The substance is applied as a gel to make it less likely to seep out of any cracks or holes in the innerduct. Although the process has become a standard operating procedure for some telephone companies, the Rural Electrification Association rejected a proposal to require telcos to adopt the solution, Osborne notes. The frost line was higher than usual this past winter in many areas because of heavy snow. The frost line can vary from about 6 to 7 feet below the ground in such northern states as Minnesota, to just about 1 foot below ground in the mid-central part of the United States. Floods that have ravaged many areas this winter are bringing water into contact with fiber cable that had never before been exposed to large volumes of water.
Weep holes are teardrop-shaped drainage holes that are drilled into exposed conduit.
Although weep holes are used by many major telephone companies, Miller says he does not consider them acceptable over the long term. They tend to get plugged up by debris and insects, so they often stop working. Therefore we expect it will have a very long life. However, the completeness and accuracy of the information is not guaranteed. Before using, the end-user should conduct whatever evaluations are necessary to determine that the product is suitable for the intended use.