How to Treat Manhole Inflow and Infiltration Issues Fast

Dec 20, 2022 | Educational

How to Treat Manhole Inflow and Infiltration Issues Fast

We all know infiltration when we see it – you open the manhole cover and there’s seeping water or maybe even rushing water. This groundwater is leaking into the system and ends up at the wastewater treatment plant, causing operational inefficiencies and higher costs for the community. So when you do see it, you need to know what is causing it and how to treat it FAST. We thought it would be a nice refresher to easily show the six main types of I&I in this illustration and how we’ve fixed these for clients:

Leaking Casting and Adjusting Ring Joints

Manhole frames and covers or adjusting rings are installed to the cone section of the manhole with cement mortar. Because it is at the top near ground level, it’s exposed to freeze/thaw cycles, heavy vehicle loading, traffic vibration, and sometimes earth movement. All of these can cause the mortar to crack, creating voids with groundwater or rainwater infiltration.

OBIC’s line of manhole lining systems and sewer lining coatings are made of a flexible polymer that is spray applied and cures in minutes. This completely seals the mounting joint and any stacked adjusting rings and provides a watertight fix to the infiltration problem. The flexible properties of the OBIC lining resist movement caused by freeze/thaw cycles, vibrations and soil movement, and it won’t come loose like other internal mechanical seals. In addition, the OBIC system does not require excavation, but external seals will require it. Watch this video to follow along step-by-step with a project in Moscow, Idaho as they prepare and line a manhole with OBIC products.

Infiltration Through Pre-cast Joints

In order to comply with ASTM C478, pre-cast manhole sections are fitted with gasket material to provide a watertight joint that inhibits infiltration through the joint. Over time, the gasket material degrades, stretches, washes out, or otherwise fails to prevent groundwater infiltration.

Menallen Township had approximately 20 sewage manholes that were in various stages of deterioration. The OBIC manhole lining system was installed, extending the life of the manholes substantially. They were able to completely eliminate all stormwater infiltration into the sewage system, so treatment plants were no longer overloaded. Read full case study here

Infiltration Through Loose Mortar

Hydrogen sulfide gas corrosion, freeze/thaw cycles, traffic loading, and ground movement can all cause mortar joints to fail.

Similar to many municipalities across the country, Bay City’s manhole structures were made of brick, block and precast structures that varied in age. Over time, in some cases more than 50 years, leaks and deterioration began to jeopardize their structural integrity. In an effort to address these issues quickly and efficiently, an OBIC-certified installer was called in to rehabilitate 170 of the city’s aging manholes. Read full case study here

Leaks Around Pipe Penetrations

Typical pipe penetrations in a manhole are the sewer line at the bottom or a drain pipe that was installed with the manhole, or more likely, at a later date resulting in a substrate penetration. These penetrations are sealed with cement mortar that eventually cracks or deteriorates allowing groundwater to infiltrate.

Rostraver Township Sewage Authority in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, was struggling with finding solutions for an aging sewer system. The Township Authority was so impressed with the performance of OBIC products that they are already looking at future projects. Read full case study here

Fractures Caused by Vibrations, Shifting and Expanding Soil

Damage during installation/transportation of the components, ground movement, earthquakes, and vehicle traffic can cause vibrations that may result in structure cracking over time.

Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (ART), an OBIC-certified installer, was featured in Inflow & Infiltration Solutions and Equipment (I&I) magazine for a successful manhole rehab project done for the city of Parkersburg, West Virginia. In the article, “What Lies Beneath”, hidden I&I had set a major sinkhole event into action and ART quickly went to work using OBIC 1000, a fast-curing polyurea coating, and OBIC 1306, a high-density polyurethane foam to repair, rehabilitate, and restore the manhole fast. Learn more about this project.

Damage From H2S Corrosion

Hydrogen-sulfide corrosion occurs as an acid attack caused by the chemical/biological conversion of hydrogen-sulfide gas to sulfuric acid when moisture is present. When that highly corrosive sulfuric acid runs down the wall of a concrete manhole over time, it will begin to erode the concrete surface and eventually erode several inches of thickness and lessen the structural integrity.

Memphis, Tenn., ran into a particular infrastructure rehabilitation challenge when a run of 15-inch VCP sewer main with eight manholes was compromised by age and H2S gas. The chosen structural solution—OBIC Armor 1000—used a three-layer installation process, requiring all active leaks stopped before application. It was chosen for its structural enhancement, protective properties, quick application and return-to-service. Read full case study here

There are dozens of challenges facing sewer system owners, but there is one solution that can resolve all of them. OBIC lining systems are versatile enough to rehabilitate and protect sewer manholes of every construction material, shape, size, and age. To learn more about how OBIC products can rehabilitate even the most difficult water or wastewater rehabilitation issues, call us at 866-636-4854.

Chief Financial Officer

KRISTI KIMPEL

With more than 16 years of experience in the trenchless technology industry, Kristi has been with OBIC since the company’s conception. In that time, Kristi has worn many hats while managing the front office: accounting, safety, marketing, event planning, insurance, and shipping and receiving, just to name a few.

Prior to joining the OBIC team, Kristi worked for a transportation broker as an onsite representative for the customers while also serving as an internal transportation specialist. She stays involved in the local manufacturing industry by maintaining active membership in the Black Swamp Safety Council. In addition, she participates in leadership positions for Williams County, learning how the community works and using it as an avenue to be more involved.

In her free time, Kristi stays busy with her two kids who are involved in a variety of extracurricular clubs and sports. She also serves as a school board member and as an archery coach where she is committed to teaching archery basics as well as important life skills. She is passionate about growing and leading women in discipleship programs and wants to positively influence others around her.

