On Sunday, November 3, a significant sewage backup occurred in the basement, impacting several areas: the family ministry storage area, hallway, and classrooms 113-114. Sewage seeped under the floorboards in rooms 113-114, necessitating floor replacement. Additionally, some items in the craft storage and holiday decorations were damaged and had to be discarded.
ServePro responded promptly on Sunday, handling initial cleanup and air purification. Subsequently, Mr. Rooter performed a scope inspection, revealing a severe blockage on the building’s North side. This blockage required excavating 12 feet to replace piping. The source of the blockage was a large Duplo block, likely causing minor prior backups when located closer to the system’s entry point. The block was removed, and the pipe replaced.
During a follow-up scope, Mr. Rooter discovered severe deterioration in our connection pipes leading to the city sewer. While a full replacement would have cost over $50,000, the team recommended a less invasive and cost-effective solution—a pipe liner installation at around $15,000.
The issue disrupted our preschool rental partner, Playcrafter Kids, which leases rooms 113-114. They were unable to operate on Monday and Tuesday and were temporarily relocated to Unity Hall for the remainder of the week. Flooring repairs are scheduled with local contractors over the weekend, allowing Playcrafter Kids to resume normal operations next week.
Estimated Costs and Potential Causes
We estimate the total cost for repairs and remediation to be approximately $40,000. Currently, there’s minimal indication that our recent construction project contributed to this issue; however, we are investigating two potential factors:
- System Design and Capacity: We are evaluating whether the engineering design considered the increased usage due to the new spaces. Notably, all backups have occurred on Sunday mornings, raising the question of whether the system’s capacity may be a contributing factor.
- Root Intrusion: Repair contractors noted extensive root presence in the affected area, which ideally should have been assessed at the project’s outset.
We are exploring whether any of these expenses could be covered under our construction warranty. If not, we plan to address these costs.
Preventative Measures and Acknowledgments To prevent future incidents
Holly Ayala, our Facilities Coordinator, will collaborate with the Building Team to establish annual pipe scoping as a preventative measure.
Our gratitude goes to Holly Ayala for her tireless dedication, managing this situation professionally and with minimal disruption to services. We also thank Jenn Powell for her coordination with our rental partner to meet their needs during this period. For any specific questions, please contact Holly at holly@foothillsuu.org.
If you are able to make a financial contribution to support these costs, please contact Katie Watkins at katie@foothillsuu.org.
Katie believes the best things in life are the result of collaboration and diverse perspectives coming together to produce something greater than any individual could. She is passionate about systems, efficiency and collaboration for better community outcomes. She loves dreaming up the big picture and drafting the roadmap to make it happen. She has a background in operations, fundraising, communications and program development, as well as over a decade of nonprofit management experience in Northern Colorado.
Her greatest joy in life comes from her family. Her husband, Steven, a principal at Wellington Middle School, and daughters Emmaline and Esmae are the lights of her life. Together they love mountains, music and all kinds of food. She is passionate about women supporting other women in all stages of life and especially through the critical moments that make or break us. She believes that one of the most important things in life is to be kind.
Being outdoors makes her soul come alive. It always roots her in gratitude and is one of the reasons she loves living in Fort Collins.