The Need for Investment in our Sewer System

Our sewer system in Saint Paul is aging rapidly -- most of the system is at least 50 years old, and nearly half of it is 75-125 years old.  Conventional "dig-and-replace" rehabilitation of failing and fragile sewer lines is very expensive, disruptive to property owners, cumbersome and labor intensive.

Cured-in-Place Pipe

To maintain the integrity of our system and at the same time address the challenges inherent in sewer replacement, the Sewer Utility Division relies on a process that is known in the construction industry as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) renewal.  Cured-in-place pipe technology involves the use of a resin-coated polyester tube that is pulled through the existing pipe and is then cured with the use of steam or hot water.  The curing forms a jointless, seamless pipe within a pipe.

This process addresses broken and failing pipe, reduces infiltration and intrusion, results in minimal excavation and is environmentally friendly, making it much less expensive than the dig-and-replace method.

Learn more about the CIPP Process

CIPP Do's and Don't's for Property Owners


CIPP Project Index Maps

Completed or near completion city-wide sewer lining projects to date

2012 University Ave Lining Project

Citywide 2012 Brick Sewer Lining Project

Morgan Hague Lining Project

Atlantic Ocean Lining Project

Marshall Ave Sewer Lining Project (Feb 27 thru Mid April) The existing sanitary sewer in Marshall Avenue is made of brick, and is over 120 years old.  The sanitary sewer will be lined with a resin impregnated felt liner that will be heat cured.  The newly lined sewer pipe constructed in your street will have sufficient strength and endurance to perform as well as, if not better than replacing the deteriorated pipe by digging up the street.  This type of construction will be much less disruptive and will typically affect you for a much shorter time.

There are multiple segments of pipe to be rehabilitated, and Visu-Sewer, Inc., the Sewer Utility’s Contractor will notify affected Residents of the start and stop times within the rehabilitation process.

Contact Information
Weekday Telephone                                                                                                                                               Evening and Weekend Telephone                                                                     
City of Saint Paul                                                                                                                                                     Visu-Sewer, Inc.
Pat Lowry                                                                                                                                                                  Randall Hoffman
651-266-6251                                                                                                                                                           (414) 491-5800

What do I do if I sense the smell of plastic ?
If you notice the strong sense of plastic it probably means that a floor drain trap, sink trap, or shower drain is dry and is allowing sewer gas to escape into your structure. 

To resolve this pour a gallon of water into each of the drains, or fixture traps.

For more information contact:

Pat Lowry
(651)-266-6251