OVERVIEW
OWNER: Sandoval County
LOCATION: Sandoval County, NM
INDUSTRY SERVED: Government
CAPABILITIES: Electrical & Plumbing
WHAT WE DID
This project upgrade for Sandoval County involved a full-scale renovation of the shower pods (Pods 1–5) within a detention center facility, encompassing 30 individual showers. The scope included major upgrades to both plumbing and electrical systems with a focus on improving functionality, accessibility, safety, and long-term durability.
One of the primary challenges of this project was working within the secure and restricted environment of a detention center, which required careful coordination with facility staff and strict adherence to security protocols. In addition, the building’s age and history of poor maintenance led to frequent and unpredictable site condition changes. These unforeseen issues required ongoing field adjustments and flexible planning to maintain progress and ensure quality outcomes without compromising safety or security.
The plumbing renovation included the installation of 25 standard Bradley S99-11 shower fixtures and 5 ADA-compliant models, supporting accessibility requirements. Each of the 30 shower bays received new access panels and shutoff valves installed in the wall above the fixtures for easier maintenance access.
To reinforce the facility’s durability, all shower walls were covered with stainless steel panels, and the existing flooring was refinished with a clear, non-slip coating to improve safety. Existing p-traps in all 30 showers were replaced with new PVC traps and metal drain covers, with saw cutting performed as needed. Additionally, traps on 12 large floor drains were replaced, with new metal covers installed—again requiring selective saw
cutting due to underlying conditions.
Ceiling upgrades included demolition of the existing materials and replacement with stainless steel finishes: expanded metal on the first floor for improved airflow and solid stainless-steel sheets on the second floor for a more sealed appearance. Existing water hookups were maintained at each shower bay to allow for continued power washing and sanitation.
The electrical portion of the project involved tapping into the existing electrical systems located within 60 plumbing chases. A new conduit was installed to each chase, along with new junction boxes and dedicated receptacles to support I-Con controller systems at each shower location.
Despite the challenges of working within an active and aging facility, the project was successfully executed with a strong emphasis on safety, adaptability, and long-term performance. The result is a significantly upgraded shower facility that meets modern standards for usability, cleanliness, and maintenance access.