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What’s That Smell?

Sewer Pipe Lining Gif
Sewer Pipe Lining Gif

March 03, 2022
Do you smell that? As Kissick Construction prepares to replace and upgrade sewer lines as part of KC Water’s Upgrades on Main construction, business owners and residents may smell an unfamiliar odor. 

During sewer line replacements and upgrades, you may notice the smell of hydrogen sulfide due to the cured in-place pipe (CIPP) technology being used. CIPP is a trenchless technology that improves the structural integrity of the pipes and extends the lifespan of the sewer line. You can learn more about this process by watching this video

Hydrogen sulfide is a naturally occurring gas produced in sewers or created from a reaction caused by construction. While hydrogen sulfide can be toxic in high concentrations, it is not harmful for people at the low level of concentration that is emitted during Upgrades on Main construction. 

Cured in Place Pipe Work
Cured in Place Pipe Work

There are a number of reasons why you might smell this odor, including: 

  • A dry trap (make sure to run water in drain lines!)
  • A damaged trap
  • A damaged drain line
  • A damaged or plugged vent

What is a trap? A trap is a U-shaped pipe located under anything that connects to your sewer line system, including but not limited to, a sink, bathtub, shower or washing machine.

If you notice an unfamiliar odor inside your home, first make sure to pour some water down each trap. If the odor lingers, it may be a good idea to contact a plumber to ensure there is no damage to a trap or drain line. You can learn more about traps and your sewer connection by following this link. 

If your property will be impacted by CIPP work, the Upgrades on Main team will notify you by a phone call or door hanger. 

You can always call the project hotline with additional questions at 816-337-1013.

 


Importance of Upgrading Water Infrastructure

May 19, 2021

KC Water serves approximately 170,000 residential and commercial customers, and manages 5,600 miles of water mains and sewer lines. Their facilities treat an estimated 90 million gallons of water per day. This amounts to a significant responsibility to ensure people in the region have access to high-quality water and experience top-notch customer service.

One of the primary goals of Upgrades on Main construction is to upgrade century-old infrastructure to ensure access to safe and clean water. Ongoing construction upgrades include:

  • Replacement of approximately 21,492 linear feet of water mains. 
  • Replacement of nearly 34,000 linear feet of sewer rehabilitation work.
  • Over 190 new or refurbished manholes and 81 catch basins.
  • Repairs to lateral lines.

This project will not only increase service reliability to businesses and homes in the surrounding area, but also includes installation of new water meters and fire hydrants, providing emergency access to water for years to come. Dependable water infrastructure not only contributes to economic development, but is also a matter of public safety. 

View the most recent construction-related information on the Upgrades on Main interactive map, view project progress, street closures, and much more!

To receive the latest construction news and updates directly in your inbox, sign up for the Weekly Construction Update email newsletter and check out the Upgrades on Main project webpage at http://www.kcwater.us/upgradesonmain.

 


Sub-Zero Temperatures Temporarily Halt Work

Construction activities near Pershing Rd

February 16, 2021

Due to the sub-zero temperatures, Upgrades on Main construction activities, along with private utility relocation activities, have been paused. Construction activities must be suspended when the temperature drops too low for multiple reasons.

The main reason for the pause is to keep workers safe. With cold temperatures, crews must wear more layers which can make it difficult to work effectively and can lead to injuries. Cold weather also impacts the quality of work. Equipment is more susceptible to damage when exposed to extreme cold and snow which can lead to costly fixes and potentially ruining the equipment all together. There is also a higher risk of new infrastructure breaking when being installed, which could cause the crews to backtrack and fix recently completed work.

As soon as temperatures rise above freezing, our crews will continue working where they left off. View the most recent construction-related information on the Upgrades on Main interactive map, which allows you to view progress on the project, street closures, and much more! For the latest construction news and updates, we invite you to sign up for the Weekly Construction Update email newsletter and check out the Upgrades on Main project webpage at http://www.kcwater.us/upgradesonmain