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County plans RFP to replace corroding schedule‑10 sprinkler pipes at Hyder
Summary
Facility staff reported recurring leaks in thin schedule‑10 sprinkler piping installed in 2007 and recommended seeking bids to replace pipe sections — likely in phases — with thicker PVC to avoid recurring costly repairs and service disruptions.
County facilities manager Dougie (first name used in meeting) briefed commissioners on Jan. 15 about recurring leaks and severe corrosion in Hyder’s sprinkler piping, which was installed to a minimum schedule‑10 thickness in 2007. Dougie said an approved $55,000 capital allocation for a mandated five‑year flush would likely be wasted on repairs because the piping is too thin and porous.
“We are due for our mandated by law 5 year flush for the system. At $55,000, we'll be creating untold thousands of dollars in repairs,” Dougie said, urging instead that the county seek bids to replace the system, at minimum in sections, using an in‑kind replacement of thicker pipe (he recommended schedule‑160 PVC). Dougie said past emergency repairs have been expensive and highly disruptive because Hyder’s construction leaves little attic access; repair crews must remove ceilings and drywall to reach piping.
Staff described operational impacts: delayed admissions, 24‑hour fire watches while systems are deactivated, and frequent maintenance calls. Dougie said the air portion of the dry system corrodes faster than water sections and that alternatives such as nitrogen pressurization would be costly and would not address compromised pipe walls.
Commissioners asked about phasing and continuity of operations; Dougie said work could be performed in thirds (north/south wings) and that the county would prepare an RFP to collect firm quotes and technical proposals. He said the county has reached out to its life‑safety inspector and will return with vendor recommendations and cost estimates before executing work.
