7 Common Sewer Bypass Estimating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to sewer bypass projects, unexpected costs can quickly derail profitability. Before green-lighting your next project, you want to be sure you’ve covered all your bases to avert potential problems. Here are some common mistakes in sewer bypass planning and practical fixes to help you avoid them.

1. Relying on outdated cost estimates

Mistake: Using unit costs or reusing prices from previous projects without verification.

Fix: Approach each project individually, even if you think the job is the same size and complexity as the previous one. Get a new price for every item.

2. Underestimating the importance of site visits

Mistake: Attempting to understand pipe routing, pump placement, and flow management from plans and drawings alone.

Fix: Conduct a thorough site visit with key stakeholders, including the municipality representative or engineer who knows the project best. Bring along your sewer bypass provider for their expert insight. This collaborative approach will help you anticipate challenges and plan more effectively.

3. Accepting subcontractor quotes without backup detail

Mistake: Taking a contractor’s word on system design and cost without verifying the details.

Fix: Request comprehensive engineering calculations and system drawings. Have your project engineer review them to ensure you fully understand the equipment scope, system layout, and performance expectations.

4. Overlooking the complexities of labor costs

Mistake: Failing to account for prevailing wage, certified payroll, and varying site conditions that impact labor costs.

Fix: Conduct a detailed review of labor costs, considering all factors that may affect productivity. Secure firm commitments from your subcontractors on costs to avoid unexpected overruns.

5. Prioritizing low bids without considering associated risks

Mistake: Choosing the lowest bid without evaluating potential hidden costs or lack of expertise.

Fix: Assess all potential project issues and ensure your chosen subcontractors can manage them effectively. Carefully review contract limitations, safety plans, and emergency response protocols.

6. Neglecting thorough review of the bypass pumping engineering submittals

Mistake: Failing to carefully check submittals against project specifications.

Fix: Work closely with your bypass pumping subcontractors to review specifications and their submittal. This proactive approach helps avoid delays caused by repeated submittal revisions.

7. Treating quotes as flexible rather than firm commitments

Mistake: Assuming that the numbers in your project quote are malleable or that subcontractors will absorb unforeseen costs.

Fix: Remember that every figure in your quote represents a firm commitment. Work diligently with your bypass pumping subcontractors to develop a comprehensive, accurate quote that accounts for all potential costs while maintaining competitiveness and profitability.

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From the initial design through final installation, the Sunbelt Rentals Pump Solutions team provides the equipment and expertise you need to meet your project requirements. Whether it’s bypass scoping, water level management, fluid diversion for the repair of existing pipelines, or another type of project, our team is available 24/7 to ensure that your pumping project is a success