feet, but 120 feet is the maximum length right now,” he added.
Another advantage is it’s an economical and effective alternative to open-cut replacement that not only damages tree root systems, but routinely requires extensive excavation to remove the full length of pipe and then restore sidewalks, drives, retaining walls or other surface structures, after the replacement pipe installation.
HydraSlitter provides a trenchless method. Drawn by a cable attached to a mini excavator,
with the cable grip provided in the kit, HydraSlitter tooling slits the lead pipe, while simultaneously installing new product pipe into place as it progresses.
Since the replacement pipe follows in the same path as the existing pipe, this trenchless process greatly reduces disruption to daily routines, traffic, or commerce. It decreases project time and cost by minimizing excavation, demolition, and restoration requirements. It has no impact on tree root systems and significantly mitigates the risk of interfering with other utilities in shared easements.
Now available online, contractors can select from two full-system HydraSlitter kits. Arriving within just a few days of ordering it, the kit contains exactly what the contractor needs for the job at-hand: the appropriate blades, expanders, cable, duct-rodder, and cable grip for the excavator. Contents also include a tooling assembly selection chart and instructions.
HammerHead Trenchless, a division of The Toro Company, manufactures and delivers a unique combination of rehabilitation, replacement and installation equipment and consumables for the underground construction market. Besides being a full solutions provider in rehabilitation and replacement, HammerHead also offers unmatched field support and project consultation to its customers worldwide.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
HammerHead Trenchless, (800) 331-6653, hammerheadtrenchless.com/product-category/lateralpipebursting/waterservices/hydraslitterkits/
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