Flow Control Solutions recently completed a complex double 30-inch (750 mm) line stop on a Hyprescon AWWA C301L prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) sanitary sewer force main. The project required precise planning and execution to isolate a critical pipeline serving multiple communities while maintaining uninterrupted system operation.
As part of the project, our team also completed two 30 x 16-inch (750 x 400 mm) hot taps to install a temporary high-capacity bypass system. This allowed the force main to remain fully operational and under pressure throughout construction, ensuring continuous wastewater service with no interruption to flow.
The bypass system enabled contractors to replace the existing section of pipeline within the original alignment, avoiding extensive excavation in a culturally and environmentally sensitive area. By eliminating the need for invasive archaeological work, the project reduced construction risks, minimized environmental impact, and helped preserve historically significant ground while keeping the project on schedule.
This successful project demonstrates Flow Control Solutions’ expertise in delivering advanced line stopping, hot tapping, and temporary bypass solutions for complex municipal infrastructure projects, helping clients complete critical pipeline rehabilitation safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.
Why This Project Was Different
Conventional sanitary sewer bypass operations typically rely on diesel-powered pumps and temporary above-ground piping to maintain service during construction. For this project, Flow Control Solutions implemented a more efficient in-line bypass system that utilized the existing pumping infrastructure to maintain continuous flow through the force main.
This approach delivered several key advantages, including:
- Reduced environmental impact by eliminating the need for temporary diesel bypass pumps
- Lower noise levels for surrounding communities and nearby work areas
- Reduced project costs by avoiding pump rental, fuel, and maintenance expenses
- Faster installation with less equipment and reduced site disruption
- Improved operational reliability through controlled use of the existing hydraulic system
By leveraging existing infrastructure instead of temporary pumping equipment, this innovative bypass method provided a safer, quieter, and more sustainable solution for a complex municipal project. It demonstrates how advanced line stopping and hot tapping techniques can help utilities complete force main rehabilitation while minimizing costs, environmental impact, and operational disruption.
What is Hot Tapping?
Hot tapping, also known as pressure tapping, is a specialized method of creating a new connection on a pressurized pipeline without shutting down service or depressurizing the system. This allows maintenance, expansion, and system modifications to be completed while the pipeline remains fully operational.
The hot tapping process typically includes:
- Installing a pressure-rated tapping sleeve or fitting on the existing pipeline
- Attaching an isolation valve to the fitting
- Using specialized hot tapping equipment to cut through the live pipe wall while maintaining system pressure
Hot tapping can be used to safely install:
- New service connections and laterals
- Flow meters, sensors, and monitoring equipment
- Temporary or permanent bypass lines
- Drain and sampling connections
- New isolation or control valves
Hot Tapping Applications
Flow Control Solutions provides professional hot tapping services throughout Eastern Canada, supporting a wide range of municipal and industrial infrastructure projects. Our experienced technicians work on:
- Municipal water distribution systems
- Wastewater and sanitary sewer infrastructure
- Pressurized force mains
- Industrial process piping
- Pipelines constructed from HDPE, PVC, ductile iron, steel, concrete pressure pipe (PCCP), and other common pressure pipe materials
Our hot tapping solutions allow clients to modify or expand their pipeline systems safely and efficiently while minimizing service disruptions, reducing downtime, and avoiding unnecessary shutdowns.
What is Line Stopping?
Line stopping, also known as line plugging, is a specialized technique used to temporarily isolate a pressurized pipeline without interrupting service to the entire system. It creates a temporary internal seal that functions like a removable isolation valve, allowing critical maintenance and construction work to be completed on live infrastructure.
Once a line stop has been installed, crews can safely:
- Dewater isolated sections of pipeline for repairs or rehabilitation
- Install new valves, fittings, or other pipeline components
- Divert flow through a temporary bypass while work is completed
- Perform maintenance without shutting down the entire pipeline network
Common Line Stopping Applications
Line stopping is an effective solution for a wide variety of municipal and industrial projects, including:
- Pipeline relocations and rerouting projects
- Isolation valve installation and replacement
- Pipeline abandonment or tie-ins
- Installation of new equipment and system connections
- Pressure testing and pipe material verification
- Emergency leak isolation and pipeline repairs
Flow Control Solutions performs single, double, triple, and quadruple line stops, with or without integrated bypass systems. Every solution is engineered to match the specific requirements of the project, including pipeline material, diameter, operating pressure, and site conditions, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable isolation for even the most complex applications.
What is C301 and B303 Concrete Cylinder Pipe (CCP)?
C301L (Lap-Welded Steel Cylinder Concrete Pressure Pipe) and C303 (Bar-Wrapped Concrete Cylinder Pipe) are prestressed concrete pressure pipes used in large-diameter water and wastewater transmission.
AWWA C301:
- Contains a mild steel cylinder for watertightness
- Prestressed with steel wire wrapped under tension
- Lined and coated with portland cement mortar
- Typically used in sizes 16” to 144”
- Common in older municipal infrastructure across Canada
AWWA C303:
- Features a steel cylinder with bar-wrap reinforcement
- Designed for moderate pressures
- Often more flexible and cost-effective than C301
- Requires specialized knowledge when hot tapping or cutting in
Working on these pipes requires special expertise due to their unique failure modes (delamination, wire breakage, corrosion) and safety-critical pressure ratings. That’s where Pacific Flow Control stands out.
Trusted Live Pipeline Solutions Across Eastern Canada
Flow Control Solutions specializes in engineered live pipeline maintenance, repair, and isolation services for municipal, industrial, and utility clients throughout Eastern Canada. Our experienced team delivers safe, efficient solutions that help clients maintain critical infrastructure while minimizing downtime and service interruptions.
Our Core Services
- Hot Tapping for steel, PCCP, PVC, HDPE, ductile iron, and other pressure pipe systems
- Line Stopping with temporary bypass design and installation
- Valve Insertion solutions for municipal water distribution systems
- Nitrogen Line Freezing for temporary pipeline isolation
- Emergency Pipeline Isolation and Repair
- Pipeline Closure Kit Installation and Technical Support
- Cut-In Valve Assembly Installation
- PCCP Hot Tapping and Reinforcement Solutions
- Fire Hydrant Repair, Testing, Maintenance, and Valve Exercising
Industries We Serve
Flow Control Solutions is a trusted partner for:
- Municipal water and wastewater utilities
- General and civil contractors
- Engineering consultants and infrastructure designers
- Industrial facilities
- Utility operators and asset management teams
Why Choose Flow Control Solutions?
Our clients rely on us because we provide:
- Experienced technicians specializing in live pipeline services
- Engineered solutions tailored to each project
- Industry-leading safety standards and regulatory compliance
- Innovative methods that reduce downtime and project costs
- Environmentally responsible construction practices
- Responsive support for planned and emergency pipeline work
Whether the project involves hot tapping, line stopping, valve insertion, line freezing, or complex pipeline rehabilitation, Flow Control Solutions delivers dependable solutions that keep critical infrastructure operating safely and efficiently across Eastern Canada.
Areas We Serve
Flow Control Solutions proudly provides live pipeline services throughout Eastern Canada, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Barrie, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, St. Catharines, Niagara Region, London, Windsor, Kingston, Ottawa, and surrounding communities across Ontario.
Our team supports municipalities, utilities, contractors, and industrial facilities with hot tapping, line stopping, valve insertion, nitrogen line freezing, PCCP services, hydrant maintenance, and emergency pipeline isolation throughout the region.