Planning for repair work is more than setting a date. Just like a good paint job is all about the preparation, so is chemical grouting. With work often in confined spaces, after hours, and sometimes requiring equipment shut down, it is vital to have everything ready to facilitate starting on time so you can finish as planned.

The basic meaning of the popular phrase "proof is in the pudding" is being uncertain about the quality of something until it's been tried and tested. That's how we feel about our Field Services Manager, Charlie Lerman. He's a hot commodity, our secret weapon, the real deal, tried and tested ... you see where I'm going with this. Most of all, he's genuine and always willing to assist, teach and mentor those of the grouting community.

Below are some questions to consider when choosing a grout for sealing mainlines and laterals--before, after, or independent of lining:

1. Cost: Cost should only be one factor. What is more important is that you are using the appropriate product for the job and the grout is applied correctly--in accordance with the 2012 NASSCO recommendation is a good start.
2. Cost vs. Cure Time: Grouts have different cure times. Be sure to check tech data sheets to determine how much control over cure time you will have in the field. Better yet, you can do a more thorough investigation by performing your own tests. The more catalyst you need to reach the desired goal, the more money you'll spend on product.

I visited a job site a few weeks ago and talked with the grouting operator. I found three things very cool:

1. It was nice to visit a grout truck that was kept clean and orderly. This was a municipality that only has one crew responsible for each grout truck, so they treat it like their own.
2. They air tested every joint. There is no point in grouting only the visible leaking joints and ignoring the ones that are not noticeable. The joints must pass an air test or should otherwise be grouted. If not, once you grout the leaking joints, the groundwater simply migrates to the next joint and enters there.

I recently visited with Rod Lovett and Juan Bedoya with the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. It was great to see them and meet some of their crew. Last year alone, Miami-Dade invested in nine new grout trucks. After 25+ years of grouting, it is encouraging to see one of the largest municipalities in the country so committed to stopping water infiltration. 

As Marketing Coordinator, I’m typically not in front of the product on a daily basis. But I am the one “in charge” when it comes to putting the pieces of our Urethane Injection School together, by transforming into event coordinator, caterer, and photographer.  While keeping the event organized and flowing, I get to experience the same value that our Grout School attendees do. Since I’m not out in the field, having the chance to watch how the products work and interact, and seeing how issues can arise at the drop of a hat is intriguing to me.

Never lose man hours over the simple stuff!

1. Have extra Zerk® couplers onsite in case you gum one up.
2. Line your grout buckets with thick mil garbage bags. This makes clean up easy, saves the pail, and prevents the grout from being contaminated.
3. Get a socket wrench to install packers. It really speeds up their installation.

The two-day Urethane Injection School November 13-14 was a rich learning experience for everyone including Avanti team members. The talent pool in the audience ranged from owners of multi-disciplined construction companies to engineers from Mexico to presidents seeking to expand their services. So how do you advance the individual skill-sets within a group so widely diversified? Answer: See, Touch, Experience.