A critical part of sewer rehabilitation is the reconnection of the laterals, after a sewer pipe has been relined. Depending on the length and location of the relining project, an underground contractor may need to reinstate just a few lateral connections, or have a hefty job of more than a hundred connections. Proper equipment, and the skill to use it, is a must to make this process go smoothly and quickly. Empipe has both.

A lateral cutter (or Robotic Cutting) is a remotely-controlled unit used to reinstate the lateral connections in the renewed pipe. Its function is straight-forward: the robot cutter unit is inserted into the renewed mainline, and advanced toward the lateral connection (located via a coordinated measurement). The cutter makes an initial hole to relieve any flow that may have accumulated in the lateral, and to help remove the remainder of the lining material from the lateral opening. Once this opening is cleared, the lateral can be reconnected.

The robotic cutting services of Empipe has saved general contractors thousands of dollars by remotely repairing defects in pipes, thus avoiding the excessive cost of excavations.