In-building pipe rehabilitation: Convenient and cost-effective repair method

For an Oregon retirement community with 10 floors, 18 stacks, and more than 762 linear m (2,500 linear ft) of deteriorating cast iron pipes, in-building pipe rehabilitation was the ideal choice—as it avoided disrupting and relocating the community’s 150 elderly residents. This project required multiple materials, however, they worked with a company that provided trenchless and non-invasive in-building pipe relining solutions; and this eliminated sourcing delays and allowed the expansive undertaking to be completed in just five months, while residents remained in their units. It is important to note this project only
had one crew, consisting of four to five workers. By adding more crews, completion time can be significantly reduced.

Conclusion

Traditional total pipe replacement requires more labor, time, and materials than in-building pipe rehabilitation. It also incurs more costs, as excavation damage to drywall, flooring, and more must be repaired, forcing inconveniences such as relocation or business disruption due to the inability to access water. This is where in-building pipe rehabilitation demonstrates a clear advantage.

Innovative materials and equipment to promote the advancement of non-invasive commercial plumbing supports the commercial plumbing community. Whether the plumbing repair involves main lines, laterals, branch lines, verticals, sectional repairs, cold weather, or environmentally sensitive areas, these systems are designed to stop leaks, improve flow, prevent corrosion, and restore structural integrity. The final result can extend the life of the existing pipe and plumbing system by up to 25 years. In-building pipe rehabilitation enables commercial facilities to remain open while providing durable, reliable pipe repair. As in-building pipe systems in high-rise and multi-story buildings age, this modern trenchless pipe repair approach represents an optimal, cost-effective option that benefits facility stakeholders, occupants, and building managers alike.

Notes

¹ Refer to the report, Research Commentary by Stuart A. Feldstein, president, SMR Research Corportation. To read the report, visit www.commbuildings.com/ResearchComm.html#:~:text=Age%20of%20U.S.%20Commercial%20Buildings,slight%20increase%20over%20prior%20years.

Author

Ryan Graham is senior vice-president, services for Vortex Companies; a provider of trenchless and non-invasive pipe relining solutions. He has more than a decade of trenchless infrastructure rehabilitation and water/wastewater industry experience. Graham has progressed in increasing roles of responsibility since joining Vortex at its inception in 2015.