Your business depends on its systems to maintain a competitive edge. While it might not be the first thing you think about, how well your commercial building functions depends on its plumbing system. Your company’s plumbing infrastructure protects your employees’ and clients’ health and safety. Common plumbing issues like the ones below can disrupt operations if you don’t address them promptly.
Leaking Faucets and Pipes
Leaking faucets and pipes are common problems in commercial buildings. Identifying a leak early can prevent substantial water loss and prevent property damage.
Common causes of leaks include:
- Worn-out washers
- Corroded pipes in older plumbing systems
- High water pressure that stresses pipes and joints
The following signs indicate your building’s plumbing system might have a leaky pipe or faucet:
- Unexplained increase in water bills
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Damp or moldy areas around pipes and fixtures
Several solutions can help your business address leaky faucets and pipes:
- Have regular inspections to identify leaks so they can be fixed before they cause major problems.
- Schedule a plumber online for regular maintenance to keep small issues in check.
- Replace worn-out washers or seals promptly.
- Use high-quality replacement parts to reduce the risk of future leaks.
Clogged Drains and Toilets
Clogged drains and toilets pose health risks and disrupt business operations. Causes of clogs include:
- Accumulations of hair, soap scum, and other materials
- Flushing non-degradable items (paper towels, sanitary products, etc.)
- Pouring fats and grease down drains
Several signs indicate you might have a clogged drain or toilet in your building. Watch for sinks that drain slowly, water backing up from drains, and foul odors.
To solve a drain or toilet clog, install drain screens. These trap debris to prevent buildups in your pipes. Educate your staff about proper waste disposal. For a minor clog, you can use a drain snake or plunger. However, you’ll need to call a commercial plumber to remove severe or persistent clogs.
Low Water Pressure
If the water pressure in your building is too low, it can affect everything from your restrooms to your kitchen. Water pressure issues commonly result from pipe leaks, mineral buildup, or faulty pressure regulators.
If your business has issues with hard water, minerals can build up in the pipes and restrict water flow. Leaks can reduce the water pressure, and malfunctioning pressure regulators can fail to maintain adequate water pressure.
The impact of low water pressure on your building’s operations includes reduced efficiency in the restrooms and kitchen, lower productivity levels for tasks that require water, and dissatisfied employees and customers.
To solve low water pressure, try these tips:
- Clean aerators to restore proper water flow.
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections to identify and repair leaks.
- Adjust or replace pressure regulators.
Water Heater Issues
People in your commercial building depend on its water heaters for hot water in the bathrooms and kitchens. Your janitorial staff also needs hot water for cleaning. These are some things that can go wrong with commercial water heaters:
- Insufficient hot water from a thermostat malfunction or failed heating element
- Strange noises caused by sediment buildup
- Leaks from loose connections or corrosion
If you notice fluctuating water temperatures, unusual rumbling noises, or visible leaks around the base of the unit, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
A commercial plumber can perform regular maintenance and flush the water heater to remove sediment and improve its efficiency. During a regular inspection, your plumber can identify and replace defective components, including thermostats or faulty heating elements. They can also properly install and ventilate your building’s water heaters.
Sewer System Backups
Sewer system backups are hazardous to the health of your employees and customers and can force your business to close temporarily. These can occur when tree roots grow into the sewer lines. Grease accumulations and non-flushable items can build up and form blockages. Also, corroded sewer lines can crack or collapse and cause backups.
These signs indicate you might be dealing with a sewer system backup:
- Drains making gurgling noises
- Multiple slowly draining sinks
- Foul odors coming from drains
Schedule routine inspections and maintenance to detect and repair problems early. A commercial plumber can use rooter services to locate and remove tree root intrusions and other blockages. If your sewer pipes are damaged, you might need to repair or replace them to prevent backups.
Malfunctioning Plumbing Fixtures
Toilets, sinks, and faucets wear out over time. Broken handles, leaks, and faulty seals can negatively impact your building operations and leave a poor impression on customers. The toilets might run constantly and increase your water bills. If you don’t repair them early, malfunctioning fixtures could cause leaks that could damage your building.
During routine maintenance, your plumber will check the fixtures and maintain them to keep them in good condition. They will repair or replace failing parts to prevent further damage. Your plumber might suggest an upgrade to more efficient fixtures to reduce your building’s plumbing maintenance needs.
Preventive Maintenance and Professional Help
Preventive maintenance helps you identify and fix problems before they grow worse. Maintenance reduces your risk of major plumbing failures, makes sure your building has consistent water pressure, and extends the life of your plumbing system and fixtures.
Schedule preventive maintenance each quarter for high-use areas. Perform comprehensive, system-wide checks twice a year, and call for help immediately when you notice any unusual signs.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Plumbers
Hiring a professional plumber allows you to benefit from their experience and expertise. They have special training to identify and solve complex plumbing problems and advanced tools to complete repairs efficiently. Commercial plumbers know the local building codes and regulations and can ensure compliance. They can give you advice about how to maintain your building’s commercial plumbing system to prevent costly repairs.
Keep Your Plumbing System Functioning Optimally
Your commercial building depends on its plumbing system to operate properly. Regular maintenance and timely repairs help to prevent common plumbing issues and improve your plumbing system’s efficiency and reliability. Professional plumbers can identify and repair common problems and perform preventive maintenance to avoid disruptions and maintain a safe environment.
Don’t let plumbing issues disrupt your business! Schedule a professional plumber online now to ensure your commercial property runs smoothly.
