Case Study: Underground Pipe Rehabilitation at The Fairmont Vancouver

Project Overview

Client: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Location: Vancouver, BC
Date: March 2023
Service Provided: UV Pipe Rehabilitation (Nu Cure System)
Pipe Size: 4”
Pipe Type: Cast Iron (original)

Background

During a routine inspection and subsequent maintenance planning in the mechanical room of The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, multiple issues were discovered with the 4-inch cast iron drain lines running beneath the mechanical room floor. These lines serviced essential systems and were buried under heavy equipment, walls, and concrete flooring, making traditional excavation and replacement highly disruptive and time-consuming.

Upon excavation, it became apparent that the piping system was in advanced stages of deterioration. Both the tops and bottoms of the pipes were extensively rotted out along multiple sections. Leaks were visible, and water infiltration had begun affecting the surrounding sub-slab material.

Challenges

• Pipe Access: The deteriorated pipes were located beneath major mechanical systems, requiring precise concrete coring and minimal disruption to avoid equipment shutdowns.

• Pipe Condition: Severe corrosion had created multiple holes and full wall loss in several areas of the piping.

• Downtime Sensitivity: As a high-end hotel, The Fairmont Vancouver required minimal operational downtime and no service interruptions.

• Safety & Containment: Work had to be completed in an active mechanical space with hot and cold systems present, requiring careful containment and planning.

Solution: Nu Cure UV CIPP System

To address the issues efficiently and with minimal disruption, our team deployed the Nu Cure UV cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining system. This technology allowed us to rehabilitate the failing pipes without full removal or replacement.

Key Benefits of the UV CIPP System:

• No Digging Required Beyond Initial Access: Only small, strategic access points were needed.

• Rapid Cure Time: Full cure in under an hour per section, reducing downtime significantly.

• Structural Restoration: The liner forms a new pipe within the old, sealing all breaches and restoring flow integrity.

• Long-Term Solution: UV liners are resistant to future corrosion and extend the life of the piping system for decades.

Execution

1. Site Preparation:

   • Core-drilled access points through the concrete slab in key areas to expose problem sections.

   • Cleared debris and water infiltration to prepare the pipe surface.

2. Inspection and Cleaning:

   • Performed a full internal pipe inspection using high-definition video.

   • Cleaned and descaled the interior using mechanical tools and water jetting.

3. Lining Process:

   • Pushed the pre-impregnated UV liner into place.

   • Cured the liner using high-powered UV light systems positioned inside the pipe.

   • Re-inspected post-cure to verify a complete seal and uniform thickness.

Results

• Pipe Restored to Like-New Condition

• No Need to Relocate Equipment or Shut Down Services

• Minimal Downtime with Zero Guest Disruption

• Permanent Structural Liner Installed