Trenchless Pipelining For Commercial Buildings: A Complete Guide

When a commercial building’s plumbing fails, it’s rarely just a maintenance issue, it’s a business emergency. Backups, leaks, or water shutoffs can close restaurants, disrupt tenants, damage inventory, and trigger health or code violations.

That’s why more owners, property managers, and facility teams are turning to trenchless pipelining instead of traditional “dig-and-replace” plumbing projects. With modern trenchless methods, you can rehabilitate failing sewer, drain, and water lines from the inside, often in days instead of weeks, and without tearing up slabs, lobbies, landscaping, or tenant spaces.

This guide walks you through how trenchless pipelining works in commercial buildings, where it fits, and what you should know before planning a project. Whether you manage a high-rise, a campus, a hotel, or a municipal facility, you’ll see what to expect from start to finish, and how to protect your budget, your occupants, and your operations.

NuFlow is a leading trenchless pipe repair and rehabilitation company serving residential, commercial, and municipal properties across North America and beyond. If you’re already seeing plumbing problems or want to get ahead of them, you can request help or a free consultation through our plumbing problems page.

Understanding Trenchless Pipelining And How It Works

What Trenchless Pipelining Actually Is

Trenchless pipelining is a way to repair or rehabilitate existing pipes from the inside, without excavating long trenches or demolishing walls and slabs. Instead of replacing a failed pipe with a new one, you create a new, seamless pipe within the old one.

In commercial buildings, this approach is used on:

• Sanitary and storm sewer mains
• Horizontal and vertical drain stacks
• Roof drains and leaders
• Domestic water and fire lines
• Chilled water and HVAC condenser lines

Most systems start with cleaning and camera inspection, then use specialized materials, typically liners or epoxy coatings, to restore structural integrity, stop leaks, and improve flow. The host pipe becomes a form or conduit: the new pipe is the structurally sound surface that actually carries the water or waste.

NuFlow’s trenchless solutions focus on three main technologies:

• Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining for drain, sewer, and lateral lines
• Epoxy coating for potable water and mechanical/HVAC systems
• UV-cured and specialized linings for faster cure times and complex runs

The result is a rehabilitated pipe system designed to last 50+ years, often with manufacturer-backed warranties, and achieved with minimal disruption to your building.

Key Methods Used In Commercial Properties

In commercial buildings, you rarely have the luxury of shutting everything down for weeks. That’s why trenchless methods used in these environments are chosen for speed, flexibility, and compatibility with occupied spaces.

Common methods include:
1. Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining

A flexible liner, sized to your existing pipe and often impregnated with epoxy or resin, is installed into the pipe through existing access points (cleanouts, manholes, roof drains, etc.). The liner is expanded and cured (with hot water, steam, or UV light) to form a new, jointless pipe inside the old one.
2. Pull-in-Place or Inversion Lining

Depending on access and layout, liners may be pulled into position or inverted with air or water pressure. Both are standard CIPP techniques: the right choice depends on run length, bends, and the number of connections.
3. Epoxy Spray or Brush Coating

For pressurized lines, like potable water or closed‑loop HVAC systems, an abrasion process cleans the pipe interior, then multiple coats of epoxy are applied to create a corrosion-resistant barrier. This restores flow and helps stop pinhole leaks without replacing copper or steel piping.
4. Spot/Point Repairs and Lateral Liners

When only localized areas are damaged, targeted liners can reinforce failing joints, roots intrusions, or cracks without lining the entire run. These “surgical” options are common in commercial settings where you’re trying to address high‑risk defects with minimal spend and downtime.

NuFlow has decades of experience choosing and applying these methods in hotels, high‑rise condos, hospitals, schools, and mixed‑use buildings. You can see real-world examples on our case studies page.

