Facebook-f Twitter

Cross-Bore Prevention

At CIT Sewer Solutions, safety starts with awareness. We deploy advanced technologies to identify cross bores before they become costly or catastrophic.

Let's talk about your project

This form sends mail directly to management and dispatch. Your info is never shared with third-parties.

Safe & Reliable Cross Bore Services for Utilities

At CIT Sewer Solutions, we specialize in Cross Bore Repair, Rehabilitation, and Prevention services to protect public safety and preserve utility infrastructure. Cross bores—accidental intersections of gas lines with sewer or storm systems—pose serious risks if left undetected. Our team utilizes advanced detection, trenchless repair technology, and proactive mitigation strategies to identify, eliminate, and prevent these dangerous conflicts. Whether you’re a municipality, utility provider, or contractor, CIT Sewer Solutions has the expertise and equipment to handle cross bore issues efficiently and safely.

Contact Us
cross-bore-example-in-iowa
before-cross-bore-cut-patch-iowa

Cross Bore shown using advanced sewer televising roborics

This image shows a cross bore identified using advanced sewer camera robotics in Des Moines, Iowa. The robotic crawler navigates through the pipe and captures high-resolution video footage, revealing a gas line that has unintentionally bored through the sewer lateral during directional drilling.

after-cross-bore-cut-patch-iowa

Cross Bore cut using a robotic cutting tool called Dancutter

This image shows a cross bore being removed with precision using a robotic cutter called the Dancutter. In this Des Moines, Iowa sewer line, the tool cleanly trims away the intruding gas pipe without any excavation or surface disruption.

after-cross-bore-rehabilitation-patch-iowa

After Cross Bore Removal – Structural Patch Installed Using Trenchless Epoxy Liner

This image shows the sewer lateral after a trenchless rehabilitation patch was installed to seal the void left by the removed cross bore. In this Des Moines, Iowa repair, a structural epoxy liner was robotically positioned and cured in place to restore full pipe integrity and prevent future intrusion.

Trenchless Technology & Its Role in Cross Bores

At CIT Sewer Solutions, we believe in leveraging trenchless methods like horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and pipe bursting to minimize surface disruption and reduce project costs. However, when underground utilities are not properly mapped, these same technologies can unintentionally cause dangerous cross bores.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

  • How it works: HDD drills a pilot hole beneath surface obstacles (e.g., roads, rivers) to install new utility lines.
  • Risk: Without accurate utility locates, the drill may intersect sewer laterals or mains, creating undetected cross bores that pose major risks during sewer maintenance or jetting operations.

Pipe Bursting

  • How it works: Pipe bursting fractures old pipes while simultaneously pulling a new one into place.
  • Risk: If other utility lines intersect the original pipe path, the bursting process can drive a new pipe directly through a sewer, water, or telecom line.
Contact Us
Trenchless-Pipe-Repair

Common Use Cases & Cross Bore Risks

Urban Areas

In dense utility zones like cities, trenchless methods are essential to avoid traffic disruption—but congested subsurfaces and poor mapping make cross bores more likely without proactive inspections.

Residential Areas

Homeowners rarely know the exact layout of their underground services. Trenchless installations in neighborhoods can unintentionally damage sewer laterals or water lines, leading to contamination, backups, and costly repairs.

The Hidden Dangers of Undetected Cross Bores

  • Gas Leaks & Explosions: A gas line drilled through a sewer may remain hidden until struck by cleaning tools—potentially triggering an explosion.
  • Electrocution: Crossed electric lines pose fatal risks, especially in wet environments.
  • Water Contamination: Utility intrusions into water mains can introduce harmful substances into the public supply.
  • Structural Failures: Cross bores weaken infrastructure, increasing failure rates and repair costs.
  • Service Interruptions: Damaged lines can halt water, gas, or internet access for homes, businesses, and cities.
cross-bore-shown

Cross Bore Risk Comparison Table

Technology Benefit Risk of Cross Bore
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Avoids surface disruption for road and river crossings High if existing utility locates are inaccurate
Pipe Bursting Replaces pipes without open trenching Moderate to High if nearby lines intersect path
CCTV Inspections Real-time visual confirmation of pipe conditions None – used to detect cross bores
Robotic Crawlers Access hard-to-reach lateral lines and long runs None – diagnostic tool

Partnering with CIT for Safer Infrastructure

CIT Sewer Solutions brings decades of experience protecting critical infrastructure across Iowa and the Midwest. Whether you’re a municipality, utility provider, or contractor, we’ll help detect, document, and eliminate cross bores before they cause major problems.

