And how to spot them
Commercial plumbing issues can get in the way of the smooth flow that you have at work. If you’ve encountered any of these problems, you’d know how much of a hassle they are. The worst part is they get in the way of income.
Are you having trouble with these issues? Admittedly, these aren’t exactly easy to deal with. Luckily, we have some vital information that can help you.
What Are Some Common Signs of Commercial Plumbing Issues?
Plumbing problems usually don’t just pop out of nowhere. These often tend to build up over time until the structure can’t handle the strain. This is why you always need to be aware of what to look out for.
Always be vigilant regarding these problems so that they don’t get worse. Some signs that may indicate that you have plumbing issues are the following:
- Stagnant water or slow water drainage flow
Do water and waste refuse to go down in any of your toilets or sinks? You might even see a disgusting backflow of wastewater in some cases. If these happen, you likely have pipe problems.
Some commercial cleaning solutions can help. If these don’t improve the situation, then you may have to call a professional for plumbing services.
- Foul smells
Foul odours may be a sign of plumbing issues. Bad smells coming from your drains are perfectly normal once in a while. Note: once in a while, and not always.
If these foul odours persist, then you’d better investigate as this can be a sign that a problem is (literally) brewing in the drain.
- Residue and build-up
You will sometimes spot white or brownish powdery build-ups close to the openings of your showers and faucets. This is normal in most cases, and simple cleaning should do the trick.
If these deposits excessively build up, then you may have a problem with your pipes. This isn’t something you can solve alone, so call a plumber for help.
- Hot water issues
This won’t be an issue for most commercial establishments but can be a big problem in others. If your establishment is one of the affected ones, you’d know how much of a bother this is. Imagine a hotel without hot water — this will be a nightmare for your guests.
This can potentially be a plumbing issue, so you need to watch out. Excessively hot water or insufficient heating are good indicators.
- Water stains
These are among the most serious signs that you have to watch out for. Water stains on wood and other surfaces that are supposed to be dry can indicate leaks.
It’s not just stains that you should watch out for, however. Damaged wood, wallpaper, or paint can also be signs of a similar problem.
- Strange noises
Do you hear strange noises through your walls when you turn on faucets or when you flush? No, we’re not talking about the things that go bump in the night. We’re talking about creaking pipes and gurgling water. Be on the lookout for any of these signs that you have pipe or water pressure problems.
- High water bills
If your water bill is high compared to your building’s water use, then you definitely have a problem. It’s either your water metre is malfunctioning, or you’ve got leaks somewhere on the premises.
Do you want to save money? The longer you wait to get this checked, the more money you lose, so call a plumbing contractor ASAP.
- Drips and leaks
Drips and leaks are some of the most tell-tale signs of plumbing issues. If your faucets, taps, and showers don’t stop dripping water, then you have a problem. It’s also not just these – if your pipes are leaking, it may be time to call an emergency plumber.
Do so as soon as possible, since leaks and drips can cause more problems the longer you leave them be. Water damage is much more expensive to treat than small drips and leaks.
The presence of any of these signs may indicate that you have a plumbing problem. Take note that not all signs mean that you have issues with plumbing. However, it’s still better to be on the safe side and have a professional to take a look.
6 Most Common Commercial Plumbing Issues
Each of the signs we’ve mentioned above can indicate the presence of problems on your premises. As soon as you spot these signs, you’d better be alert for the things that could follow. Some of the most common commercial issues are the following:
1. Clogs
Clogs are usually caused by obstructions, waste, and gases accumulating in the pipe system. As simple and common as they are, clogs are among the most annoying plumbing issues to deal with. Many clogs can be solved pretty easily; whereas some may take more work to clear up.
The most common sign that you have a clog is that the water refuses to go down the drain. There are also more subtle signs to look out for, like pooling water or strange sounds in pipes.
2. Water pressure problems
Water pressure problems are usually caused by improper pressure valve settings or issues with the water supply. Whatever the cause, problems with water pressure can get in the way of your business. Imagine running a restaurant with only a trickle of water.
The most extreme cases of water pressure problems are marked by having little to no water supply. Other signs you should watch out for are leaky faucets and showers, and improper heating of water.
3. Gas build-up
Gas build-ups can occur when there is clogging or if there are excessive bacterial growths in your pipes. As a result, the gases remain in pipe bends or go back up the drain. This is one of those commercial plumbing issues we’ve mentioned that can get seriously worse as time passes.
Signs of gas build-ups include foul smells, poor drainage, and intermittent bubbling of the toilet and drains. This isn’t a problem that you can fix on your own, so be sure to call a licensed plumbing contractor in Newcastle for help.
