As someone who manages commercial properties, you’ll likely encounter a few plumbing problems along the way. Fortunately, most commercial plumbing issues can be resolved without calling a plumber. That said, it’s always better to be prepared with some solutions ahead of time so you can tackle any problems that may arise quickly and efficiently so that business continues as usual. If you don’t know much about commercial plumbing, it can be hard to know what kinds of issues to look out for and what fixes will work best for those problems. Fortunately, this article covers many of the most common issues commercial plumbing customers face. Read on for helpful advice on avoiding common commercial plumbing problems as well as some troubleshooting tips when things go wrong.
One of the most common plumbing issues a commercial property might face is leaking pipes. While it’s not uncommon for a home to experience a few leaks here and there, commercial buildings are generally more prone to leaks. This is largely due to the fact that most commercial buildings feature pipes that are larger in size than their residential counterparts. These larger pipes are more susceptible to leaks due to their increased surface area, which means they are more likely to develop cracks over time. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to fix a leaking pipe. If your pipes are leaking at a joint, a simple repair kit that you can purchase at most hardware stores will be enough to stop the flow of water. If your pipes are leaking at a seam, however, you’ll need to call in a professional plumber to install a new section of pipe. This can be a costly fix, so it’s important to catch any signs of a leaking pipe early on.
Another common plumbing issue that commercial properties face is a sudden break in the plumbing main. A sewer main break is an expensive and time-consuming repair that will likely require an entire day of work to fix. Sump pumps are another plumbing issue that many commercial properties face. Sump pumps are installed in basements to prevent flooding due to sewer or water line breaks. If your commercial property has a sump pump, it’s important to test the system regularly to make sure it’s working properly. If you notice that the sump pump is no longer working correctly, it’s important to turn off the main valve to the building’s plumbing system to avoid flooding. You can test the main plumbing line for leaks by filling a bucket with water and dropping it in the line. If the water spills all over the floor, you’ve got a leak somewhere and will need to call a plumber to repair the problem.
Another common commercial plumbing issue is clogged drains and sewer lines. While you can try to clear a clogged drain by using a plunger or a similar tool, this approach isn’t very effective. Instead, it’s best to call in a professional to clear the clog. If you notice that your drains are clogged regularly, you may want to invest in a drain cleaning machine to avoid having to call a plumber each time a clog occurs. Another option is to invest in a water trap, which is a type of device designed to catch debris in your drains before they make their way into your sewer line. While these solutions can help prevent clogged drains, it’s important to remember to flush your toilet regularly. Clogged toilets are incredibly disruptive to your business and will eventually lead to expensive repairs.
Finally, another common commercial plumbing issue that commercial properties face is a clogged or damaged pipe. Pipes that have been in place for many years are prone to damage and leaks, so it’s important to replace them on a regular basis. While you can try to clear a clogged or damaged pipe on your own, it’s often best to call in a plumber to do the job. A plumber will use a video inspection camera to examine the pipe and determine the best course of action for repairs. If the pipe is beyond repair, it’s important to replace it with a new length of pipe. While this may seem like an expensive proposition, it’s actually a lot more cost-effective long-term than repairing a damaged pipe. A new pipe will last a lifetime, while a repair is likely to fail within a few years.
There are many different types of commercial plumbing issues that can arise, but there are also many solutions available. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a professional plumber to tackle most commercial plumbing issues. It’s best to be prepared by having a few simple solutions on hand in case you encounter problems in the future. When you’re ready to tackle the challenge of tackling your commercial plumbing issues, you’ll find that it’s a worthwhile investment that will save you time and money in the long run.