Commercial plumbing is an important part of any business operation, but it’s also a potential source of leaks and other problems. A faulty commercial plumbing system can cause major issues for your company, including higher utility bills, water damage and leaks that can spread harmful bacteria or mold. Unfortunately, even the most careful homeowner can experience leaks and other plumbing malfunctions in an office building or other commercial space from time to time. Fortunately, the good news is that preventing commercial plumbing issues is fairly straightforward when you know what to look for.

Know your plumbing system

First and foremost, you must know your commercial plumbing system in order to prevent problems before they occur. The best way to do that is to take a tour of your building, noting the locations of all the plumbing fixtures and components. If you don’t know where the water heater and other major plumbing fixtures are located, take a moment to sketch this out before you start your tour. You can also review the plumbing diagrams included in your building permits. If you don’t have permits for your building, you may want to request them in advance.

Check for leaks

Next, you should begin regularly checking your commercial plumbing for leaks. The best way to do this is to set up a regular schedule that checks every faucet, valve, pipe and fitting for leaks. If you suspect that a particular pipe or fitting may have a slow leak, use a soapy solution to check for drips. If you find a drip, mark the location and call a plumber right away to repair the damage.

Protect pipes from freezing

If you live in an area that experiences freezing weather, you may want to take steps to protect your commercial plumbing from damage. First, make sure the water in the pipes is above freezing to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Once the water inside the pipes has been frozen, you may not be able to thaw it out without costly plumbing repairs. To prevent pipes from freezing, wrap them with insulation or wrap them with heating tape. You can also install a heat tape system in your plumbing system that will maintain the water at a safe temperature.

Avoid sewer backups

If you have a sewer system, you’ll also want to take steps to prevent a sewer back up. One of the most common causes of sewer backups is tree roots growing into the sewer pipes. You can prevent this problem by installing a root barrier around the sewer pipes. If you have a septic system, you may want to consider a septic pump to prevent clogged sewer lines.

Conclusion

Commercial plumbing is an important part of any business operation, but it’s also a potential source of leaks and other problems. A faulty commercial plumbing system can cause major issues for your company, including higher utility bills, water damage and leaks that can spread harmful bacteria or mold. Fortunately, the good news is that preventing commercial plumbing issues is fairly straightforward when you know what to look for.

Frequently Asked Question

A home plumbing installation isn't completed all at once but in 3 stages, to be exact: Underground rough-in phase. Aboveground rough-in phase (top-out or stack-out) Finishing phase (Trim-out or trim finish)
  • Automate your estimation process
  • Handle one task at a time
  • Set goals and work towards them
  • Delegate tasks
  • Eliminate non-performers
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) offers a unique benefit when used in commercial buildings. It is highly tolerant of heat and cold, and can, therefore, be used for different types of water supply applications.
Pliers are probably the most used tools in a plumber's arsenal. They offer leverage and allow you to move and grip small objects. Pliers also bend and shape wires and small rods. With pliers, you can stabilize, loosen, or tighten pipes.
PEX cannot be taken anywhere outside the house where it is directly exposed to UV for a long period. The synthetic material of the pipes can slowly disintegrate due to the light of the sun. Even light bulbs have been known to affect the lifespan of PEX water lines.