Types of Work Performed by Wet Service Contractors

Hiring wet contractors is necessary when underground pipe work needs to be done. These types of contractors are involved in the installation of water and sewer pipes and stormwater drainage systems; repair or removal of existing pipelines; preparation of construction sites for demolition work; and restoration of land where pipeline works were carried out.

Public wet contractor services are also needed for the repair or installation of public water treatment systems, prefabricated pump houses, and steel tanks, as well as freshwater pipeline retrofits.

Wet service construction contractors receive important training before they are allowed to work on construction sites. Workers often encounter hazardous conditions that could lead to serious injury, death, or the accidental release of toxins into the environment. For this reason, contractors also receive training on HAZMAT and OSHA guidelines, along with any special training required for their specific job function.

A particularly helpful resource for utility contractors is underground utility engineering. SUE uses various types of high-tech equipment that are used to produce a three-dimensional map of the construction site.

SUE methods provide contractors with detailed information related to previously installed utility pipes and systems. Being able to get the precise location of these pipes has been instrumental in reducing workplace accidents caused by damaged pipes.

All contractors performing underground utility work must take steps to ensure construction safety is a top priority. Whenever workers dig trenches for underground work, they should shore up the ground around the trenches to reduce the chance of cave-ins.

Contractors must be very careful when performing work near utility lines because contact with exposed lines could result in serious injury or death. Damage to existing underground utility lines could lead to street flooding, release of environmental pollutants, or deadly explosions.

Contractors also face potential harm when working with the different types of equipment used on the jobsite. Performing underground utility work involves the use of heavy equipment to dig trenches and install pipes. Workers are at risk of being crushed by construction machinery or being struck by pipes while lowering into trenches.

Construction excavation jobs present numerous issues and challenges that require meticulous planning, intensive training, and ongoing project monitoring. The potential for workplace accidents and injuries can be reduced by conducting pre-job surveys to assess potential hazards and by making sure certain workers have received proper training.

Perhaps the biggest challenge wet service contractors face is water. These types of jobs often require digging trenches located below the water table. In these situations, contractors are required to dewater the job site prior to performing the pipe work.

There are several methods used to dewater construction job sites. The most common is the siphon or water pumping. However, if the water levels are too high, workers will have to install shear walls and manholes.

The installation of well points is a complicated and expensive procedure. This technique involves attaching wellheads to a pump that is used to draw in and release water through a header pipe that uses a series of jet pumps to forcefully discharge water into the ground.

Wet service construction is one of the most dangerous and technical types of work. Employing experienced wet service contractors with an impeccable construction safety record is vital to ensure the job is done safely and in compliance with state and federal regulations.