Waterproofing Pool Pipe Penetrations to Prevent Costly Damage

Waterproofing Pool Pipes: Stop Leaks & Prevent Damage

Water leaks in mechanical rooms are a serious concern, especially when they threaten the safety of electrical systems. For one luxury home resident in Greenwich, CT, leaking pipe penetrations in their pool’s mechanical room created a potentially dangerous situation. Grouting became the solution that saved the day.

BACKGROUND
Greenwich, CT is renowned for its upscale lifestyle, cultural attractions, and financial services. Many luxury homes feature high-end pools with complex mechanical systems that house critical electrical equipment. For one resident, their mechanical room began leaking water through pipe penetrations, raising concerns about the safety of both the building and its electrical equipment.

PROBLEM
The mechanical room had 26 leaking pipe penetrations, posing risks to both the room and those working in it. The challenge? To seal these leaks and prevent further water damage—especially around sensitive electrical equipment.
The resident initially attempted to resolve the issue by spray foaming around each penetration. Unfortunately, the spray foam was ineffective in stopping the leaks, leaving water to continue seeping in. With the mechanical room exposed to the constant threat of water intrusion, the risk of electrical malfunctions or even hazardous short circuits was all too real. This was a situation that demanded a more durable and effective solution.

SOLUTION
Enter Savy & Sons, experts in leak repair and water intrusion prevention. Connecticut- based Savy & Sons is a full-service contractor specializing in Water & Wastewater Rehabilitation, Coatings & Linings, and Infrastructure Restoration. The Savy & Sons Team has over 100 years of combined experience in different aspects of waterproofing and restoration. The team quickly assessed the situation and determined that a more advanced waterproofing approach was required to tackle the water issue at hand. After evaluating options, it was concluded that the most cost-effective and efficient means to seal these leaking pipe penetrations was through utilizing Avanti International’s injection grouts. Texas-based Avanti manufactures grouts that are designed to stop leaks, stabilize soil, and control groundwater. After product consideration options, Avanti’s AV-275 Soilgrout™ was chosen for the project. Savy & Sons started by drilling holes through the room’s walls and installing packers (also known as ports) around each of the 26 leaking pipe penetrations.

Using a Nova 390PC grout pump, Savy & Sons injected Avanti’s AV-275 Soilgrout around each penetration. AV-275 Soilgrout is a moisture activated, polyurethane resin designed to permeate soils and react quickly with moisture to bind together and waterproof loose granular soils, stop high water flows in below-grade structures, and fill voids. AV-275 is known for its strong waterproofing properties, making it ideal for sealing leaks in construction environments where moisture control is critical. The grout forms a dense, impermeable barrier around the penetrations, stopping further water from seeping through the walls. A total of 8-gallons of AV-275 was injected around the
penetrations.

To ensure that the leak was fully addressed, the Savy & Sons crew carried out a crucial test: flooding the outside area around each of the penetrations to simulate external water exposure. The team carefully monitored the area to confirm that no further leaks were occurring. After completing a few minor touch-ups with additional grout injection, the Savy team confirmed that all 26 penetrations had been successfully sealed and that all leaks were stopped.

Once the injection process was complete, the crew removed the packers and installed cladding around each drilled hole. The cladding provided a neat, professional finish while adding an extra layer of protection against potential future leaks.

The results were immediately apparent: the pool’s mechanical room was now dry, free from the constant threat of water intrusion. More importantly, the risk of water reaching the electrical systems, particularly the breaker boxes, was eliminated. Had the water continued to leak into the room, it could have led to electrical failures, creating hazardous conditions that could have resulted in costly repairs, equipment damage, or even safety risks to staff and patrons.

Thanks to the expertise of Savy & Sons, the resident now enjoys a dry, safe mechanical room, free from the dangers of water infiltration. The integrity of the room is now secure for years to come.