If you’re responsible for a commercial building, you must take necessary steps to prevent the plumbing system from easily breaking down.
Considering that it’s a commercial job, the repairs may be quite expensive. In addition, plumbing issues may heavily inconvenience normal business operations, for instance, can overflowing toilet can halt restaurant operations.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Here are some tips that you can use to ensure that your building’s plumbing system is in tip-top shape.
Carry out preventive maintenance
You need to stay on top of any plumbing issues no matter how minor they seem. Now, the best way to identify issues before they become serious is to have a plumber carry out regular maintenance.
Because you’re dealing with a commercial plumbing system, you can schedule regular maintenance after every 6 months or sooner. Speak to a professional commercial plumber near you to have your needs assessed.
Keep your eye out for common plumbing issues
It’s critical to spot and address any plumbing issues no matter how harmless they may be.
So, which issues should you be on the lookout for?
Silent water leaks: The leaks may go unnoticed for a long time, in turn contributing to abnormal water bills. You can run some basic tests to identify silent leaks. For instance, turn off all appliances and faucets then watch the water meter to see if it’s still running and recording water use. If you have toilets in the commercial facility, perform the dye-test to check for a running water tank.
Water heater issues: The water heater is a very critical appliance. If it stops functioning, it may cause a lot of inconvenience. You should never ignore any water heater issues no matter how small they seem. For instance, it’s abnormal for the unit to produce strange noises. Similarly, the water should be at the right temperature with no scalding or intermittent cold bursts. You should also inspect the water heater tank for any leaks or drips. Keep up with the recommend yearly inspections without fail during and after the warranty expires.
Drain problems: Slow drains should be a cause of worry as they indicate a build-up of sediments or gunk in the pipes, which may eventually result in a serious blockage and potential backup. Drains that are becoming slow over time may have pooling of water after use. They may exhibit other warning signs such as strong odours.
Remain vigilant about what is flushed down the toilet
There are many non-flushable wastes that people normally flush down the toilet without a second thought, such as:
- Baby wipes
- Menstrual products
- Condoms
- Medications
- Diapers
- Q-Tips
- Cotton pads
- Paper towels
- Dental floss
- Cigarette butts
- Hair
- Cooking Grease
- Food
- Chemicals
If you run a restaurant or an apartment building, you can consider issuing advisories by posting signs that inform toilet users about non-flushable wastes.
Upgrade old metal plumbing pipes to plastic
The issue with old plumbing pipes is that they may corrode and rust away. If the water has a high concentration of minerals i.e. hard water, the pipes may constrict over time as a result of mineral deposits. Switching to plastic pipes may be a wise move that could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the future.
Get a head start on all the shut-off valves
The shut-off valves may prove useful during an emergency, for instance, if there is a break in the internal pipes or in case a faucet fails to turn-off. You can use the valves to halt the flow of water to the problematic appliance, toilet, faucet, or pipes.
You can also ensure that all the concerned people know where to find the shut off valves, including tenants or employees.
Additionally, regularly test each valve to find out that if it’s operational. You should also inspect and confirm the location of the main water shut-off valve that supplies water to the entire building.
Know which issues to treat as emergencies
Some plumbing issues should be treated as emergencies, and you should request help right away. Now, the following issues warrant the attention of a plumber with no delay:
- Dirty water backup
- Water heater problems
- Blocked drains
- Overflowing toilets
- Burst or dripping pipes
Part of maintaining your commercial plumbing system is having a professional team on hold to address any problems. When selecting the plumbing service, check for their reviews, experience, expertise, availability, and professionalism.
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