Swabbing is the insertion of a high density swab “usually foam material” into the main to remove sediment,barnacles or other matter from the main. Using existing entry and export points such as hydrants or the removal of pipes or the creation of new points.The swabs travel along the water main and scrub the barnacles and sediment build-ups from the wall of the pipe.The loosened matter is pushed and flushed out the exit point.
Foam swabbing has been proved to be effective on all main sizes. Swabbing is very effective on long distances of mains, cleaning up to 20km of main per day.
H&S Maintenance has had a variety of swabbing projects including main sizes from 100mm to 450mm and a distance of 2km to 25km.
H&S Maintenance insert tracking devices into the swabs which allows us to follow and track the swab for its entire journey.