 

Physical Properties:

  • Z

    Tensile Strength: 3351 psi
  • Z

    Elongation: 395%
  • Z

    Hardness: 48D
  • Z

    Tear Resistance: 417 pli
  • Z

    SWAT ASTM G210: Pass

CEO/Chief Visionary Officer

DUSTIN SCHLACHTER

Dustin Schlachter is dedicated to providing water and wastewater system repair and maintenance solutions that are both affordable and long-lasting. With a visionary mindset, he is responsible for setting the strategic course for OBIC and ensuring high growth initiatives and strong partnerships as he leads the company toward the future.

Dustin’s entrepreneurial aspiration has held him captive to the trenchless technology field since 1999 when he and his father founded S&S Directional Boring. No stranger to change management, he has successfully led multiple companies as they embraced new infrastructure rehabilitation technologies. In 2007, Dustin founded Advanced Rehabilitation Technology where he continued to grow and expand his work to include infrastructure rehabilitation through lining and coating system applications. This expansion allowed him to strengthen the executive and visionary skills he would need one day to lead a global company.

Dustin continues to expand upon and share his knowledge of the industry by serving as a member and past president of the Great Lakes Trenchless Association. He is also an active member of the National Association of Sewer Service Companies and the Water Environment Federation.

A devoted husband and father of three, Dustin finds enjoyment and relaxation in outdoor activities like landscaping and gardening. Dustin is dedicated to learning and growing in faith, and his life goal is to help others grow as well.​

 

Marketing Manager

Lee Drugan

Lee Drugan is a seasoned Marketing Manager with over 12 years of experience, specializing in bridging the gap between complex industries and their audiences. Lee’s core passion lies in helping companies and individuals understand their ‘Why’ – which is usually a great connection between customer and the company they choose to work with.

Lee’s approach to marketing is defined by adaptability, integrity, and confidence. Understanding that change is constant and trust is essential, Lee develops marketing strategies that genuinely connect with audiences. With a Degree in Management/Marketing from Ashland University, he has expertise in adaptive strategies, digital marketing, and video/content creation, allowing him to create engaging and educational content that leaves a lasting impact.

In current roles, particularly as Marketing Manager for OBIC, Lee is responsible for all facets of marketing and advertising. Lee thrives on the challenge of highlighting the critical role of infrastructure maintenance. His marketing philosophy highlights the power of engaging and educational content, with a strong focus on brand perception and lasting results.

Outside of work, Lee finds joy in traveling with his family and creating opportunities for his kids to excel in what they love.

 

 

Member & Business Development

TROY REED

Troy is responsible for member and business development at OBIC and brings over 35 years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure construction to the position. From fieldwork to project management, Troy’s industry experience includes a proven track record of expertly communicating a client’s objectives to the crews who are performing the work on-site. No stranger to coordinating high-priority projects, Troy ensures client satisfaction while successfully managing multiple crews of up to 130 employees who are working simultaneously on water and wastewater infrastructure projects on both residential and commercial sites.

Troy’s favorite pastimes include boating, fishing and camping, but his true passion is spending time with his three grandchildren. Although his work schedule keeps him busy, Troy and his wife enjoying finding time to rehabilitate houses.

 

Director of Corporate Training

TREY RUSSELL HESSELSCHWARDT

Before holding the Director of Corporate Training role for OBIC, Trey held various positions including Crew Leader, Project Manager, and Safety Manager at Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (ART), an OBIC certified installer.

As OBIC’s Director of Corporate Training, Trey leads the development and delivery of training programs that ensure applicators are well-versed in OBIC products, equipment, and best practices. He provides hands-on instruction in product use and maintenance, while also contributing to ongoing research and development efforts. His technical knowledge and field experience makes him a trusted resource for both internal teams and external partners, guiding customers in selecting and applying the right solutions for their needs.

Trey holds an Associate Degree in Project Management Technology and maintains several professional certifications, including BCSP Certified Health and Safety Technician, OSHA 40-Hour Certification, and Confined Space Certification. He currently serves as Treasurer for the Polyurea Development Association (PDA), where he supports the advancement of industry standards and practices.

Prior to joining ART, Trey served honorably in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic for seven years, a background that reflects his strong sense of discipline, leadership, and service.

Outside of work, Trey enjoys spending time outdoors camping, hiking, and hunting with his wife Jamie and their two sons, Jones and Charlie. He’s also an avid sports fan and a proud supporter of the University of Michigan.

 

 

Director of Technology

BOB KLOPFENSTEIN

Bob Klopfenstein has been with OBIC since July of 2018. With over 35 years in the chemical and sewer lining coating, Bob has experience working with clients in every industry that OBIC serves. Over the past 15 years, his focus has been on offering repair and maintenance solutions for the water and wastewater structure rehabilitation industry.

Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and stays current on industry challenges and trends by participating in professional organizations that include the Water Environment Federation, National Association of Sewer Service Companies and North American Society for Trenchless Technology.

In his free time, Bob enjoys golfing, gardening and wine collecting.

 

Vice President of Business Development

MIKE HOFFMASTER

Mike Hoffmaster has over 38 years of experience working in the construction industry, with the last 14 spent in trenchless technology. His experience, which includes working with local construction firms and national manufacturers, makes him uniquely qualified to support and develop OBIC’s network of certified installers and to introduce OBIC products to new markets.

Mike earned his bachelor of science from Shepard University while working full-time in a precast concrete plant. He has helped to open new markets across North America and in Europe. Mike is active with numerous industry organizations, committees and serves on several Board of Directors.

Committed to giving back to his community, Mike has served as the track and field organizer for the Special Olympics for over 32 years and has volunteered with local high school athletics for 37 years. In his free time, Mike enjoys cooking, traveling and photography.