How Trenchless Pipelining Compares To Traditional Pipe Replacement

Traditional pipe replacement is straightforward in concept: dig or cut, remove the old pipe, and install new pipe. In commercial buildings, but, that usually means:

• Jackhammering concrete slabs and corridors
• Opening ceilings and walls in occupied spaces
• Excavating landscaping, sidewalks, and parking areas
• Long shutdowns of restrooms, kitchens, and key operations

Trenchless pipelining is designed to avoid most of this disruption. Here’s how it compares on key factors:

• Cost – Trenchless methods typically cost 30–50% less than full dig-and-replace when you account for demolition, restoration, lost revenue, and schedule impacts.
• Speed – Many commercial trenchless projects are completed in 1–2 days per zone or stack, as opposed to weeks of construction.
• Disruption – Access is usually through cleanouts, mechanical rooms, or select access points. You avoid tearing up lobbies, tenant build-outs, and foundations.
• Structure – You preserve slabs, structural members, and finishes, which can be critical in older or historically significant buildings.
• Longevity – Quality CIPP and epoxy systems are engineered for 50+ year service life, comparable to (or better than) new pipe materials.

For most commercial owners, the decision isn’t just “Which is cheaper per foot?” It’s: Which option protects my tenants, revenue, and building while still solving the problem for the long term? That’s where trenchless usually comes out ahead.

Common Pipe Problems In Commercial Buildings

Typical Plumbing Systems In Commercial Facilities

Commercial and multifamily buildings have more complex plumbing systems than typical single-family homes. You’re often dealing with:

• Multiple vertical stacks serving dozens or hundreds of fixtures
• Long horizontal runs under slabs and through garages
• Mixed materials (cast iron, clay, concrete, copper, galvanized, PVC, ABS)
• High peak loads from restrooms, commercial kitchens, and laundry
• Specialized systems like grease lines, lab waste, or medical facilities

Because of the scale and usage, wear and tear happens faster and the consequences of failure are much greater. Food courts, hotels, hospitals, and schools simply can’t tolerate recurring backups or water outages.

Signs Your Building May Need Trenchless Pipelining

You don’t have to wait for a catastrophic failure to consider trenchless pipelining. In fact, the best time to act is when problems are still manageable. Warning signs include:

• Recurring backups in the same stacks or lines, even though frequent snaking or jetting
• Slow drains on multiple floors, suggesting a problem in a main or stack
• Sewer odors in hallways, lobby areas, or mechanical rooms
• Water staining or leaks in ceilings and walls below restrooms or kitchens
• Pinhole leaks in copper or steel domestic water lines
• Rusty, discolored, or low‑pressure water complaints from tenants
• Root intrusion or major cracks observed during camera inspections

If your maintenance team or plumbers are repeatedly addressing the same areas, there’s a good chance the underlying pipe is deteriorated. Continuing to “band-aid” the issue can be more expensive over time than a one-time rehabilitation.

If you’re already seeing these symptoms, consider reaching out to NuFlow through our plumbing problems page to discuss whether trenchless pipelining makes sense for your situation.

When Pipe Repair Becomes A Business Risk

For commercial buildings, plumbing isn’t just a maintenance line item, it’s a business continuity risk. Problems escalate when:

• Backups shut down restrooms or kitchens during business hours
• Water leaks damage tenant improvements, inventory, or IT equipment
• Health departments or inspectors issue violations or require shutdowns
• Insurance claims and deductibles add to your total cost
• Reputation suffers from repeated disruptions (especially in hospitality and healthcare)

Pipe failures are particularly risky in:

• Hotels and resorts – Guest experience and reviews are directly affected.
• Hospitals and senior living – Sanitation and continuous service are critical.
• High‑rise condos and apartments – A single stack issue can affect dozens of residents.
• Retail centers and restaurants – Closures during peak hours hit revenue immediately.

Trenchless pipelining helps you shift from reactive emergency work to planned, phased projects. You can line one stack or zone at a time, schedule work off‑hours, and maintain occupancy, reducing both operational risk and surprises for ownership.

Types Of Trenchless Pipelining Solutions For Commercial Use

Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining

CIPP lining is the backbone of many commercial trenchless projects. The process involves:

1. Cleaning and descaling the existing pipe
2. Inspecting with a high‑resolution camera
3. Installing a resin‑saturated liner into the host pipe
4. Inflating the liner so it conforms tightly to the interior
5. Curing the liner (with hot water, steam, or UV light) so it hardens

Once cured, you have a new, self‑supporting pipe that is:

• Seamless and jointless (no weak joints where roots or leaks can form)
• Corrosion‑resistant
• Structurally strong enough to handle building loads
• Smooth inside, often improving flow compared to rough, corroded cast iron

CIPP is commonly used for:

• Sanitary and storm mains under slabs and parking areas
• Vertical stacks behind walls
• Long horizontal runs to the municipal connection
• Roof drains and leader lines

NuFlow is recognized as a trenchless technology leader in CIPP and related methods, with systems engineered and installed specifically for occupied commercial buildings.

