In the water management industry, preventative maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency and longevity of water and drainage infrastructure. By proactively addressing potential issues before they become major problems, utilities and contractors can significantly reduce unexpected repair costs, system downtime and operational risk.

Drainage Solutions Inc. (DSI) supports municipalities, contractor and utilities with high-quality tools, products and solutions to extend infrastructure life and improve system performance.

The High Cost of Reactive Maintenance

Many water utilities have traditionally operated on a “run-to-failure” basis. Assets are repaired or replaced only once a failure occurs. While this might seem cost-effective in the short term, it often leads to increased long-term costs and risks:

Financial Strain: Emergency repairs typically require overtime labor, expedited material procurement, and often result in more extensive damage to surrounding public and private property like roads and buildings.

Disruption: Unplanned shutdowns inconvenience residents and severely disrupt businesses and essential services that rely on a consistent water supply — including restaurants, hospitals and manufacturing plants — while main breaks directly disrupt businesses, infrastructure and essential services.

Public Health Risks: Main breaks often cause pressure loss, increasing the risk of contamination from groundwater infiltration. This can lead to boil-water advisories and pose a serious threat to community health.

Resource Depletion: Water lost through leaks is a waste of treated water, energy, chemicals and labor. In a world where water scarcity is a growing crisis — due to factors such as climate change, increased demand from growing populations and water-intensive economic activities like data centers — avoiding these leakages is paramount.

Why Preventative Maintenance Matters for Water Systems

The challenge of aging water infrastructure is here to stay. As pipes continue to age and climate change places additional stress on water resources, a preventive approach is essential to maintain optimal functioning.

Municipalities and water managers must take decisive steps to get ahead of the problem. This involves securing funding for infrastructure renewal, adopting comprehensive asset management plans and embracing innovative technologies that provide critical operational insights.

DSI is committed to providing tools and products that help municipalities build safer, stronger and more resilient water systems.

REED Waterworks Tools

The future of water management is not about reacting to the past; it depends on using proactive strategies and dependable tools. Getting more life out of infrastructure starts with the right equipment.

Backed by over 125 years of manufacturing experience, REED Tools is the industry standard for utility companies, mechanical contractors, construction crews, plumbers and underground contractors. REED Tools offer efficient, long-lasting and durable solutions — including pipe tools, waterworks tools and maintenance essentials — for staying on top of your municipal projects.

As your partner in the industry, Drainage Solutions Inc. offers expert guidance and support. We have REED products in stock and ready to ship, including the following tools to help improve performance, reduce costs and minimize environmental impact when it comes to preventative maintenance:

REED DPHTP500 Drill Powered Hydrostatic Test Pump 08177

With a smooth running, quiet 3/4 hp motor, the REED DPHTP500 Drill Powered Hydrostatic Test Pump includes a 15' (46m) high pressure hose for filling the system. Self-priming pumps that work with pressurized or non-pressurized water supply test water meters, plumbing lines, pressure vessels, solar systems and sprinkler systems.

Universal Pipe Cutter 6"-36" (UPC)

The REED UPC is lightweight, fast cutting, requires only 12" clearance around the pipe, provides a square cut virtually every time and can be operated underwater. It is by far the safest, easiest and fastest power cutter to setup, operate and maintain, which nets a low operating cost.

REED Pump Stick

The REED Pump Stick™ is a versatile and durable, battery-operated transfer pump that provides a portable, jobsite friendly way to remove water. Applications for the battery-operated liquid transfer pump are numerous due to the adaptable construction of the pump.

REED TM1100 Direct Tapping Machine 09300

Drill and tap water mains while they remain under pressure with the REED TM1100 Direct Tapping Machine 09300. This lightweight yet strong, corrosion-resistant aluminum frame is easy to carry and set-up. Its pressure relieving valve allows for a one-step operation making it simple to use, while a modular design allows fast and simple conversion to drilling machine.

The Bevel Boss

With its unique design, the REED Bevel Boss is the only tool in the industry designed for quick and reliable beveling of 2-inch diameter and larger pipe. It’s perfect for job sites that require precision and speed.

Conclusion

Preventative maintenance is essential to maximizing the lifespan, safety and efficiency of water and drainage infrastructure. With high-quality products from top manufacturers in stock and ready to ship, Drainage Solutions Inc. makes it easy to proactively maintain your systems and reduce long-term costs.

Call one of our drainage solutions experts at 317-346-4110 for guidance and information on the latest and greatest preventative maintenance solutions today.

Don’t wait! Shop DSI online now or visit one of our four Indiana locations — Franklin, Lebanon, Greenfield or Leesburg — to find the solutions you need to keep water flowing.