Fireline Install at a Run Down Motel
At Sy-Con Excavation & Utilities, we take pride in tackling some of the most complex and unique excavation projects—like installing a fireline at a run-down motel. This particular job required both precision and expertise as we worked with a tight space and a series of existing utilities. Here's an inside look at the process and what went into making sure this critical installation was done right.
Understanding the Project
The goal of this project was to provide the motel with a dedicated fire suppression line—something every commercial building needs to ensure safety in the event of a fire. Unlike regular water lines, firelines are specially designed to serve only the fire suppression system and cannot be shared with domestic water services. In Arkansas, we have specific regulations around how these lines must be installed, including the need for a dedicated public water main and a proper backflow system.
The Challenges We Faced
Installing a fireline in an existing building—especially one as old and run-down as this motel—comes with its challenges. For starters, we had to be incredibly cautious while digging due to the risk of hitting existing utilities, like gas, electric, and fiber lines. The color of the soil near these lines matched the plastic utilities, which made it tricky to identify them at first glance. One wrong move could have caused costly delays and complications.
Our team, led by Dakota and Wesley, worked carefully to navigate these challenges. At one point, we even had to hydro-excavate to ensure we didn’t damage any hidden lines and to make the digging process safer and more efficient.
The Process
Once we located the public water main, we began the critical work of saddling a valve and preparing the area for the fireline connection. After the water valve was in place, we needed to ensure the water line could be connected without disturbing any other services. This included cutting through the building’s concrete slab and installing the necessary infrastructure under the building. In addition, we had to use hydraulic shoring to safely manage the trench while working beneath the building’s foundation.
Because the weather had turned cold—temperatures dropping as low as 19°F—we had to take extra precautions to prevent freezing. We wrapped the exposed pipes with straw and used concrete blankets to protect the water lines while they cured. The last thing we wanted was to have frozen water lines during such a critical installation.
The Final Steps
Once everything was in place and all tests had passed, we attached the fireline to the existing water main, ensuring everything was secure and that the system could function properly. As part of the final phase, we’ll continue to check and test the system to ensure it meets all safety standards before the building’s fire suppression system is fully operational.
Why This Matters
Firelines are crucial for any commercial building, and the work we did at this motel is an example of how essential it is to ensure these systems are in place and functioning properly. By providing a dedicated water supply for fire suppression, we're helping to protect not just the building, but the lives of the people inside it.
At Sy-Con Excavation & Utilities, we’re committed to delivering reliable, on-time solutions for all kinds of utility and excavation projects—no matter the size or complexity. Whether you need water, sewer, or fireline installation, we have the experience and equipment to get the job done right.
