Studies have shown laterals are the cause of what percent of water intrusion?

Studies have shown laterals are the cause of what percent of water intrusion?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 40%
• D. 60%

Answer: (D)

Laterals—the service lines from buildings to the public sewer—are a major source of water intrusion in many systems. Studies indicate they account for about sixty percent of water intrusion, making them the single largest contributor. This happens because there are many laterals, and even small defects add up: cracked or broken pipes, failed joints, improper connections to the main or to the building, root intrusion, and aging seals can all let groundwater enter the sewer, especially during wet weather. Because of the sheer number of laterals and the cumulative effect of their leaks, they end up contributing more intrusion than any other source. To reduce this, focus on locating and repairing or rehabilitating laterals, using techniques like smoke testing to spot leaks and CCTV or lining/repair to fix identified defects. The remaining percentages come from other sources, but they’re much smaller than the share from laterals.

Laterals—the service lines from buildings to the public sewer—are a major source of water intrusion in many systems. Studies indicate they account for about sixty percent of water intrusion, making them the single largest contributor. This happens because there are many laterals, and even small defects add up: cracked or broken pipes, failed joints, improper connections to the main or to the building, root intrusion, and aging seals can all let groundwater enter the sewer, especially during wet weather. Because of the sheer number of laterals and the cumulative effect of their leaks, they end up contributing more intrusion than any other source. To reduce this, focus on locating and repairing or rehabilitating laterals, using techniques like smoke testing to spot leaks and CCTV or lining/repair to fix identified defects. The remaining percentages come from other sources, but they’re much smaller than the share from laterals.