Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation 2025

A majority of the sewer mains in the city were installed over 50 years ago. The material that was used was clay pipe. Over the years, cracks have developed in the pipe due to tree roots and groundwater. These cracks can create issues for the capacity of these sewers. Some sewer lines can be rehabilitated through “trenchless technology”.

The city has contracted Insituform Technologies USA to repair a number of sanitary sewer pipe sections in 2025 – 2026 all over the city.

Project map

View the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation map.

Work schedule

The work is anticipated to occur in 2 phases:

Phase 1: pre-lining cleaning – start the week of Oct. 27 through the end of November 2025
Phase 2: lining – beginning the week of Jan. 5, through the end of February 2026

How are the sewer lines going to be repaired?

How are the sewer lines being repaired?

The sewer main lines are being repaired using a cured-in-place pipe relining (CIPP), which builds a new pipe within the existing pipe.

To build the new pipe, the liner used is a woven or knit fabric with a PVC coating, manufactured to match the diameter of the current pipe. The liner is saturated with the resin on‐site, then loaded into a compressed air gun and shot into the existing pipe using an inversion process that turns the liner inside out as it travels through the pipe. Since the liner is soft and flexible, it easily conforms to the shape of the existing pipe and covers all the gaps and cracks with a new, smooth, finished surface.

Note: The resins are low odor; however, there may be some chemical smell while the liner is curing.

After the liner is installed, it is inflated and left to cure. Once cured, a camera is sent down into the pipes to cut out the house service lines and inspect the final work.

Why use the CIPP method?

The hardened (or cured) liner has the same structural integrity as a new pipe. However, the cured‐in‐place pipe is a continuous, seamless pipe with no joints and no single point of failure. The lining extends the structural life of the pipes, prevents root growth and reduces groundwater leakage into the sewer pipes.

Because it is cured in place, it doesn’t require digging or street repair and minimizes resident disruption. The contractor can effectively repair sewer lines up to 300 feet or more and have residents back in service the same day.

What to expect during the maintenance project

Odors

In order to minimize odors from the lining work from entering your home through your sewer service, pour a gallon of water down all floor drains (particularly basement floor drains) or rarely used sinks, tubs or toilets to ensure that
you do not have a dry sewer trap. You can also cover floor drain with a wet towel. Be sure to cover the drain completely.

Process

The process will have an impact on your sewer service for up to one working day. Services will be restored at the end of the day, so homes are not impacted overnight. The contractor will use existing sanitary sewer manholes to access the sewer pipes scheduled for rehabilitation.

Service disruption

When the contractor is working in your area, they will request that water is used minimally. Sinks and toilets can be used conservatively, but you will be requested to refrain from running water for baths, showers, dishwashers, or washing machines.

After work is completed, please test your system by running water for 10 to 15 minutes and inspect all basement floor drains, showers and toilets. If you see water backing up, please notify the city or call 612.328.3958 before calling a local plumber.

Jetting and cleaning

Before any actual lining work is done, the sewer line is jetted and cleaned with a high‐pressure water hose. Grease and accumulated buildup is removed, and any tree roots intruding into the sewer line are cut and eliminated.

Possible schedule changes

As with any construction work, the schedule and completion of the project may be somewhat dependent on the weather. We ask for your patience with projected weather delays throughout this project.

Safety

We remind you to use caution around the worksite. Your assistance in reminding area children to stay clear of construction equipment is helpful in maintaining a safe environment. Your patience and cooperation during this construction are appreciated.

Traffic delays

The contractor will be responsible for traffic control as a result of this project. We do not anticipate any significant traffic delays.

Project area maps

Below are the area maps for the project:

St. Louis Park, MN

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