4. Damaged faucets, urinals, toilets, and other items
No matter how well you care for them, faucets, urinals, and toilets will need plumbing repair or replacement eventually. Most of these tasks are easy enough to do by yourself.
However, if you’re unsure if you can do it, then don’t hesitate to ask for plumbing help. It’s also much safer since you reduce the risk of buying the wrong items for replacement.
5. Toilet issues
Even in a commercial establishment like yours, the toilet is a sacred space. As such, you need to make sure that it’s as comfortable as it can be for your employees’ and customers’ benefit.
Since toilets are so often used, they can encounter a ton of problems after a while. Some things that can go wrong with your toilet include the following:
- Tank not filling up properly, either overflowing or having no water flow
- Toilet backs up and gurgling
- Overflow of water after flushing
- Drips and leaks in either the tank or the bowl
- Excessive toilet draining
In some cases, a good old toilet plunger is enough to solve the problem. However, if the issue is more than just a simple clog, you may need to get your toilet checked.
6. Sewer problems
Plumbing issues may extend beyond your main premises. A sewer problem is one of these issues. Normally, it’s the local government’s job to maintain sewers. But if the problem lies in the line between your and the government’s property, then it’s your responsibility.
Examples of sewer problems include clogs, overflows, broken pipes, and leaks. Signs to watch out for are foul smells, water that backs up, and puddles. If you believe that you have sewer problems, it’s time to contact an expert in professional plumbing services.
How Can I Prevent Plumbing Issues in the Future?
All commercial establishments eventually encounter plumbing issues; it is just a matter of when and how bad it gets. Of course, you want to keep these from worsening into more problematic situations. Nip these problems in the bud before they get bigger.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to minimise any problems you encounter. Among these include the following:
- Don’t flush anything that can clog the toilet.
This is good practice but many people choose to ignore it — toilets are for human waste! Anything else you flush down can potentially cause clogs, leading to other problems.
The customers and clients that use your toilet most likely won’t be as mindful as you. Putting up reminders around the bathroom about what not to flush down can significantly help.
- Give your drains some care.
Be mindful of things that you pour down the drain. Grease, corrosive chemicals, or any mixture with solids in it should never be poured down. Keep a separate disposal bin or bottle for these items. This is especially important to note for some commercial establishments, like hospitals, restaurants, and factories.
Also, take note that your garbage disposal isn’t an all-around shredder. Shred only small food items because anything bigger will also cause significant damage, requiring massive plumbing repair.
- Clean your drains monthly.
You don’t need special commercial chemicals to clean your drains. There’s a simple solution for drain cleaning, which involves simple ingredients. Just mix warm water, vinegar, salt, and baking soda, and pour it down the drain. Let it sit there overnight.
Do this at least once a month to keep the drains clear. You’ll notice that water flows more easily afterward and that you’ll get fewer clogs. Again, you don’t have to wait for clogs before you clean – this is a preventive measure.
- Keep an eye on your water pressure metre, water metre, and heater settings.
The different metres around your establishment do more than just give you readings. You can also use these to diagnose any plumbing problems that may be brewing.
Do a regular check of these and see if anything is out of the ordinary. If anything seems off, you may want to call plumbing services to prevent any more problems.
- Clean your faucets and showers.
We mentioned earlier that your establishment’s tubs, faucets, and showers might sometimes get powdery residue. This isn’t just unsightly; they also block openings for water! Be sure to clean these out regularly to prevent the build-ups from being excessive.
- Be careful with where you plant your plants.
Plant roots and water pipes don’t quite go together well. You may already have heard of plant roots piercing and destroying segments of pipelines.
You don’t want this to happen, so be mindful of where you plant. Keep trees away from where you know the pipes are located underground.
- Quick fixes need long term solutions.
Yes, you can do some quick fixes to patch up little problems. Know, however, that these temporary fixes are designed to be just that – temporary. This means that you can’t rely on them for too long. It still wouldn’t hurt to call a professional for plumbing repair to take a look.
Do You Have Plumbing Problems? Contact a Plumbing Contractor Today.
No matter how skilled or handy you are, there are some plumbing problems that only professionals can fix. If you’re unsure of what to do, you should call a plumbing contractor to help you. Those in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie will find Green Planet Plumbing to be among the best in the area.
We have skilled plumbers that can help diagnose and solve any commercial plumbing issues that you may have. Also, we follow government guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Learn more about us here, or contact us at 02 4911 9402. We would love to hear from you!
