Thursday, November 1, 2018

Pre-commission Pigging

One might think it unnecessary to clean a brand new piping system, but think about the fact that cleaning the system prior to use will effectively remove debris, lost tools, wildlife, lumber and other things you wouldn't imagine could have made their way into your system during construction.

The initial pipe pigging will also answer the first question that would be asked if the new system isn't pumping correctly "Is there an obstruction in the pipes?"


Foreign objects are a threat to pump impellers, valve seats and other inline components. Pigging removes that threat.

Because the cleaning process removes the air from the system, it allows for an effective hydrostatic test.

Pigging wastes less water than traditional flush methods and avoids creating a lake of waste at the end of the system. We certainly don't need more cleanup tasks added to our routine!
For systems that require disinfection or other inline treatment, organic material, chlorine and other contaminants are removed from the system and the treatment process is ensured full contact with and saturation of the interior pipe surfaces and all the fittings.

The system gets a good test run, checking all the valves, confirming flow patterns, and allowing for tests of blow offs, drains, vacuum breakers, air releases, so that the operator will have confidence in their operation. Years of experience with a variety of systems has proven that this is not a light consideration.

For these reason, and more, plus the fact that it adds very little to the bottom line cost of the project, pre-commission pipe pigging is highly recommended.

Contact Professional Piping Service, Inc. for more details.
Certified Underground Utility Contractor
License Number CU-C055717