Commercial buildings are subject to the same plumbing issues as residences. However, commercial plumbing is significantly more complicated and has many more potential consequences if something goes wrong. The most common problems with commercial plumbing are leaks, frozen pipes, running toilets, clogs and broken or damaged pipes and fittings. If left untreated, these issues can cause damage to your property, endanger employees and even put customers at risk. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of potential plumbing issues and know how to catch and fix problems before they get worse.-
To begin with, understand that commercial buildings have special plumbing needs. Commercial buildings are more likely to have water storage tanks for fire protection. They may also have large pipes with high flow rates that are used for more demanding applications like industrial process or irrigation.Residential buildings have smaller water pipes, usually with flow rates that are lower than 10 litres per second. The most common residential plumbing materials are PVC and copper.In commercial buildings, PVC or CPVC are generally used for water supply, fire sprinkler systems and water distribution. Copper pipes are used for water supply and water service lines, but are only found in large commercial buildings.Copper pipes have been a traditional choice for water supply in large commercial buildings because of their ability to carry large volumes of water with low pressure loss. However, because of their high cost, they are rarely found in new construction today.-
Leaking pipes – One of the most common plumbing problems in commercial buildings is a leaking pipe. This could be a leaking water pipe, a leaking sewer pipe, a leaking water meter, or any number of other pipe types that could be leaking.To find the source of the leaking water, you might want to use a plunger to force air into the pipe. If the water comes out of the opposite end of the plumbing, that could be a sign of a sewer pipe that has sprung a leak. If the water comes out of the same end that’s connected to the building, that could be a sign of a water supply pipe that has sprung a leak.- Toilets that run constantly – Many older buildings have old toilets that are not connected to the waste pipe. In this case, the toilet may be directly connected to the sewer pipe, leaking water into the sewer pipe. Toilets that run constantly are a sign that the toilet’s discharge pipe is connected to the sewer pipe. This is a serious plumbing issue and should be addressed immediately.- Water meters that don’t work – If your water meter doesn’t work, you won’t be able to know how much water you’re using. This could lead to a water shortage or water abuse, which are both serious plumbing issues.- Broken water pipes – If your water pipes are made of copper, you should always shut off the water main before trying to repair a broken pipe. If your pipes are made of PVC or CPVC, you can usually repair them without shutting off the water main.-
A professional plumbing contractor has the know-how, tools and experience to repair any plumbing issue. Working with a professional plumbing contractor is the only way to ensure that your commercial plumbing is fixed properly. There are several reasons why you should hire a professional plumbing contractor. First, they have the experience necessary to perform any kind of commercial plumbing job. Working with a professional is also safer because they have the right tools to do their job correctly, without causing further damage.-
- Frozen pipes – Frozen pipes are a very common plumbing problem in commercial buildings. If your water pipes are frozen, you may experience a burst water pipe or a frozen toilet. To prevent this from happening, keep a couple of inches of free space in all of your water pipes. If your water pipes are particularly exposed to the cold, you may also want to consider installing a pipe insulation heater.- Burst water pipes – A water pipe that has burst is a serious plumbing issue that could lead to significant water damage. There are two main signs that will help you identify a burst water pipe: water everywhere and water coming out of a pipe with force.- Broken or damaged pipes and fittings – This is a serious plumbing issue that requires immediate attention. Broken pipes are not only inconvenient, they can also be dangerous because they can leak and cause serious damage.-
To repair a frozen water pipe, you will first need to thaw the pipe. The most common way to thaw a frozen pipe is to run water through it using a hairdryer or a heat gun. If this method doesn’t work, you can also try to thaw the pipe using warm water. Once the pipe is thawed, you can repair the pipe or replace it if needed.- To repair a burst water pipe, shut off the water main and the water supply to the building. If the pipe is made of copper, you need to add a chemical mix called “pipe-mending compound.” If the pipe is made of PVC or CPVC, you can usually repair it by inserting a sleeve of polyethylene pipe. -
In most cases, a leaking toilet can be fixed by replacing the toilet’s tank or by replacing the toilet’s float switch. To find the source of the leak, you may need to shut off the water supply to the toilet and remove the toilet’s tank lid. If the toilet’s tank is made of PVC or CPVC, you may also need to replace the toilet’s fill tube. If the float switch is leaking, you can replace it. If the toilet’s tank and fill tube are made of copper, you need to replace them with plastic parts.-
Clogged drains and sewer pipes can be caused by an excessive amount of hair, soap residue, food scraps, or other deposits that build up in the pipes over time. If your drains or sewer pipes are clogged, you can usually unclog them by using a plunger and a drain snake. This will help you to unclog the drains and sewer pipes in your commercial building.-
Commercial plumbing is more complicated than residential plumbing and requires the services of a professional plumbing contractor. If you notice that your commercial plumbing is not working as it should, it is best to call a professional plumbing contractor to identify the source of the problem and fix it as quickly as possible. If your commercial plumbing is in need of repair, it is important to know the signs of a plumbing problem and know how to fix it as soon as possible.-