In commercial buildings, plumbing systems are essential to maintaining daily operations, ensuring comfort and safety and preventing costly repairs. Like any complex system, regular maintenance is the key to longevity and efficiency. Proactive care not only helps prevent unexpected plumbing issues but also extends the lifespan of pipes, fixtures and appliances.
As experts in well-maintained plumbing systems, we’ve compiled a list of top preventative maintenance tips for commercial building owners and property managers. Follow these best practices to keep your system operating at optimal levels.
Inspect and Clean Drains Regularly
Blocked drains are a common cause of plumbing issues in commercial buildings. To prevent clogs, ensure that drains in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms are inspected and cleaned regularly. Encourage employees to avoid disposing of grease, food and other debris down the drain. Also, installing strainers or screens in drains can catch debris before it causes blockages.
When a blocked drain causes a plumbing issue, it’s crucial to resolve the problem as soon as possible. Despite this, it’s not always easy to quickly get a technician to your building. The best course of action is to have a maintenance partnership that provides emergency services and repairs, like MSC’s Preventative Guaranteed Maintenance Programs.
Check for Leaks and Drips
Leaking faucets, pipes and toilets can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year. Small leaks may not seem like a big issue, but if left unchecked, they can lead to mold, water damage and even structural problems.
The best way to address this issue is to prevent it altogether. Through our Preventative Guaranteed Maintenance Programs, we detect issues like this before they happen. Along with regular professional maintenance, a good practice is to always pay attention to your water bill – a sudden increase can signal a hidden leak.
Maintain Water Pressure
Low or high water pressure can indicate underlying plumbing problems. Low pressure may be caused by mineral build-up, clogs or leaks, while high pressure could stress pipes and cause them to burst over time.
Test water pressure regularly and adjust it as needed. If you notice any irregularities, call a professional like MSC to diagnose and address the issue.
Flush Water Heaters
Flush the tank regularly to remove sediment buildup and keep water heaters running efficiently. Over time, mineral deposits accumulate inside the tank, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to failures.
Flushing your water heater every six to 12 months can extend its lifespan and ensure a steady supply of hot water throughout the building.
Inspect Sewer Lines
Sewer line backups are one of the most costly plumbing issues that commercial buildings can face. To avoid this, have your sewer lines inspected on a routine basis.
Through our Preventative Guaranteed Maintenance Program, our plumbers can perform a camera inspection to detect cracks, blockages or tree root intrusion that could cause problems down the road. Early detection of these issues can help prevent major disruptions to your building’s plumbing system.
Maintain Backflow Prevention Devices
Backflow prevention devices are crucial for keeping contaminants out of your building’s water supply. These devices should be inspected regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. Regular testing and maintenance help protect your building from potential health hazards caused by water contamination.
Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
It’s essential to schedule annual professional inspections to catch issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. MSC’s certified plumbers can perform a thorough check of your plumbing system, identifying potential issues before they become expensive repairs.
Educate Employees and Occupants
Educating the building’s employees or occupants about proper plumbing practices is essential in preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your system. Simple actions like avoiding flushing non-degradable items, using drain guards and reporting issues immediately can go a long way in protecting your plumbing infrastructure.
Preventative maintenance is the key to maintaining the efficiency, safety and longevity of commercial plumbing systems. By staying on top of these simple, yet essential tasks, you can avoid costly repairs, downtime and potential damage to your property.
With a team of licensed plumbers, MSC offers expert plumbing services, including regular maintenance and emergency repairs. Schedule a consultation today to ensure your plumbing system is operating at its best.
Learn more about our plumbing preventative maintenance services and plumbing construction services today.
