10 Useful Commercial Plumbing Maintenance Tips

The plumbing system of a commercial building is constantly in use, day after day and week after week. Because of this, it’s inevitable for plumbing problems to occur. However, it’s vital to not let commercial plumbing issues affect critical business operations. By scheduling regular maintenance checks, you can prevent worst-case plumbing scenarios. Read on below for some tips on how to keep your commercial plumbing system functioning at its best.

Why Is Commercial Plumbing Maintenance Important?

You can benefit from regular plumbing maintenance inspections in various ways.

• By identifying problems early, you can prevent them from becoming costly emergencies in the future. You’re less likely to lose a significant amount of revenue and pay a hefty repair bill.
• Plumbing maintenance also allows you to identify and remove safety hazards in the workplace.
• You can reduce the amount of clogging in the system. Having clogged drains can be an unpleasant experience for your customers and business.
• Your plumbing system can last longer if it’s maintained properly.

Commercial Plumbing Maintenance Tips and Tricks

1. Don’t ignore minor issues and early warning signs

You must pay attention to any problems related to your plumbing system, no matter how seemingly small. Eventually, a small issue can turn into a much larger and more expensive one. As a result, you could pay thousands of dollars in water bills and even more in damages. When you pay attention to the small issues early on, it can save you time, money and a lot of frustration.

Any warning signs you may notice should be reported to a professional right away. Reduced water pressure and increased water bills are among the most common warning signs to watch out for. Remember that calling for immediate assistance is far better than leaving the problem unattended.

2. Examine the water pressure

It’s essential to check the water pressure, as some commercial plumbing problems could result from excessive water pressure. You can use a pressure gauge to test the current water pressure in your building. You can also consider using a pressure regulator to ensure that your water pressure is stable and at a normal level.

In your shower facilities, check for any sediment build-up in showerheads. If there are any, ensure that they are eliminated to improve water pressure. Your plumbing system will work more efficiently when you have better water pressure in your taps and showers.

3. Make sure that non-flushable items go in the bin

Properly educate your staff about the consequences of flushing anything down the toilet that’s not human waste. It may be helpful to post signs in the bathroom as reminders to avoid any clogs.

4. Protect pipes from freezing

You can prevent pipes from freezing in the winter by properly insulating them. By keeping them well insulated, you may avoid severe problems like pipes bursting due to freezing temperatures. It’s best to call a plumbing professional who will be able to insulate your pipes before the winter period.

5. Upgrade your building’s pipes

A complete re-pipe could ensure that your building is equipped with a safe and damage-free plumbing setup. By upgrading your pipes, you’ll be able to make your building safer and make it less prone to problems.

6. Install a water softener

Hard water can contribute to problems with your plumbing. If your pipes are exposed to hard water for a prolonged period, they will accumulate heavy mineral deposits. You can protect your pipes by purchasing and installing a water softener. Another benefit to installing a water softener is that it can also improve the quality of your water.

7. Be on the lookout for blocked drains

Some may think that a clogged drain might not be a big deal. However, the problem will continue to grow and get progressively worse in the long run. An obstruction in a drain can be caused by several factors. Leaves, hair, grease, paper, food waste and small objects are some of the things that can cause obstruction. Tree roots can also cause malfunctioning or clogged drains.

You can avoid these situations in the future by looking out for signs of a blocked drain. These include slow drainage, foul odours and bubbling or gurgling drains.

Keeping your drains clear will prevent clogged drains. Inform people in your building to not put items down the drain, such as small objects, grease, paper, food leftovers and other similar items.

8. Be aware of where your shut-off valves are

Suppose you encounter a burst water pipe or your toilet overflows. In that case, you should be able to turn off the water valve as soon as possible. You can prevent further damage to your commercial property with this simple action. What happens, however, if you don’t know the exact location of the valves? You can face extensive damage and costly repair bills.

So you need to be aware of where the shut-off valves are situated in your building. If an emergency occurs, you’ll be able to take quick and effective action.

9. Conduct preventative maintenance checks

Maintaining your plumbing system regularly is an effective way to avoid major plumbing problems in the future. Performing regular commercial plumbing inspections on your plumbing system ensures smooth business operations.

Below is a commercial plumbing preventative maintenance checklist that you can use.

• Identify if there are any active leaks in your building
• Test the water pressure
• Clean problematic drains
• Inspect valve performance
• Watch out for signs of corrosion
• Assess the water heater for issues
• Conduct backflow tests
• Check pump functions
• Examine toilet tanks

10. Partner with reliable plumbing experts

A trustworthy and reliable plumber helps ensure that your facility runs as efficiently as possible. With a professional plumber, you can expect a smoother plumbing system for your commercial building.

There’s no denying that plumbing is an integral part of buildings. With proper maintenance, your plumbing system will perform at its best over the years.Edmont M&E can help keep your plumbing system in good working order. Aside from maintenance and repair services, we also provide professional system installations. Get in touch with us now to learn more.