| PIPE REPLACEMENTS |
| PIPE REPLACEMENTS One of our main areas of expertise is related to wholesale plumbing replacement projects (retrofits). We have been involved in these projects continuously since 1986 and have pioneered many of the accepted practices today. Phase one often involves an assessment of the existing system to determine its remaining useful life expectancy and/or to determine if there are any changes which can be made now to help prolong this life. This phase also determines if there are any other related problems which have contributed to a shorter life span of the plumbing system. The second phase involves close work with the owners (and their representatives, property managers, etc.) to determine what they are really expecting from a retrofit project. Our designers will discuss with owner(s) implications of various options such as copper pipe replacement, cpvc (plastic) pipe replacement or epoxy coating of pipes. Designs must consider not only cost, but aesthetic changes to the building and disruption of occupants during the project. Rather than salesmens platitudes, this phase explains the specific details of all aspects of the project and ensures that the owners are getting exactly what they want (and need). A thorough design allows contractors to bid confidently and a good competitive tender can save a substantial amount of the contract price. The final phase involves the actual installation work. If phase one and two have been carried out thoroughly, phase three should have no surprises. Site supervision of the contractor is important not only to ensure that he is not "cutting corners", but also to ensure he fully understands the intent and purpose of all parts of the design. Similar issues exist with the heating pipes of a hydronic (hot water) heating system. Although these systems do not fail as frequently as domestic water pipe systems, these systems still fail and repiping them is sometimes necessary.
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