Case Study

Manhole Root Intrusion Repair and System Assessment in Miami, FL 

Miami, FL

Miami, FL

Retail

Injection Grouting

Property Background

This commercial shopping center in Miami, Florida relies on an underground stormwater system to manage runoff from rooftops, parking areas and pedestrian corridors. As with many mature commercial properties in South Florida, portions of the system had not been fully accessed or evaluated in recent years. Sediment buildup, buried catch basins and suspected root intrusion raised concerns about overall system performance. 

To gain a clear understanding of system conditions and restore functionality, the property owner partnered with AQUALIS to investigate, clean and repair critical stormwater infrastructure. Known for comprehensive stormwater services, AQUALIS approached the project with a structured process that combined inspection, targeted remediation and preventative treatment. The objective was to correct existing deficiencies, restore accessibility and position the system for more reliable long term success. 

Manual Root Removal and Structural Repair

Operations began with manual removal of root intrusion within the manhole structure using hand tools. This approach allowed technicians to work precisely without damaging surrounding utilities or intact concrete components. Mature roots had penetrated the manhole riser, creating pathways that restricted flow and accelerated structural deterioration. 

Once root material was fully extracted, a RootX treatment was applied to the affected area as a preventative measure to inhibit regrowth. RootX is a foaming herbicide designed to penetrate residual root fibers within stormwater systems, expanding along interior pipe surfaces to target roots beyond the immediate repair area. The treatment typically protects for approximately two years, after which the system should be reevaluated and retreated if necessary as part of an ongoing maintenance program. 

Following treatment, cement-based repairs were performed. Commonly referred to as grouting, this process involved rebuilding and sealing deteriorated concrete surfaces to restore structural integrity and eliminate entry points that had allowed root intrusion. By reinforcing the manhole riser, the team addressed the structural vulnerability rather than simply removing the obstruction. 

The combined approach of manual extraction, preventative treatment and structural sealing restored the integrity of the structure and positioned the system for continued maintenance monitoring.

Roots extraction Roots Extracted root x Baffle Man hole before Sediment and debris removal Man hole After Uncovering Catch Basin new catch basin structure final catch basin backfilled

Pipeline Cleaning and System Preparation

After repairs were completed, the stormwater lines were cleaned to remove accumulated sediment and debris. Six pipelines were cleared using high-pressure jetting to restore interior access and improve visibility for CCTV evaluation. 

A connected French drain line was cleaned using a vac truck, removing approximately 30 to 50 feet of buildup. In addition, several buried catch basins throughout the property were located, uncovered and cleared of debris and sedimentation buildup. Once cleaned, these structures were restored to proper working condition, allowing water to flow freely through the system. 

Jet vac services were also performed within the manhole to remove residual debris prior to inspection activities. With pipelines and structures cleared, AQUALIS was able to accurately assess system condition and ensure optimal hydraulic performance. 

 

CCTV Inspection and Condition Assessment  

CCTV inspection provided detailed insight into pipe integrity, joint condition and structural connections that are not visible from the surface. Through this process, root intrusion was confirmed at a manhole riser connection. 

Root intrusion is common in South Florida due to aggressive vegetation growth and year-round moisture. Over time, roots can widen cracks, compromise joints and restrict flow. Identifying the exact location and extent of intrusion allowed for targeted repair rather than broad or unnecessary treatment. 

The inspection also confirmed that once cleaned and cleared, the system components were capable of functioning as designed. 

 

Outcome and Maintenance Benefits 

Through systematic investigation, cleaning and targeted repair, AQUALIS restored the shopping center’s stormwater system to a maintainable and fully functional condition. Root intrusion was removed, preventative treatment was applied and buried catch basins were uncovered and rehabilitated to restore proper flow throughout the system. 

With improved accessibility and documented system conditions, the property is now positioned for routine inspection and proactive maintenance. The project demonstrates how a structured, full service stormwater approach can quickly move a property from uncertainty to confidence, ensuring infrastructure performs as designed while protecting the long term value of the site. 

 

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