Pacific Flow Control Ltd recently completed a highly technical and environmentally sensitive double 30-inch (750mm) line stop on Hyprescon AWWA C301L concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP)—a critical sanitary sewer force main serving multiple communities on Vancouver Island.
In addition to this dual isolation, our team also performed two 30×16 (750x400mm) hot taps to establish a high-capacity bypass system—keeping the main live and fully pressurized throughout construction, with zero flow interruptions.
This bypass allowed for real-time infrastructure replacement in the same location as the existing pipe, eliminating the need for costly and invasive archaeological excavation in this culturally sensitive area. By preserving undisturbed heritage ground while maintaining full system functionality, PFC helped the contractor and municipality protect history, reduce risk, and stay on schedule.
Why This Project Was Different
Most bypasses in sanitary systems use external diesel-powered pumps and overland hoses, but PFC’s double line stop with in-line bypass leveraged the existing sewer system pumps to handle the hydraulic load.
This resulted in:
- Reduced environmental footprint
- Lower noise impact on local communities
- Elimination of bypass pump rental costs
- Decreased setup time and site disruption
- Safer, more reliable pressure control
This is the future of smart, sustainable bypassing—especially for force mains, deep lines, or environmentally sensitive sites.
What is Hot Tapping?
Hot tapping (also known as pressure tapping) is a precise method of making new pipeline connections without shutting down or depressurizing the system. It involves:
- Attaching a pressure-rated tapping fitting to the pipe
- Installing an isolation valve
- Drilling through the live pipe wall using specialized equipment
Hot tapping enables the safe addition of:
- New laterals
- Monitoring equipment
- Bypass lines
- Drain points
- Inline valves
Where We Perform Hot Tapping:
PFC offers hot tapping across British Columbia, Alberta (including Calgary & Edmonton), and Saskatchewan, working with:
- Municipal water & wastewater systems
- Industrial process piping
- Force mains and pressurized sewer systems
- HDPE, PVC, DIP, steel, and concrete pressure pipe
What is Line Stopping?
Line stopping—sometimes called line plugging—is a technique used to temporarily block or isolate a pressurized pipeline, acting like a removable valve where none exists.
After a line stop is installed:
- The section downstream can be dewatered, repaired, or modified
- New valves or fittings can be installed
- A bypass can divert flow around the isolated area
Common Applications Include:
- Line relocations or reroutes
- Valve replacements
- Abandoning existing lines
- Equipment installation
- Pipe material testing or pressure testing
- Emergency leak repairs
PFC is equipped for single, double, triple and quadruple line stops, with or without bypasses—tailored to the project’s pipe material, pressure class, and location.
What is C301 and B303 Concrete Cylinder Pipe (CCP)?
C301L (Lap-Welded Steel Cylinder Concrete Pressure Pipe) and C303 (Bar-Wrapped Concrete Cylinder Pipe) are prestressed concrete pressure pipes used in large-diameter water and wastewater transmission.
AWWA C301:
- Contains a mild steel cylinder for watertightness
- Prestressed with steel wire wrapped under tension
- Lined and coated with portland cement mortar
- Typically used in sizes 16” to 144”
- Common in older municipal infrastructure across Canada
AWWA C303:
- Features a steel cylinder with bar-wrap reinforcement
- Designed for moderate pressures
- Often more flexible and cost-effective than C301
- Requires specialized knowledge when hot tapping or cutting in
Working on these pipes requires special expertise due to their unique failure modes (delamination, wire breakage, corrosion) and safety-critical pressure ratings. That’s where Pacific Flow Control stands out.
Why Choose Pacific Flow Control?
Since 1980, Pacific Flow Control Ltd. has been Western Canada’s leader in engineered live system services, offering:
Our Core Services:
- Hot Tapping (steel, PCCP, PVC, HDPE, DIP)
- Line Stopping & Bypass Design
- Valve Insertion (Mueller, Romac, Hydra-Stop)
- Nitrogen Line Freezing
- Emergency Pipeline Isolation & Repair
- Closure Kit Installation & Support
- Cut-in Valve Assemblies
- PCCP Tap & Reinforcement Solutions
- Hydrant Repair, Testing, and Valve Exercising
We are trusted by:
- Major municipalities
- National contractors
- Consulting engineers and developers
- Utility operators and asset managers
Our reputation is built on:
- 45+ years of live pipeline expertise
- Industry-certified technicians and engineers
- Custom designs and engineered calculations
- Safety-first culture and full compliance
- Environmental stewardship and innovative methods
- 24/7 Emergency Response Support
Let’s Work Together!
Whether you’re planning a scheduled upgrade or facing a time-sensitive emergency, Pacific Flow Control is here to help you maintain your water and sewer systems without shutdowns.
Call us today to discuss your project.
Let our 45 years of expertise in hot tapping, line stopping, valve insertion, and specialized PCCP services work for you. We help municipalities and contractors save time, reduce cost, and preserve community infrastructure.