Pipe Bursting And Pipe Replacement

Sometimes, the existing pipe is collapsed, severely deformed, or undersized for current and future loads. In those cases, pipe bursting may be recommended.

Pipe bursting is a semi‑trenchless method where a bursting head is pulled through the existing pipe, breaking it outward while simultaneously pulling in a new pipe of equal or larger diameter. You typically only need access pits at each end of the run instead of open‑cut trenches.

Commercial use cases:

• Upsizing undersized sewer lines to meet growth or code requirements
• Replacing sections that are too damaged for lining
• Crossing under roads, drive lanes, or sensitive areas where open cutting is impractical

Pipe bursting can be combined with CIPP lining in other sections to create a complete, modernized system with minimal surface disruption.

Epoxy Coating For Potable And HVAC Lines

For pressurized systems such as domestic water, fire protection, and closed‑loop HVAC piping, epoxy coating is often the preferred trenchless option.

The process typically includes:

1. Isolating the line and temporarily bypassing service where needed
2. Abrasively cleaning the pipe interior to bare metal
3. Drying and preparing the system
4. Applying NSF‑approved epoxy in multiple coats

Benefits for commercial buildings:

• Addresses pinhole leaks and corrosion in copper, galvanized, or steel piping
• Extends the life of aging domestic water and HVAC systems
• Reduces discolored water and debris
• Avoids major demo of walls, ceilings, and chases

NuFlow’s epoxy systems are designed for long‑term performance, often 50+ years, and can be installed stack-by-stack or zone-by-zone to maintain service to occupants.

Point Repairs, Lateral Lining, And Spot Solutions

Not every system needs full-scale lining. Often, your condition assessment will identify a few critical defects that create most of the risk.

In those cases, targeted solutions can be extremely cost‑effective:

• Point repairs – Short liners (often 2–10 feet) installed only where cracks, offsets, or root intrusions exist.
• Lateral lining – Rehabilitating individual branch lines that tie into mains, common in multifamily and commercial campuses.
• Transition liners – Addressing changes in material (e.g., cast iron to clay) where problems frequently occur.

These spot solutions are especially helpful when you’re managing tight budgets or planning phased capital improvements. You can resolve the worst defects now, then plan for broader lining in future budget cycles.

Benefits Of Trenchless Pipelining For Commercial Buildings

Reduced Downtime And Business Disruption

Downtime is what most commercial owners fear when they hear “pipe replacement.” Trenchless pipelining is explicitly designed to reduce it.

Key advantages:

• Work from existing access points – Less demolition of walls, ceilings, and slabs.
• Faster installations – Many stacks or zones can be completed in 1–2 days.
• Off‑hours and phased work – Crews can work nights, weekends, or during slow periods.
• Targeted shutoffs – Instead of shutting down entire buildings, you can isolate sections.

The result: businesses stay open, tenants remain operational, and you avoid the cascading issues that come with prolonged closures.

Cost, Lifespan, And Return On Investment

On a pure line-item basis, you might see a similar per‑foot cost between trenchless and traditional methods. But when you factor in the full cost of a major plumbing project, trenchless methods generally deliver a much better return.

Direct project savings:

• Trenchless solutions typically cost 30–50% less than dig‑and‑replace once you include:
• Demolition and reconstruction of finishes
• Concrete slab repair
• Landscaping and hardscape restoration
• Temporary facilities and rerouting

Indirect savings and value:

• Less revenue lost from business disruption
• Reduced tenant concessions or credits for disruption
• Fewer emergency callouts and repeated drain cleaning

Longevity:

• Modern CIPP and epoxy systems are engineered to last 50+ years, meaning you’re effectively resetting the life of critical infrastructure.

Viewed as a capital investment, trenchless pipelining can significantly extend the life of your building’s plumbing while smoothing out maintenance spending and reducing surprise failures.

