Problem: In fall 2024, KLAW Industries was expanding its workforce for a winter fabrication sprint when the factory's plumbing began backing up, disrupting operations just as our new team was getting started.

Solution: A local contractor quoted $12,000 with a two-week wait to replace the deteriorated underground sewer line. Rather than delay operations, my cofounder and I completed the replacement ourselves over a single weekend for less than $1,000, saving over $11,000 and restoring service before Monday morning.

Steps Taken

1) Identify the Problem - Troubleshot the plumbing issue myself and arranged a same-day inspection with a local contractor using a sewer camera, confirming the damaged pipe's location outside the building.

2) Source Equipment - Borrowed an excavator from a relative on Friday, allowing us to begin work immediately without waiting for a contractor.

3) Excavate and Replace Piping - Excavated the damaged sewer line, removed the deteriorated piping, and installed new PVC piping.

4) Reconnect Sewer Line - Reconnected the new piping to the sewer main in accordance with local plumbing codes.

5) Backfill and Complete - Installed and compacted appropriate bedding around the new piping, backfilled the excavation, and completed the project before Monday morning.