What Chemical Grout Works Best For Sewer System Inflow And Infiltration?
Manhole rehabilitation projects often involve brick and concrete structures that have cracks, missing or mortar deteriorated gaskets, pipe protrusions or other pathways allowing groundwater to enter. This is a common problem that occurs in manholes across the world, but one that causes a unique problem for OBIC installers.
Although OBIC products are scientifically designed to stop sewer system inflow and infiltration issues, they will not adhere to running water.
Specifically designed to stop leaks in water and wastewater structures
Fortunately, OBIC offers a complete line of grout materials specifically designed for stopping leaks that occur in water and wastewater structures. The most common material used by OBIC installers for stopping leaks is polyurethane chemical grout.
Polyurethane chemical grouts are usually injected under pressure as a liquid resin into or in the vicinity of the leak. Once the resin contacts water, a chemical reaction occurs. Depending on the material formulation, the grout/water combination forms an expansive closed-cell foam. The foam created can be flexible and resilient (hydrophilic) or rigid (hydrophobic). More on that later.
In most manhole leak scenarios, the leak can be used to pull the grout into the structure. To accomplish this, a hole is drilled in the vicinity of the leak and the grout is injected through the wall into the water source. As the resin reacts with the groundwater, it is pulled back into the structure and seals the leak from the outside in, thus creating a seal through the entire wall.
Grout can also be injected directly into the defect in cases where the leak is not strong enough to pull the grout into the structure. In this scenario, the expansion of the foam helps drive the grout through the structure to seal the leak.
Customized solutions for water or wastewater structure rehabilitation project
Choosing the correct repair material to match the leaking condition is critical for a successful result. That is why the OBIC product line includes both pumped and hand injected polyurethane grouts. All certified OBIC installers are thoroughly trained on the proper grouting systems for stopping leaks in even the most challenging water or wastewater rehabilitation project.
- Hydrophilic polyurethane grout seeks out water, is absorbed into cracks and pores of the concrete or masonry and has a tenacious bond to wet concrete. It is used to stop leaks via a crack or joint injection.
- Hydrophobic grout repels water and its reaction is not affected by the presence of water. Hydrophobics are not well suited for crack injection, but are excellent for curtain grouting, sealing gushing leaks, compression sealing, void filling and soil stabilization.
Grouts manufactured in the USA and available for purchase
Backed by 40-years of grout manufacturing experience, OBIC’s grout materials are formulated to maximize performance for the particular application of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater or industrial use.
OBIC grouts do not require professional installation and are available for purchase to anyone looking to stop fast leaks, slow leaks and everything in between. Zero experience is required, and with five minutes of individualized instruction from an OBIC representative, anyone can successfully install OBIC grouts. Customer satisfaction is a priority at OBIC, and our team of professionals is ready to help ensure you have the right grout and the knowledge to install it with confidence.
To learn more about OBIC’s pump and hand injected polyurethane grouts, visit the grout product page or contact OBIC at 866-636-4854.