Cross Bore
What is a cross bore?
A cross bore exists when a utility line has been drilled or “bored” through a portion of an adjacent utility line. This can happen when natural gas lines are installed by boring underground, rather than digging a trench. Our current safety program is focused on locating and mitigating cross bores involving a natural gas mainline or service line that was bored through a sewer/septic main or lateral during construction.
Cross Bore Inspections
A typical cross bore inspection lasts about 90 minutes. Onsite technicians attempt to find external access to sewer laterals or mainline. These access points are commonly called “clean-outs” and may be a covered manhole in or near the street. For exterior lateral inspections, we do not require anyone to be home. The inspection is performed from the street or on the exterior of the home or business. If unable to find reasonable access through exterior means, we may ask permission to enter the home or business in order to locate an access point on the interior of the structure. For internal inspections, we do require an adult to be present for the duration of the inspection. Once our technicians locate the sewer/septic access point, the procedure is to run a video camera from the foundation out to the sewer mainline or septic holding tank. As they are pulling the camera back, they will record a video as well as log GPS points (depth and location) of the sewer lateral line. Sewer mainline inspection crews typically set up their CCTV trucks in the street. Crews gain access to sewer mainlines in the area from sewer manholes. Once a crew has accessed the mainline, they complete the inspection using a robot with lateral launch capabilities. This means we are able to inspect side sewers from the actual sewer main. Similar location and depth information is gathered during this process. If any cross bores are located during these inspections, a job is created to repair the facility and eliminate the cross bore condition.
Hydromax USA works on Avista’s Cross Bore Inspection Program. Hydromax USA’s procedures were developed with an emphasis on collecting high-quality data by engineering out the potential for human error during the field collection and validation of data used to identify and mitigate cross bores. Core to this program are five comprehensive methodologies:
- Project Ramp-Up
- Inspection Methodology
- Mapping and Data Review Precision
- Scoping Process Development
- Proximity Team
For more information, visit www.hydromaxusa.com.
What to expect
Prior to internal inspection
You will either receive a door hanger or a phone call from Hydromax USA to schedule the inspection.
Requesting additional notification/contact: If you need further assistance with scheduling an inspection appointment, or if you have any questions, contact Hydromax USA at 1-833-445-1650.
Confirm your contact information: Help Avista notify you ahead of time by keeping your email, phone number, and mailing address current in your online account.
Day of internal inspection
Hydromax USA will arrive at your residence and request access to your sewer lateral clean out, sewer roof vent, or potentially a bathroom, utility closet, or crawl space. A typical inspection will last around 90 minutes.
We would require an adult to be present during the entirety of the inspection. You will be able to use your bathroom and all other utilizes as usual during the inspection.