When you own a business, one of the most challenging aspects is keeping things running smoothly and efficiently. But for businesses that depend on plumbing, the challenge is often keeping it running at all. Whether your business is small, local or operates on a global scale, plumbing problems can happen anytime anywhere. Whether it’s a clogged toilet or a broken water pipe, plumbing issues can quickly spiral into expensive and inconvenient headaches. Fortunately, there are plenty of commercial plumbing problems that can be prevented with regular maintenance and upkeep. Luckily for small businesses, many of these issues are common and easy to solve with the right tools and knowledge. But before you know whether your business is experiencing common commercial plumbing issues, you’ll need to understand the anatomy of a plumbing system from a more general standpoint. This article will explain the basics of commercial plumbing so that you know what signs to look out for and what you can do to fix them before they become serious problems that could end up costing you dearly.

How does commercial plumbing work?

To understand the basics of commercial plumbing, it’s important to understand how water is managed in a home. In your home, water flows from a water meter, through the water supply, to the faucets and fixtures. On the other hand, commercial plumbing connects to the water supply in a building, then branches off to all the individual water fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and washing machines. The difference between home and commercial plumbing is that the latter is built to meet higher water pressure and has the capacity to transport much more water than a single household would use.

Trenchless sewer repair

One of the most common commercial plumbing problems is a clogged sewer line. This is more commonly known as “trenchless sewer repair” and is a method of cleaning a sewer line without digging up the street. This type of repair is ideal for businesses that don’t have enough space on the roof or in the yard to build a new sewer line, or for businesses that have an older, concrete sewer line.

Excessive water loss from a broken toilet

Another common commercial plumbing problem is a broken toilet. When the tank isn’t completely full, water will flow out of the toilet bowl and into the sewer line. If the tank isn’t completely full, the toilet will flush less frequently which can lead to a broken tank and excessive water loss. To avoid this problem, install flow-rate measuring devices on all your toilets to make sure they’re always full.

Water meter leaks

Another common problem with commercial plumbing is a leaking water meter. A water meter is an important part of the system that measures how much water is being used by the building for both hot and cold water. If a water meter leaks, it will need to be replaced, which can be very costly for business owners.

Malfunctioning or inefficient HVAC system

Another important part of commercial plumbing is the HVAC system. HVAC systems play a key role in maintaining a comfortable environment for employees and customers. But if your HVAC system isn’t working properly, it can cost you a lot of money in terms of lost productivity and increased utility bills.

Conclusion

The best way to avoid costly commercial plumbing issues is regular maintenance and upkeep. This includes flushing toilets regularly, avoiding letting water get stagnant in the pipes, using flow-rate measuring devices to make sure your toilets aren’t leaking, and replacing your water meter if it begins to leak. These simple tips can help you avoid most commercial plumbing problems and keep your business running smoothly and efficiently.

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.