Clay Pipe Relining Initiative

Terracotta pipes were predominantly installed in the United States from the early 1900s through the 1970s as cities across the United States were rapidly expanding, prompting the need for reliable, long-term sanitation solutions. Terracotta sewer pipes—particularly vitrified clay—became the standard for municipal systems due to material benefits and practical construction methods. Failures usually occur at the pipe joints, which were historically sealed using oakum and cement mortar, a method that predates World War II. These seals fail over time, causing leaks and allowing roots to enter the system.

Reasons for widespread use:

• *Abundant and Cost-Effective: Clay is a natural, locally sourced material, making it easily manufactured and affordable.
• *Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: Terracotta is inert and resistant to chemical degradation, especially from sewer gases; unlike early metal pipes, they wouldn't rust or corrode over time.
• *Suitable for Gravity Flow: Terracotta's rigidity and weight made it ideal for steady, downward-flowing systems.
• *Simple to Install (for the time): Pipes came in short, manageable lengths, making manual trench installation feasible.
• *Early Infrastructure Standards: By the 1900s, vitrified clay became the industry norm for sanitary sewer systems and remained dominant until modern materials emerged in the mid-20th century.

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For the fiscal year 2025, the city has allocated $800,000 to focus on Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Reduction. I&I Reduction aims to minimize the excess water entering the sewer system from stormwater and groundwater sources. Reducing I&I is crucial because excessive amounts can overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities, leading to sewer overflows and increased operational costs.

The city has identified five (5) project areas that will utilize Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology. CIPP is a trenchless method for rehabilitating aging or damaged terracotta sewer pipelines without the need for excavation. Instead of digging up and replacing old pipes, this method involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe, which is then cured to create a new, seamless pipe within the old one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Impacted Areas:
Area 1: 2,829 linear feet of pipe - this area is located within the Chanteclair Circle Neighborhood
Area 2: 9,965 linear feet of pipe - this area includes areas within Center Rd, Nightingale Ln and Dr, Kevin Dr, Russ Dr, Faron Cir, Silverthorn Rd, Dracena Way, Nandina Rd. and Fairpoint Dr and Fairpoint Place
Area 3: 20,747 linear feet of pipe - this area includes areas within Sunset Blvd, Florida Ave, Dolphin St, Shoreline Dr, Camelia St, Washington Ave, Azalea St, and Norwich Dr
Area 4: 7,691 linear feet of pipe - this area is includes areas within Chesapeake Dr, Smith Cir, Jamestown Dr, Stonewall Dr, Roanoke Ct, Williamsburg Dr, Shenandoah Dr, Sounther Ct and Shoreline Pl
Area 5: 5,354 linear feet of pipe - this area is includes areas within Pfeiffer St, Gray Oaks Ln, Live Oaks, Duncan Ave, Northcliffe Dr, Winsor Pl, Kenilworth Ave, Kent Pl, Canterbury Ln, and Bay Cliffs Rd and Circle
Total Terracotta Pipe to be relined: 46,577 linear feet