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Property Overview

• Property Type: 26-story high-rise condominium
• Year Built: 2017
• Location: Bonita Springs, Florida
• Plumbing System: PVC Sovent single-stack and storm drainage system

Modern high-rise buildings rely on specialized drainage and venting systems that require targeted maintenance to perform correctly over time. In this case, a luxury 26-story condominium in Bonita Springs, FL partnered with Pipe Restoration Solutions (PRS) to resolve recurring emergency sewer backups and storm drainage failures. 

Through detailed inspection and commercial building drain cleaning, PRS restored reliable performance across both the sanitary and storm infrastructure without excavation or major disruption to residents.

The Problem: Emergency Backups, Gurgling, and Storm Drain Failures

The condominium began experiencing repeated emergency sewer backups, gurgling noises, and sewage overflows affecting multiple units throughout the building. Because the issues occurred across numerous fixtures and floors, it was clear the problem extended beyond isolated plumbing blockages.

After several emergency service calls that temporarily cleared individual obstructions, the condo association requested a comprehensive inspection to identify the root cause and prevent continued failures.

CCTV inspections revealed the building utilized a PVC Sovent drainage system; a specialized engineered single-stack design that operates differently from conventional gravity plumbing. Camera findings showed heavy internal buildup within multiple Sovent stacks, restricting flow and disrupting proper air balance. This accumulation contributed to unstable system performance, slow drainage, and recurring backups.

During the same evaluation period, storm drainage issues were also observed. Heavy rain events caused water to surface near building entrances. Inspection of the underground concrete storm system revealed significant sand, sediment, and debris accumulation after multiple storm seasons, restricting flow and reducing system capacity.

The Solution: Sovent Stack and Storm Drain Cleaning

Pipe Restoration Solutions developed a phased rehabilitation plan to address both the sanitary Sovent system and the storm drainage network while coordinating closely with building management and residents.

The project began with expanded CCTV inspection and system mapping to verify pipe configurations, stack tie-ins, and buildup locations. Based on inspection findings, PRS selected specialized cleaning methods for each system type.

Sovent Stack Cleaning Scope

• Multi-point CCTV inspection across Sovent stacks and laterals
• System mapping and stack configuration verification
• Phased cleaning schedule coordinated with unit access
• Cyclonic cleaning from stack base toward roof where accessible
• Mechanical cleaning and descaling in heavier buildup zones
• Stack isolation and controlled suction to protect traps and fixtures
• Cleaning of master bath, toilet, shower, kitchen, and laundry Sovent stacks
• Removal of specialty obstructions, including hardened mortar and debris
• Post-cleaning verification videos and flow confirmation testing

Storm and Garage Drain Rehabilitation Scope

• Hydro jet cleaning of garage floor drains to catch basins
• Vac-con cleaning of approximately 800–1,000 linear feet of 12-inch to 36-inch storm lines
• Catch basin and lateral line debris removal
• Removal of sand, sediment, and storm-related debris accumulation
• System dewatering where required during cleaning operations
• Tractor-mounted CCTV inspections following cleaning to verify pipe condition

The Results: Restored Flow and Stabilized High-Rise Infrastructure

Before storm drain cleaning

After storm drain cleaning

Following phased Sovent stack and commercial drain cleaning, drainage performance across the property improved significantly. Multiple Sovent stacks were restored from base to roof, heavy internal buildup was removed, and fixture flow stabilized across affected lines. Emergency backup events decreased as cleaning phases were completed.

Storm lines and catch basins were returned to full functional capacity, eliminating surface water surging near entrances during heavy rain events. Post-cleaning CCTV inspections confirmed restored pipe conditions, and all work was completed in coordinated stages to minimize disruption to residents and building operations.

The condominium now has a documented baseline of its piping infrastructure and a structured maintenance path for both sanitary and storm systems.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “PRS has provided services for our building, including Sovent pipe cleaning and, most recently, storm drain cleaning. All work was performed to a high standard and completed in an efficient and well-coordinated manner. I have worked with PRS for several years across multiple properties, and they have consistently demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and technical expertise. Their crews are punctual, well-managed, and highly efficient, completing projects on schedule while maintaining attention to detail and minimizing disruption to building operations. PRS has proven to be a dependable contractor, and I would recommend them without hesitation for projects requiring experienced personnel, effective coordination, and consistent, high-quality results.” Debbie Riccitelli , General Manager

Key Takeaways

This project highlights the importance of system-specific inspection and cleaning for high-rise buildings with engineered drainage designs. Sovent stacks require specialized approaches that differ from conventional plumbing, and large storm systems demand coordinated, high-capacity cleaning methods.

By combining detailed CCTV diagnostics with cyclonic, mechanical, and vac-based cleaning, PRS removed root restrictions, stabilized system performance, and restored full functionality, all without excavation. Proactive inspection and phased maintenance planning now provide the property with a clear long-term infrastructure strategy.

Schedule Your Commercial Building Drain Cleaning With PRS

Are you experiencing recurring backups or drainage issues in a multi-story building? PRS specializes in high-rise plumbing systems, storm drain cleaning, commercial building drain cleaning, and trenchless solutions designed to minimize disruption. Contact our team to schedule an inspection and develop a customized maintenance plan for your property.