Commercial Sewer Repair for Property Managers in Colorado Springs
If you manage apartment complexes, retail properties, or multi-unit buildings in Colorado Springs, sewer and drain problems come with the territory. The question is how you handle them – reactively after a backup, or proactively before one happens.
The Drain Problems Property Managers See Most Often
Recurring Backups in the Same Unit or Line
When the same drain keeps backing up despite repeated snaking, there is an underlying structural problem – root intrusion, a cracked pipe, an offset joint, or a section that has bellied. A drain snake clears the immediate blockage but does not fix the cause.
Backups Affecting Multiple Units
When two or more units experience drain problems at the same time, the issue is usually in the shared main lateral. This requires a camera inspection to locate the problem and a repair to the shared line.
Slow Drains That Get Progressively Worse
Gradual drainage slowdown is a sign of buildup or partial blockage. The EPA has identified fats, oils, and grease (FOG) as a leading cause of sewer system overflows.
Why Trenchless Is the Right Approach for Occupied Properties
Open-cut excavation on a commercial property means tearing up parking lots, closing units, and running visible construction. Trenchless pipe lining repairs the pipe from the inside – no digging, no demolition, minimal disruption to tenants. Most commercial lining projects are completed in one to two days.
The Right Sequence for Commercial Sewer Repair
- Camera inspection – A sewer camera identifies exactly what is wrong, where it is, and how severe it is.
- Hydro jetting – High-pressure water cleaning clears grease buildup, roots, and debris.
- Pipe lining if structurally needed – Addresses cracks, root entry points, and offset joints permanently.
- Post-lining camera – Confirms the liner is properly installed and gives you documentation for your records.
Proactive Drain Maintenance for Commercial Properties
A proactive maintenance schedule for commercial properties typically includes annual or biannual camera inspections for high-use lines, periodic hydro jetting for commercial kitchen drains, and periodic jetting of main laterals serving multiple units. According to NASSCO, preventive maintenance programs consistently show lower total cost of ownership than reactive repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to vacate units during trenchless repair?
Usually not. We work with property managers to schedule around tenant needs.
Who is responsible for the sewer lateral on a commercial property?
The property owner. Colorado Springs Utilities manages the main sewer lines; the lateral from the building to the main is the owner’s responsibility.
Can you work after hours or weekends to minimize tenant disruption?
Yes. We can accommodate scheduling needs to minimize impact on operations and tenants.
Managing commercial property in Colorado Springs? Contact Alphalete Trenchless Pipelining for a camera inspection and repair assessment. Call (720) 807-3224.
