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When it comes to repairing sewer systems, municipalities and contractors face a critical question: is grouting the right fix—or is it time to reline or replace the pipe entirely? Chemical grouting has long been valued as a cost-effective, minimally disruptive solution for stopping infiltration and stabilizing pipes.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The effectiveness of sewer grouting depends on the condition of the pipe, the extent of the damage, and the long-term goals of the repair strategy.

Read our full blog to learn more.

What Is Sewer Grouting?

Grouting is the process of injecting a multi-component resin through a joint to stop infiltration. Beyond just stopping infiltration, grouting stabilizes the surrounding soil and pipe, seals the open (annular) space between the host pipe and liner, and prepares the pipe for future structural rehabilitation.

Benefits of Grouting In Sewer System Repair

Here are some of the most important benefits of pipeline grouting:

1. ROI - Grouting is significantly less expensive than relining a pipe or replacing a pipe segment. Many municipalities who proactively grout for repairs even report significant ROI based on the long-term savings through the reduction of flow to their treatment plant.

There is a known cost to process sewage at the treatment and a municipality knows what normal flows should be.  The calculation of reduction in flow from grouting times the cost to process 1,000 gallons at treatment plan gives the savings number.  Payback on investment in a grout truck can be as short as one year.

2. Versatility - Chemical grout is versatile enough to stop infiltration in mainline pipe joints, lateral connections at the mainline, and laterals.

3. Durability - When properly completed, grouting provides a secure, long-term solution that eliminates infiltration and stabalizes the pipe in the surrounding soil—while also reducing overall system wear and tear. 

Grouting Case Study 

Miami Dade County has run a dedicated grouting strategy for more than a decade, and they repeatedly see an ROI for their efforts. For every dollar they spend on grouting, they save $2.50. 

The impact of Miami Dade County’s 14-year grouting strategy, is elimination of 128 million gallons per day of additional flow to the treatment plant, significantly reducing treament costs and wear and tear on pump stations, while minimizing the probability of pipe failure.

To Grout Or Not to Grout?

 Grouting is the optimal solution when there is evidence of or visible infiltration. A new liner or replacement pipe, however, is a better solution in instances of extensive damage or outdated materials.

Here’s a closer look:

When to Grout

Grouting is a go-to solution in the following circumstances:

1.   You’ve identified visible leaks from the pipeline joints.
2.   You’ve found evidence of infiltration.
3.   There are no structural defects precluding you from grouting first.

When Not To Grout

A different strategy—such as a liner or replacement pipeline—may be appropriate under the following circumstances:

1. You’ve found severe structural damage or failure. 
2. You’ve found extensive defects in a single pipe, which could hamper the overall effectiveness of grout. 
3.  You’ve found outdated materials such as Orangeburg (wood pulp and coal tar pitch) or dangerous materials such as Transite (Portland cement and asbestos fibers), and immediate replacement is needed for preventive maintenance and community safety.
4. The pipe has recently suffered from repeat failures and may benefit from additional support or intervention. 

Find Sewer Grouting Equipment

At CUES, we offer a variety of high-performance sewer grout and pipeline rehab equipment, including:

• Low Void Packers - These low-volume, chemical injection, multi-grout packers are compatible with acrylamide, urethane and other common chemical grouting materials.
• Chemical Sealing Systems - These truck- or trailer-mounted, turnkey systems offer aa full solution against infiltration, plus TV inspection capability.
• Easy Grout Control Systems - Our Easy Grout graphical user interface (GUI) streamlines operator training and promotes operator retention with its intuitive controls.   Repeatability and accuracy.

To learn more, contact us! Our team is available to ensure you access the best solutions to your most urgent problems.