Commode problem not expected to clog jail expansion
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According to an official with Warren Mechanical, the subcontractor handling the plumbing for the project, the commodes are not equipped with anti-flooding devices which could allow prisoners to stop up the units and flood the jail. The toilets were also ordered without hooks installed, which are designed to catch articles of clothing that might be used to stop up the sewer lines. The hooks will also be installed when the commodes are upgraded.
The anti-flooding device detects if a commode is stopped up and prevents continued flushing which could result in a flooding situation in the jail. And though the state doesn’t actually require such devices, Jail Oversight Committee members feel they are a necessity to prevent potential abuse by inmates and possible damage to the jail.
“This is money spent today to prevent problems in the future,” said committee member George Smartt.
According to Jail Oversight Committee chairman Herschel Wells, once the units are sent back to the manufacturer they will be up to the specifications the committee feels is necessary.
“We will have the type of commode that we should have had to begin with,” Wells said.
According to Wells, representatives from Warren Mechanical talked to NJC, the engineering firm hired by jail architect Armstrong and Associates, about the potential issues with the units. NJC reportedly said they knew there might be problems, but had been directed by the jail architect to design the least expensive units possible because the project was on a shoestring budget.
The problem with the commodes could also result in delays if the manufacturer doesn’t complete the upgrades within the four weeks it has currently promised. Kenneth Bratcher, site superintendent with jail project contractor Medical Construction Group, has reportedly said he could work within the current repair projections.
“I talked to Kenneth Tuesday,” Wells said, “and I was telling him it would be about four or five weeks, and he said that wouldn’t bother his schedule.”
Despite the expense of the change-order, committee members feel it is money well spent.
“Well, we sure don’t need those cells flooding upstairs, or downstairs,” said Carl Bouldin.
Gary Prater questioned why this type of unit was still available for jails.
“If this type of commode is causing this type of problem, looks like they would discontinue them,” he said. But since the state doesn’t actually require the anti-flood units for certification, the less expensive units are indeed available and are still utilized in some cases.
“There will always be a market for something cheaper,” said Smartt.