Plumbing problems are commonly experienced by commercial buildings, and depending on how serious the issue is, repairs can be costly and inconvenient. Like electrical problems, early detection is key, so continue reading for how to identify – and resolve – five of the most common commercial plumbing problems your building could encounter.
1: Clogged Drains
Clogged drains and toilets usually cause foul odours – unpleasant smells can cause discomfort and potential health hazards if not addressed, which may be detrimental to your business. If a toilet does not flush, most likely the drain is partially or completely plugged. If the clog cannot be resolved by plunging, a plumber may need to clear the drains.
2: Leaky Faucets
Any business owner knows that wasted water from leaky faucets can lead to headaches such as a higher water bill. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. Most faucet leaks are caused by mineral buildup or deteriorating washers – a faucet repair kit from any hardware store can help in fixing the leak. However, if the leak persists or you cannot locate where the leak is coming from, professional assistance is needed.
3: Low Water Pressure
Water pressure is the force that water exerts against the walls of plumbing pipes as the water flows through them. When water pressure is too low, water flow is weak and ineffective. Some factors that can affect water pressure are changes in demand, sediment buildup, and faulty pressure regulators. Businesses such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels have a high demand for water – these types of commercial businesses should invest in larger or multiple water tanks to prevent water pressure problems.
4: Fluctuating Water Temperature
Failure to properly regulate water temperature can result in scalding or other health risks. Commercial water heaters should be inspected every few months by a professional to prevent such risks. Further, certain commercial businesses, such as restaurants, have a wide range of water needs that require different water temperatures. For this reason, many commercial properties use a combination of tempering and thermostatic mixing valves to help regulate water temperature. Due to the high risks involved, it is crucial for commercial business owners to contract professional plumbing services to regularly inspect and maintain water temperature devices.
5: Backed Up Sewer Systems
A sewer backup is a major problem – if you find wastewater overflowing in toilets, sink drains, or floor drains all at the same time, or your drains are draining much slower than usual, it is quite likely that a sewer backup has occurred. Wastewater backup smells bad, is a biohazard, destroys any absorbent material, and is difficult to dry out and remove. To help prevent sewer backups, ensure that your sewer pipes are inspected by a professional. Some basic tips for commercial businesses to keep in mind are not pouring cooking grease down the drain and ensuring that only human waste and toilet paper are flushed down toilets.
While some of the most common commercial plumbing problems can be fixed manually, other issues can become major health hazards and require proper inspection and maintenance to prevent costly accidents from occurring. To ensure that your commercial building is up to standard, partner with an experienced team for your next project. At Pulse Construction, we’re committed to doing business with an honest, professional, and competitive approach – without compromising safety or schedules. Contact us today for all of your building needs.
