Common Problems with your Commercial Plumbing System
Commercial properties, much like residential ones, can suffer from plumbing issues. Unfortunately, while it can be easy to spot a leaking faucet, many common problems are more difficult to diagnose. Here are just some of the common problems, which could be affecting your
commercial plumbing system.
Low Water Pressure
If water is coming out of the faucet slower than usual or has been reduced to a trickle, it is usually due to a drop in water pressure. Low water pressure is often the result of an issue with the city water supply, but this is not always the case. If the city hasn’t reported any water main issues, the drop in water pressure in your building could be the result of a leak somewhere in the system or corrosion build-up. Unfortunately, since many pipes are hidden away, a slow leak could be allowing water to drip away, causing damage to the structure of the building over time. If you do notice a drop in water pressure, it is vital that you schedule a professional pipe inspection to determine the underlying cause.
Erratic Water Temperature
Have you tenants complained that the water comes out of faucets either too cold or too hot? If so, this could be a sign that your water heater is in need of an adjustment. Although it may be tempting to try to adjust a water heater yourself, this can be dangerous. If the underlying issue is a leak, the heater could be at risk of exploding, which could cause catastrophic injury or damage. If your building has erratic water temperatures, it is important to have the water heater checked by an expert.
Slow Draining Water
In a commercial property, you may be unaware of just what your employees and staff are putting down the drains. Food waste, oil, chemicals and other liquids may appear to be suitable to be flushed down the drain, but they can cause significant problems. These materials are unable to pass completely through the pipes, which causes a backup and slow draining water. Although there are many DIY remedies such as caustic drain cleaner products, these are often ineffective and could cause further damage to the pipes. An accumulation of debris will not resolve itself and will only get worse over time, so when you notice that water is draining slowly, it is a good idea to have a plumbing professional remove any blockage.
Foul Smells
If you notice a sewer smell, it could be the result of sewer gas entering the property through blocked vents, foundation cracks or floor drains. These gasses may have a sulfuric or ammonia odor and could be toxic. Therefore, you need to be alert to any foul smells in your sewer system.
Many of these common issues are a result of normal wear and tear on your plumbing system. This means that the risk of issues can be minimized or eliminated with regularly scheduled maintenance.
Plumbing professionals could save you a great deal of money in potential repair costs and save you the stress and inconvenience of needing an emergency service call.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