Let’s Prevent Utility Accidents Together

Avoid service outages, costly repairs, and life-threatening hazards. Contact CIT Sewer Solutions today to schedule your cross bore inspection or to learn more about our advanced trenchless and inspection services.

The CIT Approach to Cross Bore Prevention

Comprehensive Cross Bore Inspections

  • CCTV Inspections
    • Live video feeds provide real-time visibility inside pipelines.
    • Precision diagnostics detect cross bores using high-resolution video.
  • Robotic Crawlers
    • Remotely operated vehicles reach lateral connections and long mains.
    • Sensor-powered tools identify damage, intrusions, and cross points.
  • GIS Mapping
    • We visualize subsurface utility paths with Geographic Information Systems.
    • Inspection logs and utility records integrate for smarter project planning.

Best Practices in Cross Bore Mitigation

  • Scheduled Inspections: Conducted before and after trenchless work and during routine maintenance.
  • Accurate Documentation: Includes high-definition footage and GIS-integrated records.
  • Cross-Department Collaboration: We coordinate with gas, water, telecom, and municipal teams.
  • Advanced Tools & Real-Time Data: Smart locators, robotic crawlers, and unified digital platforms.
  • Education & Awareness: Training programs for technicians and outreach to homeowners and contractors.

Cross Bore Inspection & Mitigation Methods Used by CIT Sewer Solutions

Category Technique Details
Cross Bore Inspections CCTV Inspections
  • Live video feeds provide real-time visibility inside pipelines.
  • Precision diagnostics detect cross bores using high-resolution video.
Robotic Crawlers
  • Remotely operated vehicles reach lateral connections and long mains.
  • Sensor-powered tools identify damage, intrusions, and cross points.
GIS Mapping
  • Visualize underground utility paths using GIS mapping technology.
  • Integrate inspection logs and utility records for data-driven planning.
Cross Bore Mitigation Scheduled Inspections Performed before/after trenchless work and during routine maintenance.
Accurate Documentation Includes high-definition CCTV footage and GIS-integrated reports.
Cross-Department Collaboration Coordination with gas, water, telecom, and municipal departments.
Advanced Tools & Real-Time Data Utilizes robotic tools, smart locators, and unified digital platforms.
Education & Awareness Includes training for technicians and outreach for homeowners and contractors.

Get professional sewer help now!

By submitting this form, you agree to be called or emailed by one of our team members. We will make every effort to respond within minutes of your request.

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXCAVATION FOR TARGETED MAINLINE ACCESS

sEWER vIDEO iNSPECTIONS

CIT Sewer Solutions provides precision hydro excavation services to safely expose underground utilities, sewer mains, and lateral connections without damaging surrounding infrastructure. Using high-pressure water and industrial vacuum systems, our crews remove soil and debris with surgical accuracy—ideal for sensitive commercial zones and congested municipal corridors. This non-destructive method reduces risk, speeds up access, and minimizes surface restoration costs. Whether supporting trenchless repairs or locating hidden assets, hydro excavation offers a clean, controlled alternative to traditional digging that’s safer, faster, and far more efficient.
Schedule an appointment

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXCAVATION FOR TARGETED MAINLINE ACCESS

Hydro-Excavation

CIT Sewer Solutions provides precision hydro excavation services to safely expose underground utilities, sewer mains, and lateral connections without damaging surrounding infrastructure. Using high-pressure water and industrial vacuum systems, our crews remove soil and debris with surgical accuracy—ideal for sensitive commercial zones and congested municipal corridors. This non-destructive method reduces risk, speeds up access, and minimizes surface restoration costs. Whether supporting trenchless repairs or locating hidden assets, hydro excavation offers a clean, controlled alternative to traditional digging that’s safer, faster, and far more efficient.
Schedule an appointment

A ZERO-EXCAVATION THAT REPAIRS MAINLINE BREAKAGE

tRENCHLESS sEWER REPAIR

CIT Sewer Solutions specializes in sectional point repairs for commercial sewer mainlines, using advanced trenchless methods to fix isolated pipe failures without full replacement. Our crews install cured-in-place liners to seal cracks, stop infiltration, and reinforce structural integrity—all without disrupting surface activity. This targeted approach saves time, reduces cost, and extends pipe life for municipalities and commercial properties alike.

Schedule a video inspection
CIT Sewer Logo with text
Facebook-f Twitter