Reviving the Flow: A Plumbing Transformation Beneath an Old DC Apartment

By BSA Group LLC

Every building has its hidden lifelines — the systems behind the walls and floors that keep it alive. In this project, BSA Group LLC took on one of the most challenging yet rewarding renovations we’ve done to date: a full plumbing overhaul in an aging Washington, D.C. apartment building.

The Challenge: A System at Its Limit

When we first inspected the basement, the signs of decay were everywhere — corroded copper pipes, weak joints, and visible leaks that had slowly eaten away at the surrounding masonry. The old system was decades beyond its life expectancy. The risk wasn’t just inefficiency — it was potential flooding, water contamination, and structural damage.

Our client, a long-time DC resident, had been facing constant plumbing issues and water pressure fluctuations. What seemed like a simple repair quickly turned into a full-scale infrastructure revival.

The BSA Approach: Precision Meets Practicality

At BSA Group, we believe that even the parts of a building no one sees deserve the same craftsmanship as the parts everyone does.
Our design and construction team developed a phased plan:

1. Selective demolition of old copper piping with minimal impact on surrounding walls.
2. Installation of a modern PEX piping system — durable, corrosion-resistant, and flexible enough to fit the tight geometry of the old basement.
3. Integration of new valves and connectors for easy future maintenance.
4. Full wall restoration and sealing, returning the basement to a clean, professional appearance.

Every valve was tested, every connection double-checked. The team worked long hours in confined, uneven conditions, often navigating outdated blueprints that didn’t reflect the real layout.

One of the biggest challenges came when we discovered hidden water seepage behind the main foundation wall — a problem not visible during the initial inspection. Our crew quickly pivoted, installing a secondary moisture barrier and drainage adjustment system before continuing with the piping replacement. That flexibility and on-site decision-making are what make BSA Group’s work stand out.

The Result: A System Built to Last

The transformation was dramatic.
The “before” image showed rust, neglect, and fragility — the “after” revealed structure, clarity, and craftsmanship. Clean white PEX lines, secure fittings, and a fully restored wall brought new life to an old foundation. The basement, once damp and unstable, is now dry, organized, and ready to serve the building for decades.

Our client said it best:

“I never thought plumbing could look this good. BSA Group didn’t just fix the pipes — they gave the building a new heartbeat.”

What This Project Represents

For us, this project wasn’t just about plumbing. It was about preservation — respecting the character of an old DC apartment while giving it a system that meets modern safety and performance standards.

At BSA Group LLC, every renovation is personal. We combine design foresight, technical precision, and on-the-ground adaptability to deliver results that endure. Whether it’s a full basement rebuild or a hidden system upgrade, our mission is always the same: to restore confidence, safety, and comfort in every space we touch.