Calcium and Mineral Removal from a 12-Inch PVC Pipe

Location: Southern California

Obstruction Type: Calcite
Pipe type: 12-inch PVC
Year: 2017
Region: Southern California

This municipality needed to remove several years of mineral buildup from 300 feet of 12-inch PVC pipe. Over a long period of time, the mineras had developed and settled into the bottom of the pipe, creating a layered, 2-inch thick solid mass.

To protect the pipe from damage, we utilized a rotary nozzle, cutting the buildup into “tiles” that were easily removed. We were able to safely and efficiently remove all minerals, returning the undamaged pipe to full flow.

“We tried everything we could to break this up. We even replaced several sections of the pipe, but it continues to return,” the director of operations told us. “At least now, we can do regular maintenance to keep it from building up again.”