Here’s what we feel is a great example of the old adage “Penny wise and Pound foolish” from right here in Indianapolis. The three-year old Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts and the 2012 Super Bowl, has some major plumbing problems. More than 1.5 miles of galvanized steel pipe (about 6% of the stadium’s water pipes) needs to be replaced due to corrosion which caused flush valves to malfunction, with at least one leak in an employee lounge area.
While the actual cause of the problem is yet to be determined, it appears to us that at least part of the problem may have been that the plumbing contractor, which filed for bankruptcy during stadium construction, tried to save a few “pennies” by using sub-standard materials. According to John Klipsch, executive director of the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority, it will cost at least $3.5 million to replace the faulty galvanized steel piping with stainless steel. Luckily, the replacement cost is expected to be covered by bonding, warrantees and insurance, or it would probably have come out of Indianapolis taxpayers’ pockets. Repairs are expected to be be completed by the end of July.
To be fair, we will state that it is possible the contractor did nothing wrong, that there may have been some manufacturer or quality problems with the old pipe that they were unaware of. However, it’s also possible that there were some installation problems, or that there might even have been some design issues, but a conscientious contractor should have caught and addressed these issues during the construction process, if they existed.
So the next time you need plumbing service, whether it’s during construction of a new home in Fishers, to install a new water softener or waste disposal unit, or to replace the pipes in an older Indianapolis home, remember that the cost is a long-term investment to help protect the value of your property. If you spend a few “Pennies” more now to get the best quality equipment or material you can afford, you can potentially save many “Pounds” in the long-run.
You can count on the fact that we will never use sub-standard material just to save a little money. For a free estimate of our plumbing services, including new home construction, installation, bathroom or kitchen remodeling, and repairs, give 3C Plumbing in Noblesville a call at (317) 850-5114.
Learn more: Which plumber to choose for your Indianapolis, Carmel, or Noblesville home’s needs. It can be a confusing issue, and we’ll be glad to answer your questions to help make the decision easier for you.
