Pigging and Balling

Pigging and balling cleans deposits off walls of pipelines or debris that accumulates in the bottom of large-diameter sewers. A flexible pig or ball is propelled through a pipeline by creating a head of liquid or gas behind the tool. Pigs are used for water lines and force mains, while balls are used in gravity pipelines. Other uses for pigs and balls include placing ropes in lines, dewatering pipes, and proofing. Balling large-diameter sewers requires a crew with extensive experience, but in some situations it is the most cost-effective way to clean them.