Construction and Installation Methodology of Underground Sewer Line
1. Pre-Construction Phase
Site Survey and Inspection:
o Conduct a detailed survey of the site to assess soil conditions, existing utilities, and the proposed
path of the sewer line.
o Identify and mark the location of utilities if any, to avoid accidental damage during excavation.
o Obtain all necessary permits and approvals before beginning work.
Design and Planning:
o Develop a detailed plan and detailed drawing (FCD) for the sewer line, including pipe specifications
(material, diameter, and type), depth, alignment, and connection points.
o Identify the slope or grade of the sewer line to ensure proper flow. The typical slope for gravity
sewer lines is between 0.5% and 2%, depending on the terrain.
2. Excavation and Trenching
Excavation for Sewer Line:
o Mark the exact location of the sewer line path according to the design.
o Begin excavation of a trench with appropriate width and depth for the sewer pipe. The trench
should be wide enough to accommodate the pipe, bedding material, and allow safe working space.
o Ensure that the trench’s depth corresponds to the designed depth of the sewer line, including
allowance for pipe bedding and backfilling.
Trench Safety Measures:
o Implement trench safety measures, such as shoring, trench boxes, or sloping, to prevent cave-ins.
Handling Groundwater:
o If groundwater is encountered, install temporary dewatering systems (pumps or sumps) to remove
water from the trench.
o Proper drainage or diversion systems should be set up to keep the trench dry during installation.
3. Preparation of Bedding and Pipe Installation
Bedding Preparation:
o Lay a layer of sand bedding material at the bottom of the trench to create a stable foundation for
the sewer pipe.
o Ensure the bedding is level and free from sharp objects like staking materials (steel pipes, steel
bars or other metal) that could damage the pipe.
o The bedding thickness should be in accordance with the designer or pipe manufacturer’s
specifications.
Pipe Placement:
o Begin laying the sewer pipe in the trench from the downstream side (i.e., the lowest point of a
section or segment).
o Pipes should be placed with the correct slope as per the design to ensure proper gravity flow.
o Align pipes to ensure no bends exceed the recommended limits. Use appropriate fittings (elbows,
tees) where required.
o Join the pipes using the solvent. Ensure all joints are tight and leak-proof.
o Verify the alignment, end to end grade elevation with a laser level or spirit level and install nylon
string during installation to maintain the designed slope.
Pipe Jointing:
o For PVC pipes, ensure the joints are properly cleaned before assembling.
o Check all joints to ensure there is no misalignment or gaps that could cause leaks.
4. Initial Backfilling and Compaction
Backfilling:
o Once the pipes are installed and joints are checked, backfill the trench with suitable material in
layers.
o Initially backfill with granular material to protect the pipe from damage. Avoid using large rocks or
debris that could damage the pipe.
o After the granular backfill, use native soil, common barrow or approved backfill material to
complete the process.
Compaction:
o Compact the backfill in layers (approximately 6 inches or 150mm per layer) to ensure the trench is
securely filled without voids.
o Ensure the final grade of the trench is above the pipe level to allow for settling.
5. Testing and Inspection
Leak Testing:
o Conduct a hydraulic test to ensure there are no leaks in the sewer line. This may involve filling the
system with water to detect leaks.
o For PVC pipes, check for any visible defects or weaknesses in the pipe.
Visual Inspection:
o Perform a visual inspection of the segment or entire pipe line, and joints, to check for any
construction defects.
6. Final Backfilling and Surface Restoration
Final Backfilling:
o Complete the backfilling with soil or other appropriate materials, ensuring there are no large voids
or air pockets in the backfill.
o Compact the surface layer to prevent future subsidence and ensure the trench is level with the
surrounding ground.
Surface Restoration:
o Restore the surface by completing the backfilling to the grade level of the proceeding structure.
o Reinstall any surface markers or indicators for the location of the sewer line (e.g., markers or
warning tapes).
7. Commissioning and Handover
System Commissioning:
o Once all testing and inspections are completed successfully, the sewer system can be connected to
the main sewer line.
o Ensure that all access points are properly sealed and marked.
Handover to Client:
o Provide the client with as-built drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, and other
necessary documentation.
o Conduct a final walk-through with the client to ensure all aspects of the project meet the agreed
specifications.
HOMEWORLD CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
PREPARED:
Michael Samillano
SR. QA/QC - HWCC
PREPARED:
Kenneth Calasara
PROJECT-IN-CHARGE - HWCC
