These inflow pipes always have water backed up into them which, in this case, made them an ideal location for a pretty aggressive tree. A swamp willow’s roots started growing inside the pipe, and even though the tree was cut down, the roots inside the pipe kept growing and trapping sediment – eventually clogging the pipe. The water back up probably helped sediment settle and build up as well.

Submerged inflow pipes

We began by attempting to jet out the pipe. This means loosening the clog with a jet of water while the vac truck sucks out whatever has been dislodged. Usually this is quite effective, but the dense tree roots made this job more complicated. We’re going to return to the job site with a new plan of attack…

Clogged pipe

Equipment at the ready

A good view of the job site

Not quite finished yet...