Common Commercial Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them

by U.S. Facility Solutions Office Facility Management Company

Commercial plumbing systems are more complex than standard residential systems. They generally work harder and at a higher rate. For this reason, they commonly run into problems – sometimes even daily. It is, therefore, essential to ensure your commercial facility is up to code and maintaining a functional and safe plumbing system. Not only does this protect your investment and prevent devastating disasters and costly repairs, but it also provides a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.

Continue reading to learn some of the most common warehouse plumbing issues, as well as some helpful preventative warehouse maintenance solutions.

Water Leaks

Several areas can experience leakages. Pipes, faucets, and fixtures can leak if they are defective or improperly installed. The most common are faucet leaks, which typically crop up as a result of a corroded rubber gasket or O-ring. Keep in mind that leaks can happen wherever there is a seam in the plumbing. When seals wear off, work loose, or blow out… a leak can occur. In extreme cases, cracks and ruptures in pipes are the cause of water leaks.

Silent Leaks

Water leaks are tricky because they can start very small at just a single drip a minute. But then over time, these small leaks can turn into a significant, costly disaster. There is a common plumbing issue known as silent leaks, wherein water leaks are out of sight. Over time, silent leaks become more damaging because no one knows about them, and they are not repaired. These types of leaks can (and often do) cause a significant amount of structural damage. Toilets and underground piping are the most frequent spots for silent water leaks.

Clogged Toilets and Drains

Whether your commercial property is open to the public, or just employees, the bathrooms get a lot of attention. For this reason, plumbing clogs are a common issue. Unfortunately, not everyone pays attention to the rules of what not to flush down the toilet when it is not their own. Drains too frequently become clogged in bathrooms... but the problem can also arise in employee break rooms, commercial kitchens, gyms, and businesses like groomers and salons. Things like food, paper, leaves, and grease, are all contributory to clogged drains.

Prevention Tips:

Discuss good plumbing practices with your staff members.
For the general public, create posters to place in public restrooms and break rooms demonstrating good plumbing practices.
Find a professional plumbing repair company and consistently use their services for all your plumbing repair needs. Be sure they are state-licensed master plumbers with years of experience with commercial plumbing.
Stick to a routine plumbing maintenance and service schedule to ensure efficient and dependable performance, and to detect small problems before they can turn into large, expensive ones.

When it comes to plumbing, small problems can turn into big ones, overnight. And the bigger the problem, the more costly and invasive it is to have it repaired. So, as soon as you are aware of an issue, have it resolved immediately.