Bypass Pumping Considerations

One of the objectives of the bursting team (owner, engineer, contractor, etc.) is to minimize customers service interruptions for water and gas applications and maintain continuation of flow for sewer applications. The key for achieving this objective is the bypass pumping system. For water applications, the system should be able to deliver the needed flow volume with the specified pressure to the customers. For gravity applications, the system should be able to adequately pump the upstream flow and discharge it to the manhole downstream of the run being burst. The plan should ensure that the bypass system has adequate pumping capacity to handle the flow with emergency backup pumps to ensure no interruption to existing services. The bypass pipes and fittings should have sufficient strength to withstand the surge water pressures. Contractual arrangements between the owner and contractor should be made regarding third party damage due to the disconnection and reconnection of the water lines without fault of the contractor.