When a five-story residential condominium with commercial spaces below faced severe plumbing failures due to aging cast iron pipes, a skilled team stepped in with NuFlow’s NuDrain CIPP process to deliver a cost-effective, trenchless repair solution. The team successfully restored over 4,300 feet of plumbing with minimal disruption—a feat so well received that the residents organized a celebration to thank them for their hard work and the newly restored plumbing system.
The Problem: Aging Pipes, Costly Disruptions
Perry Plumbing & Pipelining, a NuFlow Certified Contractor, was called to address a critical plumbing issue in a mixed-use condominium featuring both residential units and commercial properties, including restaurants and retail stores.
The building’s cast iron pipes were severely deteriorated, causing water damage in both the condos and the businesses below. The pipes had developed cracks, corrosion, and blockages, with some lines so severely clogged that water flow was reduced to a pencil-sized opening.
Without immediate intervention, the plumbing failures threatened to cause major disruptions, making a non-invasive, long-lasting solution essential.
The Challenge: Complex Infrastructure & Business Constraints
This project posed unique logistical challenges due to the building’s structure and varied occupancy:
- Dual-function property: The plumbing system serviced both residential spaces and commercial businesses, including restaurants that couldn’t afford prolonged downtime.
- Hard-to-reach infrastructure: Half of the failing pipes were located within a parking garage, while the remaining half ran through high-traffic common areas.
- Delicate repairs required: Many cast iron pipes were barely functional, making debris flushing risky.
- Strict work schedules: Work in restaurant areas couldn’t be performed at night, while repairs in residential spaces needed to be minimally invasive during the day.
With these challenges in mind, the team needed a precise and strategic approach to restore the plumbing system efficiently.
The Solution: Trenchless Pipe-Lining with NuFlow’s NuDrain CIPP
To eliminate the need for invasive demolition, the team implemented NuFlow’s NuDrain CIPP—a trenchless repair technology designed to rehabilitate failing pipes without excavation.
Key Steps in the Process:
- Strategic Access Points: The crew established entry points on the 4th and 1st floors, above the commercial spaces, to avoid interfering with restaurant operations.
- Precision Cleaning: Debris was carefully flushed out using specialized vacuums to prevent further pipe damage.
- Extensive Pipe Relining: Over 4,300 feet of pipes were successfully restored:
- 3,500 feet of 2” pipes
- 1,000 feet of 3” pipes
- 800 feet of 4” pipes
- Minimal Disruption: The restoration process was completed in phases over 10 months, addressing toilet risers, kitchen sink lines, lavatory and shower risers, and laundry vertical stacks while keeping daily life and business operations intact.
The Outcome: A Long-Term Plumbing Solution & Community Appreciation
Thanks to Perry Plumbing & Pipelining’s expert execution and NuFlow’s trenchless technology, the building’s plumbing system was fully rehabilitated without costly, destructive demolition. The water damage issues were resolved, preventing future structural harm to both the residential condos and commercial properties.
The project’s success was so well received that the building’s residents organized a surprise cocktail party to celebrate the crew’s dedication and professionalism. The residents and business owners praised the team for minimizing disruptions and delivering a long-term, cost-effective plumbing solution.
Conclusion: A Model for Modern Pipe Rehabilitation
This case study highlights how trenchless pipe-lining solutions like NuFlow’s NuDrain CIPP process provide efficient, non-invasive repairs in challenging environments. By combining strategic planning, innovative technology, and expert execution, Perry Plumbing & Pipelining restored a failing plumbing system without disrupting residents or businesses—proving that modern trenchless repair methods are the future of plumbing rehabilitation. If you’re facing deteriorating pipes, contact NuFlow today to learn how our advanced trenchless solutions can restore your plumbing system with minimal disruption.
Today!