WHAT IS A VAC·A·TEE®? VAC-A-TEE® is a trenchless cleanout system. The lateral is located typically by a mainline camera that projects a satellite camera up into the lateral pipe. The satellite camera contains a sonde that transmits a frequency which can be pin-pointed from ground surface. When the lateral has been located, an approximate 18″ in diameter bored hole is created by using water to cut the soil and a vacuum truck to remove the soil disposing it into a tanker. This is referred to as vacuum excavation. Once the lateral pipe has been exposed through vacuum excavation, the patented PVC VAC-A-TEE® saddle is prepared and attached to an appropriate length riser pipe that is equal to the depth of the lateral pipe. Next, a proprietary hybrid adhesive/sealant is applied to the underside of the saddle. The saddle with a riser pipe is then introduced into the vacuum excavated hole and the saddle is snapped onto the lateral pipe by pressing downward on the riser pipe. The epoxy adhesive/sealant cures and forms a new watertight cleanout. The seal is tested by filling the riser pipe with a minimum six-foot column of water verifying the connection is watertight. While the water is still in the riser pipe a diamond core saw is used to cut open the crown of the pipe. The VAC-A-TEE® system will work with a variety of pipes including VCP, Orangeburg, Concrete, PVC, and Cast Iron. Restoration to the small vacuum excavation site completes the VAC-A-TEE® installation.
If you would like to learn more about VAC-A-TEE® or see the technology in action, please contact us at 1-847-457-1810 or marketing@waterlinerenewal.com.
