Root Removal from 12″ Storm Drain

Location: Northern California

Obstruction Type: Roots
Pipe type: Concrete pipe
Year: 2018
Region: Northern California

In Northern California, a client needed us to remove roots throughout a 12-inch concrete storm drain vault and nearby pipes. A large root mass directly inside made it nearly impossible for a standard cutting tool to begin turning at speed without tangling in the tough eucalyptus roots. After several attempts to remove the roots using conventional nozzles and cutting tools without success, they turned to PSM.

We entered the vault and immediately began to clear the root mass, cutting away the blockages inside the vault and at the pipe entrance. We successfully removed the heavy root growth throughout, resulting in a completely clear pipe with roots removed from pipe joints and cracks.

“Removing roots using the robotic system is far more effective and complete than any other mechanical method we have tried,” the streets division engineer told us.