When a busy lumber yard in Lakewood started experiencing drainage issues outside their building, they knew it could quickly impact both operations and safety. Standing water and a failing exterior drain line near the property posed a risk of backups and damage. Our drain install team performed a full exterior excavation, replaced the damaged section of pipe, and restored proper flow. By the end of the job, the business had a reliable drainage system that could keep up with daily use.
Job Overview
- Location: Lakewood, Colorado
- Client Type: Commercial – lumber yard
- Scope: Exterior drain line excavation, repair, and restoration
- Equipment Installed: New exterior drain piping and fittings, updated cleanout access as needed
- Additional Work (if any): Camera inspection before and after the repair, coordination with dig crew and pipe contractor
- Why It Mattered: The failing exterior drain line threatened to cause backups, pooling water, and potential damage to a high-traffic commercial property
What We Found
Our camera technician, Tony, began by running a sewer line camera through the affected exterior line. The inspection showed a problem area in the drain outside the building where the pipe had settled and was no longer pitched correctly. There were signs of debris build-up and restricted flow, likely caused by a combination of age, ground movement, and heavy use over time.
Because this was a commercial lumber yard, the drain system needed to handle frequent wash-downs, rain runoff, and daily activity around the building. Any ongoing blockage or sagging in the line could lead to standing water near the structure, unpleasant odors, and potential flooding during wet weather. The camera findings confirmed that excavation and replacement of the damaged section were the right long-term fix.
The Solution
Our drain install crew mobilized to the site with the dig crew and clearly marked the affected area before work began. After confirming utility locations and following all safety procedures, we started the exterior excavation over the damaged section of pipe. Soil and materials were carefully removed to expose the existing drain line without disturbing surrounding utilities or building elements.
Once the pipe was accessible, we cut out the failed section and inspected the surrounding line to be sure no further damage was hiding nearby. We then installed new drain piping and fittings, ensuring the correct slope for proper flow away from the building. Cleanout access was verified and adjusted as needed to make future inspections and maintenance easier.
With the new pipe in place, we flushed the line and performed another camera inspection to confirm a smooth, unobstructed path from the building to the downstream connection point. After testing, the trench was backfilled in layers and compacted to reduce future settling. The surface was restored to a clean, safe condition so the business could return to normal operations.
The Results
The repaired exterior drain line now provides reliable, consistent drainage for the lumber yard. Water moves away from the building the way it should, reducing the risk of pooling, soft ground, and exterior damage. The improved slope and new piping support better flow during heavy use and wet weather, which is critical for a commercial property with constant traffic.
With the problem area removed and the line verified by camera, the business gained peace of mind and a long-term solution instead of a temporary band-aid. The upgraded drain system helps protect their building, inventory, and customers from unexpected backups and costly repairs.
Lakewood’s Trusted Drain Experts
Small businesses in Lakewood and the greater Denver area rely on safe, dependable drainage to keep business running smoothly. Our team specializes in drain and sewer solutions, from camera inspections to full exterior excavations and replacements. If your business is seeing slow drains, pooling water, or recurring backups, schedule a quote with our drain experts so we can find the source of the problem and get your system flowing the way it should.
