What is the recommended sampling rate when investigating pipes for contamination?

The recommended sampling rate of one sample for every 20 linear feet of pipe is designed to provide a thorough assessment of potential contamination. This sampling frequency strikes a balance between obtaining sufficient data to evaluate the condition of the pipes and managing resource effectiveness during the investigation.

Sampling every 20 feet allows inspectors to detect contamination that may occur at different intervals along the pipe, ensuring that no significant contamination is overlooked. Given the diversity of potential contamination sources, this systematic approach helps identify variances that might indicate localized problems.

Choosing a less frequent sampling rate, such as one sample per 50 or 100 feet, could possibly miss key contamination hotspots, risking an incomplete understanding of the pipes’ integrity and the surrounding environment. Therefore, the 20-foot interval is particularly beneficial in achieving comprehensive results in contamination assessments.