How Vito Services Restored a Local Landmark’s Plumbing
Hard Times Cafe, a beloved Rockville institution famous for its wings and chili, recently faced a significant plumbing crisis that threatened its operations. Nestled in the Woodley Gardens Shopping Center, the restaurant experienced a catastrophic main sewer line failure, forcing it to close its doors to loyal customers. When the situation seemed bleak, Vito Services’ expert commercial plumbing team, led by Manager Jason Hickman, stepped in to tackle the challenge.
The Challenge: A Major Sewer Line Failure
After years of serving Rockville with delicious food, Hard Times’ aging sewer line gave way. This caused a backup that impacted the entire restaurant’s plumbing, making operations impossible. Vito Services, already familiar with the restaurant after completing a full interior repiping to PVC, took on the job to ensure the beloved eatery could reopen as soon as possible.
The team quickly assessed the situation and discovered that the main sewer line was rotted and required complete replacement. But this was no ordinary job—the line stretched 80 feet long and sat beneath asphalt in the restaurant's parking lot. With the pipe inaccessible, the Vito crew had to break through the asphalt and disrupt much of the parking area to reach the problem.
Breaking Ground: Replacing the Sewer Line
Once the concrete was cleared, Vito’s plumbers uncovered the rotted pipe. This explained the severe backups, as the compromised pipe allowed water to accumulate instead of flowing freely. The solution? Replacing the old pipe with a brand-new 6-inch sewer pipe designed to handle the restaurant’s heavy use.
The team set up ditch boxes for safety and began the delicate process of installing the new pipe. However, as they dug deeper, they encountered an unexpected complication—a live spring directly beneath the failed sewer line. This spring was pumping additional water back into the building’s plumbing, making the installation more complex and forcing the entire shopping center to close to the sewer water being circulated back through indoor piping.
Overcoming Obstacles: Managing a Live Spring
Hickman and his team quickly adapted to the situation. Isolating the spring and pumping out the excess water became a top priority to ensure the installation site stayed dry and the new pipe remained clear. This additional step required precision and expertise, but Vito Services was more than equipped to handle the challenge.
Once the spring was under control, the crew successfully installed the new 80-foot pipe. The upgraded system is now durable, reliable, and capable of meeting Hard Times needs for years to come.
The Outcome: Back in Business
Thanks to the swift and skilled efforts of Vito Services’ commercial plumbing team, Hard Times Cafe reopened its doors in just two weeks! The project not only restored the restaurant’s plumbing but also reinforced Vito’s reputation for handling complex commercial plumbing challenges with speed and professionalism.
A Trusted Partner in Rockville
Vito Services takes pride in supporting local businesses like Hard Times Cafe, ensuring they can continue serving the community without interruption. Whether routine maintenance or an urgent repair, the Vito team is ready to deliver top-notch service. When plumbing challenges strike, Vito Services is here to help—because no job is too big or too complex for our skilled professionals.
