• Question: There is a big sewage leak and one of the pipes has bursted. what would you do?

    Asked by spikemcguire to Mark on 15 Jun 2014.
    • Photo: Mark Greaves

      Mark Greaves answered on 15 Jun 2014:

      Hello!
      Good question!

      The first thing I’d do would be to identify the location of the leak and see if I can get the flow reduced (if its a pumped sewer).
      The next stage would be to assess what the fix could be. This can vary with the nature of the leak, can a simple collar be fitted? does the pipe need replacing? can the pipe be lined?
      Once that is agreed a diversion would need to be made – people don’t stop flushing the toilet because of a leak! When the diversion is in place I’d make the fix as quickly as possible.

      We had a leak under a river near Bolton last year, partially treated sewage was flowing into the river. We had to construct a temporary pumping station and overground pipeline for the 700 l/s (ish) of sewage flow. I think this cost us over £1,000,000 pounds!

      There would be a lot of public liaison too to make sure our customers aren’t adversely affected.

      What would you do?

      Mark

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