Ken Tesh Water Distribution Operator Exam 3 Practice 2025 - Free Water Distribution Operator Practice Questions and Study Guide

The method identified as the most effective for removing encrustation in a water main is pigging. This technique involves inserting a device called a pig into the water main. The pig travels through the pipe, scraping and loosening deposits that have built up over time, including encrustations caused by mineral build-up, corrosion, and biological growth.

Pigging is particularly advantageous because it can thoroughly clean the interior surface of the pipe without the need for significant downtime or extensive labor. It can also be performed regularly as part of maintenance, helping to prolong the life of the water main and ensuring that water quality is maintained.

While flushing with high-velocity water can help to move some debris and reduce minor build-up, it is often not sufficient for heavy encrustation. Chemical solvents, on the other hand, may be hazardous and can require careful handling and disposal, and they might not be effective on all types of encrustation. Installing new pipes, though a viable solution in some instances, can be a costly and time-consuming process that may not always be necessary if pigging can effectively restore the existing infrastructure.