Smart Water Line Reroute Saves Local Business in Downtown Berkeley
Rerouted a leaking commercial water line externally, keeping local businesses open and saving major time and money.
Introduction
We were recently called to assist a commercial building in downtown Berkeley experiencing a significant plumbing issue: a leaking water line running beneath more than 120 feet of concrete.
Challenge
The situation was complicated—not only would traditional open trench excavation be costly and time-consuming, but it also risked disrupting nearby businesses and foot traffic in this busy area.
Solution
Offering a Smarter Solution
Rather than opting for full concrete excavation, we presented the customer with an alternative solution designed to minimize impact and cost. Our plan: reroute the water line externally along the building.
Day 1 – Laying the Groundwork
On the first day, we installed approximately 160 feet of 2” water line along the outside of the building. This new line was carefully routed to connect both to the building's internal plumbing and to the backflow preventer, setting the stage for a smooth transition.
Day 2 – Early Start, Fast Turnaround
We started early on day two—6:00 AM sharp—to ensure minimal disruption. We connected the new water line to the backflow preventer and the building's water system. Within just three hours, the water was up and running.
Thanks to our efficient planning and early start, the customer experienced no downtime. Local businesses were able to remain open, avoiding loss of revenue that could have resulted from an extended water outage.
Result
By avoiding the need to excavate concrete and dispose of debris, our solution saved the customer significant time and money. More importantly, it helped maintain normal operations for the businesses in the area.
This project is a perfect example of how creative problem-solving and proactive planning can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
