We will use extensive televised footage collected of our sewer to determine which portions of sewer can be proactively rehabbed before they fail. This work is done without a trench, using sewer lining technology. Sewer liners are a sleeve that is cured to the inside of the pipe, creating a protective barrier that secures cracks in the pipe and prevents leaks.  

Learn more about Sewer Lining

Sewers that have been built underneath structures - which includes buildings, bridges, or railroads – can be an even bigger risk when they fail due to their location. For this reason, we have committed to identifying those locations and creating a new pipe design that is located in public space or in a safer place. Pittsburgh Water’s engineering team will work with land owners to make necessary adjustments and avoid costly and disruptive sewer failures in the future. 

We must be ready to respond to emergency sewer situations that cause flooding, basement back-ups, and other quality of life issues that impact customers. 

Our largest sewers in the system, which are responsible for carrying large volumes of sewage and stormwater, require special attention. For the next four years, we will address these sewers 36-inches and above, restoring structural integrity, removing roots, and repairing cracks that may cause infiltration into the pipe. Through this work, we will also collecting important televised footage of our largest sewer mains.  

Pittsburgh Water maintains thousands of access points and drainage structures throughout the city to keep water and sewer systems functioning properly. These components are critical for managing stormwater, preventing flooding, and allowing crews to access underground infrastructure for maintenance. Here’s what each one does and why repairs are necessary:

Manholes

Purpose: Manholes provide access to underground sewer and water lines for inspection, cleaning, and repairs.

Why Repairs Are Needed: Over time, manhole frames and covers can deteriorate, shift, or become damaged due to traffic, weather, or age. This can lead to leaks, infiltration, or unsafe conditions.

Repair Process: Crews remove the old frame and cover, adjust the structure to proper grade, and install a new frame and lid. In some cases, the manhole interior is relined to prevent leaks.

Catch Basins

Purpose: Catch basins collect stormwater runoff from streets and direct it into the sewer system, preventing flooding and roadway damage.

Why Repairs Are Needed: Heavy traffic, freeze-thaw cycles, and debris buildup can damage the basin or cause blockages.

Repair Process: Crews clean out debris, rebuild the basin walls if needed, and reset the grate to ensure proper drainage.

Inlets

Purpose: Inlets are openings along curbs or streets that allow water to flow into the storm sewer system.

Why Repairs Are Needed: Inlets can crack, collapse, or become clogged, reducing their ability to manage stormwater.

Repair Process: Crews excavate around the inlet, replace damaged components, and restore the surrounding pavement or curb.

Why It Matters: These repairs help prevent street flooding, protect water quality by reducing pollutants entering rivers, and maintain safe access for crews to service underground infrastructure. They’re part of Pittsburgh Water’s ongoing commitment to modernizing and maintaining the city’s water and sewer systems.

An Urgent Sewer Repair Contract is a specialized agreement Pittsburgh Water maintains with contractors to address emergency sewer issues that require immediate attention. These repairs are outside of routine maintenance and cannot wait for standard scheduling because they pose risks to public health, safety, or property.