Structural, Environmental, And Compliance Advantages

Trenchless methods offer several additional advantages that matter to modern building owners and institutions:

Structural benefits

• Preserve slabs, foundations, and structural members
• Reduce the risk of undermining soil or adjacent structures
• Provide a structural new pipe inside older, weaker host pipes

Environmental benefits

• Less excavation means less hauling and disposal of soil and debris
• Fewer truck trips and shorter project durations lower your carbon footprint
• Extending the life of existing systems reduces raw material usage

Compliance and risk reduction

• Helps address issues that could lead to health department or code violations
• Supports compliance with stormwater and sewer regulations by eliminating leaks and inflow/infiltration
• Enables you to document proactive infrastructure upgrades, valuable for insurers, lenders, and regulators

Many NuFlow clients are driven by ESG reporting, sustainability goals, or long‑term asset management strategies. Trenchless pipelining fits neatly into these programs as a high‑impact, low‑disruption infrastructure upgrade.

Step-By-Step Trenchless Pipelining Process

Initial Assessment, Scoping, And Condition Report

Every responsible trenchless project begins with a thorough assessment. You should expect your contractor to:

1. Review building information – Age, construction type, known problem areas, and previous repairs.
2. Access key locations – Roof drains, cleanouts, mechanical rooms, manholes, and basements.
3. Perform cleaning and camera inspection – High‑pressure jetting or mechanical cleaning clears debris and scale so cameras can capture accurate footage.
4. Document findings – Video, photos, and a written condition report noting pipe sizes, materials, defects, and recommendations.

From this, you receive a scoped plan: which lines need lining or repair, where access is required, and how the work can be phased to fit your operations and budget.

Planning, Permits, And Tenant Communication

Trenchless projects still involve construction, so proper planning is essential.

Key planning steps:

• Permitting and code coordination – Your contractor should handle or assist with permits and coordinate with local authorities if work connects to municipal systems. For larger infrastructure, you may also need to coordinate with public works: NuFlow’s municipalities & utilities experience can be an asset here.
• Schedule development – Work is often broken into phases (by stack, wing, or floor). Schedules are built around occupancy levels and critical business activities.
• Communication plan – Clear, early communication to tenants, staff, and stakeholders reduces friction. This can include flyers, emails, and coordination with property management.
• Access and logistics – Planning how crews, equipment, and materials will move through the building, including noise and dust control measures.

An experienced trenchless contractor will help you create a plan that keeps surprises to a minimum and maintains trust with occupants.

Execution: Cleaning, Lining, Curing, And Testing

Once planning is complete, the field work begins.

Typical steps for CIPP or epoxy lining:

1. Site setup – Protecting floors and finishes, staging equipment, and setting safety barriers.
2. Final cleaning – Ensuring pipes are free of roots, scale, and debris. In severe cases, this can be the most time‑consuming part of the job.
3. Liner or coating installation – Inserting the liner or applying epoxy according to the engineered plan.
4. Curing – Using hot water, steam, air, or UV to cure CIPP liners: allowing specified cure times for epoxy systems.
5. Reinstating connections – Reopening branch lines and laterals with robotic cutters where needed.
6. Verification testing – Post‑installation camera inspections, flow tests, and pressure tests (for pressurized lines).

For most commercial projects, you’ll see crews moving methodically from zone to zone, restoring service as they go. NuFlow’s experience allows many jobs to be completed while businesses remain open, with targeted shutoffs that are often measured in hours, not days.

Post-Project Documentation And Maintenance Plan

At the end of the project, you should receive:

• As‑built documentation – Updated drawings, videos, and a list of lined sections and access points.
• Test results – Pressure test results, inspection reports, and any required sign‑offs.
• Warranty information – Details of product and installation warranties for your files and insurance.
• Maintenance recommendations – A plan for periodic inspections, cleaning practices, and any future phases.

NuFlow typically provides a detailed close‑out package so you (and future facility managers) have a clear picture of your rehabilitated systems. This documentation is also helpful when you’re planning capital improvements or selling the property.

Design And Engineering Considerations For Commercial Projects

Pipe Materials, Diameters, And Building Use Types

Not all pipes, or buildings, are the same. A thoughtful design considers:

• Existing materials – Cast iron, clay, concrete, PVC, copper, steel, and ductile iron each have specific preparation needs and performance characteristics.
• Pipe diameters – Commercial systems range from small ½” domestic lines to 12″+ mains. Liners and coatings must be engineered for the full range.
• Building type and use – Hospitals, hotels, industrial facilities, and high‑rises all have different tolerances for downtime, cleanliness, and noise.

