{"id":5727,"date":"2026-07-29T12:47:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T12:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bigwesttemp.com\/inhouseplumbing\/?page_id=5727"},"modified":"2026-08-03T17:50:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T17:50:01","slug":"why-doing-replacement-in-stages-costs-more","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bigwesttemp.com\/inhouseplumbing\/case-studies\/why-doing-replacement-in-stages-costs-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Doing Cast Iron Replacement in Stages Can Cost Significantly More Over Time"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Why Doing Cast Iron Replacement in Stages Can Cost Significantly More Over Time<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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This case study examines how completing under-slab cast iron sewer replacement in multiple stages increased total cost and disruption compared to completing the full replacement in a single construction event. It illustrates why underground work does not divide evenly when split into phases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Location<\/h2>\n

Carrollton, Texas (75007)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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The Situation<\/h2>\n

In this case, the homeowner was considering completing the sewer work in multiple stages instead of completing everything at one time.<\/p>\n

On the surface, staged work can sound reasonable.
\nIt can feel like you are spreading cost out over time.<\/p>\n

But with underground cast iron sewer systems, staged work does not simply divide the cost evenly.<\/p>\n

It creates more cost, multiple construction events \u2014 and changes everything.<\/p>\n

To help explain this clearly, we created diagrams showing what each path would realistically look like for this specific home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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Option 1\u00a0\u2014 Full Replacement (One Construction Event)<\/h2>\n

Before looking at staged work, it\u2019s important to understand what full replacement looks like when everything is completed at one time.<\/p>\n

In a full replacement scenario, the entire failing cast iron system is addressed in one well-planned and very controlled construction event.<\/p>\n

Excavation, tunneling, plumbing installation, inspection, and backfill\/restoration all happen once.<\/p>\n

This approach eliminates future mobilization costs, repeat disruption to the property, and repeated risk exposure.<\/p>\n

\"Option<\/p>\n

When work is completed this way, the system is solved in one project instead of multiple separate projects over time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Option 2\u00a0\u2014 Stage 1 Partial Replacement (First Construction Event Only)<\/h2>\n

Now compare that to what staged work looks like, starting with only part of the system being replaced.<\/p>\n

At this stage, part of the failing system is still left in place.<\/p>\n

Even though some new pipe is installed, deterioration continues in the remaining cast iron.<\/p>\n

This means future work is guaranteed.<\/p>\n

\"Option<\/p>\n

At this point, the homeowner has already paid for:<\/p>\n