Had to choose between a full weld repair or a patch plate on a 3/8" boiler shell

The client wanted it done fast and cheap, so they pushed hard for the patch. I knew the right call was grinding out the old weld and doing it over, even though it would take two extra days. I stuck to my guns and did the full repair, which meant we lost the job to another crew who promised the patch. Found out from a buddy that the patch failed a hydro test three weeks later. Now the plant is down for a full week fix. Anyone else get pressured to cut corners on pressure work?

2 comments

2 Comments

hugo6452h ago

Yeah, that "gold-plated fix" line is exactly why this job sucks sometimes.

cora_perez2h ago

Look, sometimes a patch is the right call. Not every job needs the gold-plated fix, especially when downtime costs a fortune. The client knew the risks and made a business choice to get back online fast. Your way cost them the job and probably a ton of money for those two extra days. The other crew gave them what they asked for, and yeah it failed, but that's on the client for picking the cheap option. You can't save people from their own bad decisions.