These factors drive choices in liner thickness, resin or epoxy type, curing method, and whether sections are lined, burst, or replaced traditionally.

Load, Flow, And Capacity Requirements

Commercial piping systems must meet peak flow demands and structural load requirements. Engineering considerations include:

• Hydraulic capacity – After lining, the internal diameter is slightly reduced, but the smoother interior often improves flow. Engineers model systems to ensure adequate capacity.
• Structural loads – For underground or slab‑embedded pipes, CIPP liners can be designed as fully structural pipes capable of carrying building and soil loads even if the host pipe fails.
• Special fluids – Grease, chemicals, or hot condensate may require specific resin or epoxy formulations.

NuFlow and other experienced trenchless providers work with design professionals to ensure the rehabilitated system meets or exceeds applicable codes and performance criteria.

Integration With Existing Building Systems

Trenchless pipelining must integrate seamlessly with the rest of your building’s infrastructure.

Key integration points:

• Transitions and tie‑ins – Properly connecting lined sections to existing unlined pipe, new pipe, or municipal systems.
• Mechanical and fire systems – Ensuring domestic water and fire protection systems maintain required pressures and flows after epoxy coating.
• Access for future maintenance – Strategically adding or improving cleanouts and access points during the project.

A well‑designed project leaves your building not only with rehabilitated pipes, but also with better access and documentation for ongoing operations.

Practical Considerations For Building Owners And Facility Managers

Budgeting, Bidding, And Selecting A Qualified Contractor

From your perspective, success starts with planning and the right partner.

Budgeting tips:

• Start with a condition assessment and preliminary scope so you’re budgeting from data, not guesswork.
• Consider phasing large projects over multiple years or capital cycles.
• Include contingency for access, unknown conditions, and any incidental traditional repairs.

Bidding and contractor selection:

• Look for contractors with a proven commercial track record, not just residential experience.
• Ask for references and case studies for similar building types. You can review NuFlow’s portfolio on our case studies page.
• Verify training, certifications, and familiarity with your local codes and inspection requirements.
• Evaluate their ability to plan around occupants and operations, not just install lining.

If you’re a plumbing or mechanical contractor looking to offer these solutions yourself, NuFlow runs a structured certification and support program. You can explore how to become a contractor or join our global contractor network.

Scheduling Around Occupants, Tenants, And Operations

Good technical work can still cause headaches if scheduling is mishandled.

Best practices:

• Segment the building – Identify zones or stacks that can be isolated with minimal impact.
• Use off‑hours – Night, weekend, or shoulder-hour work avoids peak usage.
• Coordinate early – Communicate schedules to tenants, internal departments, and security.
• Plan temporary measures – Temporary restrooms, rerouted drains, or bypass lines where necessary.

An experienced trenchless team will help you anticipate these needs and create realistic schedules that your tenants can live with.

Risk Management, Insurance, And Warranty Issues

From a risk standpoint, trenchless projects can be less intrusive than traditional alternatives, but you still want proper protection.

Consider:

• Insurance and bonding – Verify general liability, workers’ comp, and, for larger projects, bonding capacity.
• Safety record – Request OSHA logs or safety program descriptions.
• Warranties – Understand the duration and coverage of both product and installation warranties.
• Future access – Ensure the project includes adequate cleanouts and documentation for future service.

NuFlow’s epoxy lining systems and CIPP solutions are warrantied and designed for 50+ years of performance, giving owners and managers confidence that they’re making a long‑term improvement, not a temporary patch.

Maintenance, Inspection, And Long-Term Care Of Lined Pipes

Recommended Inspection Intervals And Methods

Trenchless pipelining dramatically reduces emergency issues, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for routine maintenance.

For commercial properties, a typical approach is:

• Baseline inspection right after project completion (part of close‑out).
• Follow‑up inspection within 3–5 years to confirm performance and identify any new issues in unlined sections.
• Ongoing inspections every 5–10 years, or more frequently for high‑load systems like commercial kitchens or event venues.

Inspections usually involve:

• High‑resolution CCTV camera surveys
• Targeted cleaning where buildup is observed
• Documentation stored with your facility records for future reference

Cleaning Practices That Protect Lined Pipes

Lined pipes are durable, but you still want to use compatible cleaning methods.

