Commercial plumbing issues might be dangerous if timely action is not taken. There is a lot of difference between residential plumbing and commercial plumbing issues. It is safe to say that commercial plumbing is far more complicated, and tackling it takes a different type of expertise. The apparent reason for its complexity is directly related to the size. And you’ll agree that a commercial building designed for hundreds of employees is much larger than a home for four people. In any case, here are a few issues that need immediate attention if spotted.
Five Commercial Plumbing Issues That Need To Be Fixed
1. Clogged Drains
If you are familiar with plumbing problems in commercial buildings, you’ll know that the clogging of drains is probably the most common issue that can arise. Since there are many floors in an apartment or office building, there is a higher chance of blocked drains.
Generally, the residents or employees at the building will be briefed about the best practices to avoid plumbing issues. If most people fail to follow good plumbing guidelines, a clogged drain will become a frequent occurrence.
Once you discover a blocked drain, getting an expert to check the matter is mandatory. Also, note that most plumbing issues have a few telltale signs that you should watch out for. We’ll discuss the prevention of plumbing issues in another section.
2. Clogged Toilet
Clogged toilets are already pretty stressful in a residential home, but they become all the more challenging to deal with in commercial setups. Hotels, restaurants, and public buildings have high traffic in washrooms, and even one backed-up toilet can put a lot of stress on the institution.
It is somewhat possible to control the clogging of toilets by instructing family members to avoid throwing foreign objects in the toilet bowl. But public toilets are another matter, and building owners and caretakers have no way of regulating them. At best, one can add signs and posters in and around the toilet stalls to prevent people from flushing down plastic.
When the clog is smaller, a plunger can solve the issue immediately. But, blockages in larger systems adversely affect the overall plumbing system. So, an issue like overflow will lead to water damage in other parts of the plumbing system. At such times, contact a professional plumber and allow them to investigate the problem.
3. Hot Water Issues
Lack of hot water in commercial buildings can spell disaster, mainly if the company depends on hot water for serving clients. Property owners of commercial spas and hairdressers cannot survive one day without hot water. Similarly, if anyone owns any such facility, they will know that safety measures must be imposed if there are water heaters installed.
Firstly, identifying the source of the issue in itself could take a lot of time, given the scale of a commercial building. Thus, there should be no delay in contacting a trained plumber from your end. Usually, it is observed that a faulty heater is a cause behind the sudden delay in receiving hot water. Solutions like insulating the tank or replacing the thermostat should fix the matter.
Avoid further issues by consulting a professional plumber, and they can successfully identify the problems that prevent hot water flow.
4. Leakage In Pipes
A long-standing leak in the pipes can waste a lot of water in the long run. Not only is that, but it could also escalate the water bill exponentially.
Leaky fixtures occur when parts like seals and washers are damaged or dented. On the plus side, these issues can be fixed easily.
You can identify leaky fixtures by observing certain fixtures like dripping faucets and taps. You may also notice a small pool at the base around the taps.
One way to test if there is a leak in your plumbing is the meter method. Firstly, note your meter reading and turn off the main water valve. After a couple of hours, check the meter to see if the reading has changed. If there is an increase in the reading, you can estimate that there is a leak somewhere in the system.
However, when it comes to pipe leaks, the problem may be a tricky one.
It may not be possible for you as a commercial building owner or caretaker to understand the cause of such a leak. And the wisest decision would be to consult a technician.
5. Sewer Smell
Another unpleasant plumbing issue in commercial buildings is the occurrence of odors arising from the sewers. This could annoy users as much as it concerns building owners.
Sewer odors can enter the premises through a blocked vent, damaged drain line, or dry trap. If you detect an unpleasant smell, pour some water down every drain in the building. If the smell vanishes in a few days, it was probably the dry trap causing the odor.
If nothing changes, call a local plumber to check the plumbing.
Common Signs Of Possible Plumbing Issues
So, here are a few signs you can look out for to avoid plumping issues in a commercial building-
- Water backing up
- Pools of water near the sink
- Stinky drains
- Gurgling sounds from the drain
If you observe any of these signs, call a local plumber to have the problem checked to prevent the situation from worsening.
Final Words
Since commercial buildings are designed for servicing several people at a time, it is more likely to develop plumbing issues. And the last thing a commercial space like a shopping store or restaurant wants is to put off customers by any of the issues mentioned above.
Luckily, all these issues can be fixed easily if you approach the right plumber on time. A professional plumber is trained in handling plumbing issues in commercial buildings, so you can rely on them to get the job done.
