Client: College of Charleston
Location: Charleston, SC
Year Completed: 2026
Services: Sewer Line Relining (CIPP), Pipe Rehabilitation, Concrete Cutting & Restoration, Containment Management
Challenge
Glenn McConnell Residence Hall at the College of Charleston had been experiencing recurring sewer backup issues throughout the building. The root cause: significant trench rot in the aging cast iron 4″ to 6″ sewer main running along the left-side hallway. A full pipe replacement would have required extensive concrete demolition, prolonged disruption, and likely displacing residents. The College needed a permanent fix that could be completed safely inside an occupied building without shutting down the hall.
Solution
PlumbX designed and executed a cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) relining solution for the full sewer main — 195 linear feet of 4″ line and 35 linear feet of 6″ line — without replacing the host pipe. Before any work began, PlumbX established a locked, controlled containment area with secured access to protect residents and staff while keeping suite access open throughout the project. Concrete was carefully cut and removed where needed to access the line, the sewer main was relined per technical specifications, and concrete was poured back and floors were restored upon completion. All work was documented with time-stamped video footage for verification. Approximately 20 branch line reinstatements were identified during assessment and scoped for a future Phase 2 maintenance shutdown.
Results
The sewer main was fully restored and the recurring backup issues eliminated. The new lining carries a 50-year manufacturer lifespan — provided the lines are never snaked or cabled, which would void the liner. Residents remained in place throughout the project with no displacement required. The phased approach allowed Phase 1 to focus on the root cause (the main lateral) while keeping Phase 2 branch work scheduled for a planned maintenance window, minimizing total disruption to the College.
Location: Charleston, SC (College of Charleston campus)
Services: CIPP sewer line relining, pipe rehabilitation, concrete cutting & pourback, containment setup/breakdown, branch line reinstatement scoping
Pipe relined: 195 LF of 4″ + 35 LF of 6″ sewer main
Lifespan: 50-year manufacturer lifespan
Client Type: Higher Education / Residential Housing
