Commercial plumbing systems are complex and require significant maintenance and upkeep throughout their lifetimes. This is especially true for businesses that operate on tight budgets and require careful cost-cutting measures. It can be difficult to stay on top of all maintenance tasks, especially if you hire a plumber only once or twice a year. But without regular maintenance, your commercial plumbing system will eventually develop issues that could cost you a lot of money and make your work environment unhygienic. Luckily, commercial plumbing problems tend to be fairly predictable and preventable. There are some common issues that might crop up in almost any commercial building regardless of size or type. Fortunately, all of these issues can usually be resolved without calling in a professional plumber. But before tackling any of these common commercial plumbing issues, make sure you read this article and understand what needs to be done to avoid having to call a plumber in the future. Keep reading to learn more about commercial plumbing problems and how to avoid them in the future!
Pipes are designed to stay full of water at all times, but sometimes they can develop small holes or cracks that allow water to escape. This is known as a leaking pipe and it can cause a ton of damage if left unaddressed. Even if leaking pipes are only a minor inconvenience, they will continue to damage your home or business long after they become noticeable. If you notice that one of your pipes is leaking, the best thing to do is shut off the water supply to that pipe and call a plumber to fix the issue. If you don't know which pipe is leaking, turn off the water supply at the main valve in your home and check for leaks. If you find a leaking pipe, mark the location so you can tell the plumber exactly where to start digging. It's a good idea to mark all your pipes before you begin digging, just in case you accidentally dig up a pipe you don't want destroyed. Once the leaking pipe is discovered, the plumber can either repair it or replace it with a new pipe to prevent future issues.
When the temperature outside drops, the water in your home or commercial building begins to contract and expand in response. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water in your pipes freezes and expands to the point where it can't contain the pressure anymore. Frozen pipes are dangerous and can lead to extensive damage if left untreated. The best way to avoid frozen pipes is to keep the water flowing through your plumbing system. You can do this by turning the water on in the mornings and off at night, setting a timer to turn the water on for a few hours every few days, or by installing a water heater that has an automatic shut-off feature. The easiest way to avoid frozen pipes entirely is to install a waterproof blanket in your pipes. These can be purchased at most hardware stores for a few dollars and are an affordable solution to prevent frozen pipes.
If you've ever owned a pet, you know that they produce tons of waste that needs to go somewhere. Pets produce waste that is harmful to the environment and unhealthy for humans, so it's important to find a reliable way to dispose of it. The best way to do this is to install a pet waste disposal system. Unfortunately, these systems are notorious for clogging, which means you'll likely end up clogged drains on the regular.The best way to avoid clogged drains is to make sure you clear the drains in your home or commercial building as often as possible. The most important thing to remember when cleaning drains is to use a plunger, not a shovel, to clear the clog. A shovel will only make the clog worse by pushing the debris even farther down the drain. If you have tile in the area of the clog, avoid trying to clear it with your hands. If the clog is a small one, you can try a plunger or a pick-axe.
Most people have probably heard about the dangers of using a drain cleaner in your home, but most people don't know why. Many cities have put regulations in place to keep these chemicals away from the general public, but if you have a home or business that's not located in a city, you're probably using these chemicals on an almost daily basis.Drain cleaning chemicals can be extremely toxic, even in small quantities. They can cause respiratory issues, vomiting, and even death in certain cases if you are exposed to high enough quantities. The best way to avoid these dangers is to always wear gloves when using these chemicals and to dispose of them properly after use. You can purchase a container that allows you to dispose of the chemicals directly into the toilet to avoid contact with the soil, but you'll need to follow the instructions carefully. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely avoid using these chemicals, but you can reduce your exposure by following these guidelines.
Ductwork is one of the most important parts of a commercial building, but it's also one of the most fragile parts of the plumbing system. Ductwork is made of thin, bendable metal that comes in contact with water and steam. This can cause ductwork to rust, discolor, and even sag. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this. The best way to prevent ductwork from corroding is to wrap it in metal foil. This will protect the ductwork from the elements and keep it looking new. You can buy duct wrap at most hardware stores, but if you're on a tight budget, you can also use foil that's meant for cooking. It may not be as effective, but it's better than nothing.
Corrosion can occur anywhere, but it's especially common in places that are exposed to water and salt, such as sewer pipes. This can be prevented with some simple preventative measures. The first thing to do is add a layer of protection to your pipes. This can be as simple as using baking soda to coat the pipes or using a pipe coating that's designed to prevent corrosion.You can also install a PVC expansion joint in places where the pipes change size. These expansions are notorious for causing corrosion, so they need to be addressed before they become a problem.
Commercial plumbing problems are not only inconvenient, but they can also be dangerous. It's important to have a reliable plumber on hand at all times to address these issues quickly and safely. Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented with simple preventative measures.Now that you know what commercial plumbing problems are, you can take the necessary precautions to avoid them in your own business.