What Does
Swab The Hole Mean?
Swab the hole is a term used to describe the process of cleaning a bored hole of any debris before installing pipe. Swabbing the hole is the final step before installing the product line and is performed by pulling a plug through the hole to remove cutting debris and drilling fluid.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Swab The Hole
In addition to removing any debris and residue from the drilling process, swabbing the hole also has the added benefit of compacting the borehole walls. A swab is made by welding end caps onto a pipe that is the same diameter as the one being installed. This pipe is then pulled through the hole via the drilling rig. It may take more than one pass or swab in order to clean the hole effectively. In some instances, the final swabbing of the hole may be done at the same time as pipe installation.