Restoring Water Quality with Trenchless Air Pigging

25 September 2025

McBreen Environmental recently completed an air pigging project to clean approximately 6km of water pipework at a site in Ireland.

The network had been experiencing reduced flow and poor water quality due to a gradual buildup of sediment within the pipework.

Objectives

Clean 6km of pipework sized 3", 4"and 6"
Restore water quality across the network
Complete cleaning within a 10-day working period
Minimise disruption to ongoing site operations
Coordinate access to approximately 40 hydrants and 46 sluice valves

Works Completed:

The project involved air pigging and scouring of the pipework using compressed air and water to dislodge and remove sediment and internal deposits.
Cleaning was scheduled to target three 200m sections per day, progressing efficiently through the network.
Access to approximately 40 hydrants and 46 sluice valves was carefully managed to facilitate smooth operation throughout the works.
The trenchless method eliminated the need for excavation, allowing site activities to continue uninterrupted.

Solutions:

Results:

The air pigging operation successfully cleaned approximately 6 kilometres of pipework, removing accumulated sediment and restoring optimal water flow throughout the network.

By using a trenchless cleaning approach, the project was completed within the planned 10-day schedule while minimising disruption to the client’s operations. The process significantly improved water quality across the system and extended the operational lifespan of the pipework.

The successful delivery of this project demonstrates the effectiveness of air pigging as a safe, efficient and non-invasive method for maintaining large water distribution networks.