Polyurea lining system allows hotel to stay
Problem: The Hyatt Soma Hotel is a 36-story upscale hotel in the Union Square district of downtown San Francisco. The busy hotel was in need of piping rehabilitation, and owners hoped to stay in operation during the work.
Solution: Six full columns of both supply and return heat piping (from the third to 36th floor) for the building’s guest rooms, and occupied spaces were fully rehabilitated utilizing the PipeCaster Pro polyurea system from IPP Solutions. Work segments were completed in riser column scenarios or basically one column out at a time to meet the hotel’s requirements for bookings and events. Risers were broken into multiple workable sections to keep crews in contained areas and to allow for the removal and replacement of existing expansion compensator units in these specific locations.
Result: The hotel remained fully operable and maintained over 90% occupancy during the nine-week rehabilitation process and that included the seven guestroom allowance given to the contractor for the crew to stay onsite for the duration of the project. 970-444-5655; www.ippsolutions.com
Trenchless solution saves time and money for homeowner
Problem: A Las Vegas couple moved into their 1970s home, only to face severe sewer backups within their first week. A plumber’s inspection revealed the pipes were in critical disrepair, leaving the homeowners unable to use their bathrooms without constant backups. The plumber recommended traditional pipe replacement, which required jackhammering through the home’s concrete slab foundation, beneath the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room. Complicating matters further, the slab contained asbestos, necessitating abatement before excavation could begin.
Solution: Desperate for alternatives, the homeowners received a postcard from Re-Nu America, a NuFlow certified contractor. They contacted Byron Summersville, who performed a camera inspection and confirmed the pipes had extensive cracks and corrosion, which had allowed roots and debris to infiltrate the system. The process began with a careful cleaning of the plumbing system, using specialized tools to remove debris without further damaging the fragile pipes. Once clean, liners were installed in the most damaged sections, addressing critical failures. By the end of the first day, the homeowners could use their bathrooms again. Over the next two days, the team rehabilitated 100 feet of 2- and 3-inch pipes using existing cleanouts and toilet removal for access.
Result: The project was completed in just three days at 40% less than the cost of pipe replacement. Best of all, the homeowners were able to remain in their house during the repair. The couple’s positive experience caught the attention of their neighbors, who had been dealing with similar plumbing issues. Since completing that first job, Re-Nu America has worked on 30 additional homes in the same neighborhood, averaging one to two projects per week. 866-430-2134; www.nuflow.com
