Beyond the Initial Fix: Handling Backwater Flow Preventer Issues in Newark Apartments
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
When Good Repairs Lead to New Discoveries
WHY SEWER WORK IS NEVER AS SIMPLE AS IT SEEMS
Sometimes the first fix is just the beginning of the story.
That's exactly what we discovered at an apartment complex in Newark, where what started as a straightforward sewer line installation a couple months ago led us to an important follow-up repair today.
When our friends at the complex called about a broken backwater flow preventer, we didn't hesitate to head back out.
That's the thing about sewer work - you have to be ready for the unexpected, and you have to be there when your partners need you.
What makes this project interesting isn't just the technical challenge.
It's a perfect example of why building solid relationships in this business matters more than just getting in, doing the work, and getting out.
Welcome to Double B!
The Original Project
Let's back up a couple months to where this story begins. We got called out to this Newark apartment complex to open up a trench for a new sewer line installation. This was straightforward work for us - the kind of job we've handled hundreds of times. Working alongside our trusted plumbing partner, we opened up the ground, provided the access they needed, and made sure everything was backfilled properly when the installation was complete.
That initial work? It's still solid. The sewer line we helped install is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. But infrastructure is connected, and sometimes fixing one thing can reveal other issues down the line. That's exactly what happened here - while the new section was working perfectly, a backwater flow preventer in a different section of the complex started causing problems.
The New Challenge
Here's where things get interesting. Last week, we got the call - that backwater flow preventer had failed. Now, if you're not familiar with sewer systems, you might wonder why this is such a big deal. But in an apartment complex, a broken backwater flow preventer isn't just an inconvenience - it's a potential disaster waiting to happen.
This particular issue wasn't even in the same section where we did our original work. It was in a different part of the complex altogether. But because we already knew the property and had a good relationship with the managers, we were able to respond quickly. By the time Easton started cutting the asphalt this morning, we had a clear plan of attack.
Technical Breakdown
Let me break down what a backwater flow preventer actually does, because it's pretty important. Think of it like a one-way door for your sewer system. It lets water flow out of your building, but prevents it from flowing back in. In an apartment complex, where you've got multiple units all connected to the same system, this is crucial.
When these preventers fail, it's usually not because of anything dramatic. Sometimes they just wear out, sometimes they get damaged by debris, and sometimes they were just installed too long ago to keep up with today's demands. But whatever causes the failure, fixing it can't wait. That's why we dropped what we were doing and headed to Newark first thing.
Our Approach to Complex Repairs
There's more to fixing these issues than just digging a hole. First, we had to carefully cut through the asphalt - you can't just start ripping up pavement in an apartment complex where people need to drive and park. Then we had to expose the area around the preventer without disturbing any other utilities or infrastructure.
We work closely with our plumbing partners on jobs like this. They handle the actual preventer replacement while we manage everything around it - the access, the protection of other systems, and putting everything back together when they're done. It's like a carefully choreographed dance, where everyone knows their part and works together to get the job done right.
The Bigger Picture
Here's something we've learned over years of doing this work: the contractors who focus only on getting in and out quickly aren't usually the ones who get called back when new problems come up. That's why we put so much emphasis on building real relationships with our clients and other contractors.
Take this Newark project, for example. Because we already knew the property and had done quality work there before, the managers didn't hesitate to call us when they discovered this new issue. They knew we'd understand the layout, know where the utilities were, and work efficiently with their plumbing contractor. That kind of trust isn't built overnight - it comes from consistently showing up and doing things right.
Closing
When you're managing an apartment complex or any large property, sewer issues are never fun to deal with. But having a team you can trust, who knows your property and can respond quickly when problems arise, makes a huge difference. Today's repair in Newark is just one example of why we approach every job as the beginning of a long-term relationship, not just a one-and-done project.
Looking Forward
If you're responsible for property maintenance in the Newark area, here's our advice: don't wait for emergency repairs to start building relationships with contractors. Regular inspections and maintenance can catch issues like failing backwater preventers before they become major problems. And when you do need repairs, work with teams who care about the long-term health of your property, not just the immediate fix.
Need help evaluating your property's drainage systems or planning for future maintenance? We're always happy to take a look and share our thoughts. Because at Double B, we're not just fixing today's problems - we're helping prevent tomorrow's.
