COMMON COMMERCIAL PLUMBING PROBLEMS
How to Avoid Common Commercial Plumbing Issues
Owning a business or managing a commercial building is hard work. While focusing on ensuring customer excellence and high-quality results, it’s easy to let the small things like plumbing be put on the back burner. However, plumbing issues can quickly become a disruption to your business operations and an inconvenience to your employees and customers.
Knowing what plumbing issues to look for and how to prevent them, can help you avoid unhappy customers and employees, as well as unexpected and expensive repairs.
Here are the most common plumbing issues in commercial buildings to look for.
Clogged Drains
One of the most common commercial plumbing issues you will see is clogged drains. Commercial properties have multiple areas where clogs can occur, from the sink in the breakroom, toilet in the restroom, or drains in the floors. Commercial properties also have a lot of traffic from both employees and customers, which leads to more waste going through the drains.
We recommend that you put a plan in place for regular maintenance on all of the areas in your building that may cause a clogged drain. Hang signs to educate employees and customers about proper waste disposal practices, install drain screens or guards to catch debris before it becomes a blockage, and schedule regular drain cleanings.
If you notice that a drain is draining slowly, it can be an indication of a clog and you’ll want to call a commercial plumber right away.
Leaking Faucets, Toilets, and Pipes
Leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes are another common issue in commercial buildings, and although they may not seem like a big issue they can quickly become one. Leaks waste water and can turn into expensive utility bills, they can cause water to pool and cause a safety issue, and they can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
We recommend that you inspect your fixtures regularly for signs of a leak, such as dripping or pooling water. Replace worn washers, seals, or faulty components as needed. You can even upgrade your fixtures to a more water-efficient model to save on utility costs.
Don’t let leaks go untreated, if notice a leak make sure to call a qualified plumber to fix it immediately.
Water Temperature Issues
Hot water is essential for many commercial businesses. Whether you have a boiler or a commercial water heater, reliable water temperature is essential to maintain operations.
We recommend that you have your boiler or water heater inspected once or twice a year and have a commercial plumber perform preventative maintenance to avoid unexpected issues.
If you notice that your water isn’t getting hot enough or that the hot water is running out quickly, call a commercial plumber right away.
Sewage Odors
Another common plumbing problem you’ll find with a commercial building is the smell of sewage. This foul smell is usually caused by an issue with the main sewer line that can lead to a plumbing disaster. Most of the time, the smell is caused by a clog in your sewer pipes which causes a buildup of sewage.
To avoid any unwanted odors, we recommend regular inspections and maintenance of your pipes to catch blocks, cracks, or root intrusion.
If you notice slow drains, gurgling noises, or sewage odors call a commercial plumber immediately.