Whether you’re a commercial landlord, or a business renting out a workspace, plumbing issues can wreak havoc! As a landlord, it’s often your responsibility to pay for these problems, so persistent plumbing issues can be quite a hefty business expense. For tenants, faulty plumbing can make you close the business until it’s fixed – costing time and money.
There’s a common misconception that commercial plumbing issues are the same as domestic plumbing issues, but this is simply not the case. Commercial plumbing systems tend to be in constant use, and therefore their demand is much higher than domestic systems. While the source of the problem may be similar, the size and scale of the issue in a commercial plumbing system will be much larger, requiring specialist knowledge and a significant amount of downtime to replace.
In this article, we will look at some of the most common commercial plumbing issues, and how you can address them. So, let’s get into it!
Water leaks and damaged pipes
Probably one of the biggest commercial plumbing issues that you will encounter is water leaks and damaged pipes. With the sheer amount of pipework that is often found in commercial properties, there’s no wonder that leaks are common!
Leaks can come from a number of different locations, including toilets, sinks, taps and pipes that have been damaged. A leaking tap may seem like a relatively minor issue. However, over time even the smallest of leaks can cause huge problems, such as damp and mould growth, which could lead to huge repair bills – not to mention a sky rocketing water bill!
Pipes can be damaged by a number of different things, including blockages, corrosion and frozen pipes in the winter. Pipes in a commercial property typically have to deal with much larger volumes of water than pipes in a residential property, so regular maintenance is important to prevent more serious problems.
There are a few simple measures that you can take to prevent these plumbing issues:
- Check that all taps, valves and fixtures are secure and in good condition
- Replace any old fixtures with newer models
- Schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional
No heating and hot water
Another common, and very inconvenient, plumbing issue that may occur in your commercial building is the heating and hot water not working. There could be a number of different reasons behind your boiler stopping doing the thing it’s meant to do, including a pressure issue, frozen pipes, faulty valves or thermostat problems.
To keep on top of boiler issues and maintain a steady supply of hot water, ensure to:
- Regularly check your boiler pressure. Low boiler pressure could stop your boiler from working altogether. If you notice your boiler pressure is very low, open the filling loop taps on your boiler until the pressure has gone up to the optimum amount. Once it has reached the desired pressure, close both taps again.
- Check the water temperature regularly to ensure it meets health regulations.
- Make sure the water heater is the proper size for the facility.
- Get the boiler serviced regularly.
Blockages
Blocked drains are another regular plumbing issue in commercial buildings, especially if you have a kitchen within the facility. One of the most common causes of blocked drains is the buildup of debris such as toilet tissue, grease and food waste in your pipes.
It’s difficult to monitor every toilet flush and drain usage in the entire building, but there are a few things you can do to prevent clogged drains and blocked pipes:
- Educate employees and visitors on what can be flushed down a drain and what can’t.
- Install feminine hygiene bins in the toilets to make sure they get disposed of correctly, rather than flushed down the toilet.
- Install drain strainers to catch debris such as food and hair before they go down the drain.
- Schedule regular drain cleaning and maintenance by a licensed plumber to prevent potential clogs before they happen or catch them before they become major problems.
Odours from sewage
No one wants to work in an environment that smells bad, however odours from sewage are, unfortunately, more common than you think. And on top of the disgusting smell, wastewater and sewage contains bacteria that can cause diseases such as E. Coli and gastroenteritis, so it’s important to keep on top of it.
Sewage smells can be caused by a number of different commercial plumbing issues, such as cracked sewer pipes, broken septic tanks or inadequate ventilation.
If you do notice sewage smells, make sure to vacate the premises and call a qualified plumber immediately. For long-term prevention, follow these steps:
- Visually inspect your pipes for cracks or leaks.
- Ensure your septic tank (if you have one) is maintained and has adequate ventilation.
- Call a professional plumber to regularly inspect the sewage system.
How GreenSmart can help
At GreenSmart, we provide a comprehensive plumbing service tailored specifically for our commercial clients, ensuring your plumbing infrastructure operates seamlessly and minimising disruptions to your business. Our team is highly experienced in managing the plumbing needs of various commercial establishments, including office buildings, retail spaces, and restaurants.
We offer regular inspections and preventive maintenance programs designed to identify potential issues early and address them proactively. This approach reduces the risk of major plumbing problems and unexpected downtime.
In case of emergencies, our dedicated team is available 24/7 to offer immediate assistance, minimising disruptions to your business. We understand the importance of quick responses and efficient problem resolution, ensuring your business continues to run smoothly.
Contact us today to learn how our reliable and efficient commercial plumbing solutions can support your business.
