Many 50+ year-old buildings are in need of this repair

Toilet no longer flushing? Many older buildings are past due for a challenging but necessary repair: sanitary sewer replacement.

Interstruct Select Projects recently solved this PITA issue for an owner’s rep. One of the 4” cast iron sanitary sewer lines had corroded and collapsed and was causing the toilets to drain slowly or not at all.  After reviewing the 1971 blueprints and scoping the sewer line, we determined the best course of action.

The repair requires cutting through the concrete slab to dig a trench, expose the old pipes and replace them with PVC, then reconnect, refill, pour new concrete, buff, clean and restore the finishes. The BEST time to do this is when transitioning between tenants.

“We saved the client money by avoiding closing the parking lot,” said Spencer Mitchell, directory of Interstruct’s Select Projects division.

Select Project’s approach to a sanitary sewer replacement

After laying out our cutting path, we used a hydraulic concrete saw to cut a 2’ x 100’ trench.  We removed the concrete and excavated the old cast iron pipes from the city line (outside the building) all the way to four different restrooms.  After the mains, toilet flanges, sink and floor drains were replaced, we backfilled, treated, tamped and laid plastic.  We then installed dowel rods, pumped concrete, and floated the floor.  Once the concrete was cured, we made drywall repairs and cleaned the space.  The property is now ready for a new tenant and their specific cosmetic tenant improvements. 

No one wants to do this but we did it, from inside a building. We saved the client money by avoiding closing their parking lot to complete the work.

Targeted outdoor work reduces impact to business

After laying out our cutting path, we used a hydraulic concrete saw to cut a 2’ x 100’ trench. 

Here’s what we saw after cutting through the slab and digging a trench.

We removed the concrete and excavated the old cast iron pipes from the city line (outside the building) all the way to four different restrooms. 

We replaced corroded cast iron pipes with PVC.

After the mains, toilet flanges, sink and floor drains were replaced, we backfilled, treated, tamped and laid plastic. 

Trenches are refilled and prepared for concrete

We then installed dowel rods, pumped concrete, and floated the floor. 

Ready for New Tenants

Once the concrete was cured, we made drywall repairs and cleaned the space. 

Interstruct Select Projects

Interstruct Select Projects addresses the challenges many clients face when seeking experienced contractors for smaller-scale, high-urgency projects that require minimal permitting, with a swift turnaround in a matter of days, not months. The Select Projects division succeeds from its relationships with Interstruct’s design + build team and the company’s work history with over 200 proven and trusted subcontractors.

Interstruct Select Projects provides tailored solutions + expertise for select commercial construction projects. Led by Spencer Mitchell. Call Spencer to discuss your needs: 407-720-2881.