
Tight Alley Access in North Capitol Hill
Working on a Victorian restoration in North Capitol Hill presents distinct headaches, primarily regarding access. The alleys behind these pre-1920 homes are incredibly narrow, often overgrown with lilacs or blocked by low-hanging power lines. We had a crew gutting a third-floor bathroom, and they needed reliable sanitation down in the alley without blocking the neighbor's garage access or risking damage to the historic brickwork.
I drove out personally to scout the drop zone before sending the route driver. We decided to use our smaller service truck, allowing us to maneuver the standard unit right against the back fence and secure it to a post to prevent wind tipping. We set up a twice-weekly service schedule to keep tank levels low, ensuring no odors drifted up to the bedroom windows so the crew could focus on the build.
Mateo figured out how to fit a toilet where I thought we'd have to walk two blocks.
Sarah J.