Good practices include:

• Avoiding overly aggressive mechanical cutters that could gouge liners
• Using proper jetting pressures and nozzle types specified by the lining manufacturer
• Maintaining grease traps and interceptors so excessive FOG (fats, oils, grease) doesn’t reach lined mains
• Training maintenance staff and service vendors on what’s been lined and how to treat it

Your trenchless contractor should provide written cleaning and maintenance guidelines as part of the project handoff.

Planning For Future Upgrades And Expansions

One of the advantages of trenchless pipelining is that it creates a strong foundation for future building improvements.

When planning renovations or expansions:

• Use your as‑built lining documentation to understand which pipes are already rehabilitated.
• Coordinate new tie‑ins or reroutes with existing lined runs to maintain system integrity.
• Consider additional spot lining or lateral lining as part of large tenant improvements.

If you anticipate major future growth, additional floors, new kitchens, new uses, discuss capacity and alignment with your trenchless provider during design so today’s work supports tomorrow’s needs.

Conclusion

Plumbing problems in commercial buildings are more than an inconvenience, they’re a direct threat to your operations, your tenants, and your bottom line. The old choice between “live with recurring backups” or “tear the building apart to replace pipe” is no longer your only option.

Trenchless pipelining allows you to rehabilitate aging or failing sewer, drain, and water systems from the inside, with:

• Minimal disruption to occupants
• Lower total project costs
• Long‑lasting, warrantied results
• Documented improvements that support compliance and asset value

As a leading trenchless pipe repair and rehabilitation company, NuFlow has helped thousands of commercial, residential, and municipal clients extend the life of their infrastructure without major demolition. If you’re dealing with recurring backups, leaks, or aging piping, or you simply want a data‑driven assessment of your risk, reach out through our plumbing problems page to request a consultation.

And if you’d like to see how similar buildings have handled their challenges, explore our case studies. They’ll give you a clearer picture of what’s possible when you combine trenchless technology with careful planning and experienced execution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trenchless Pipelining for Commercial Buildings

What is trenchless pipelining for commercial buildings and how does it work?

Trenchless pipelining for commercial buildings is a method of rehabilitating existing sewer, drain, and water lines from the inside without major excavation or demolition. Contractors clean and inspect the pipes, then install liners or epoxy coatings that cure in place to form a new, seamless, long‑lasting pipe within the old one.

When should a commercial building consider trenchless pipelining instead of traditional pipe replacement?

Consider trenchless pipelining when you have recurring backups, slow drains on multiple floors, sewer odors, visible leaks, pinhole leaks in domestic water, or root intrusion seen on camera inspections. It’s especially valuable when shutting down restrooms, kitchens, or tenant spaces for weeks would be disruptive or financially damaging.

How does trenchless pipelining compare in cost and downtime to dig-and-replace on commercial projects?

While per‑foot material costs may be similar, trenchless pipelining usually costs 30–50% less overall because it avoids extensive demolition, concrete and finish repairs, landscaping work, and extended closures. Many commercial zones or stacks can be lined in 1–2 days, with targeted shutoffs instead of multi‑week shutdowns of key operations.

Is trenchless pipelining safe for potable water and fire protection systems in commercial buildings?

Yes. For pressurized systems like domestic water, HVAC, and sometimes fire lines, contractors use NSF‑approved epoxy coatings specifically formulated for potable water and mechanical systems. After abrasive cleaning and drying, multiple coats are applied to stop corrosion and pinhole leaks while maintaining required pressures, flows, and code compliance.

How long do trenchless pipelining solutions last in commercial buildings?

Properly designed and installed cured‑in‑place pipe (CIPP) liners and epoxy coatings are typically engineered for 50 years or more of service life. They create corrosion‑resistant, jointless pipes that can be fully structural. With periodic inspections and proper cleaning practices, many owners effectively reset the lifespan of aging plumbing systems.

What is the best way to prepare for a trenchless pipelining project in an occupied commercial building?

Start with a thorough condition assessment and camera inspection to define scope and priorities. Work with a qualified trenchless contractor to plan permits, phasing by stack or zone, and off‑hours schedules. Develop a communication plan for tenants, coordinate temporary facilities if needed, and ensure access points are identified in advance.