A well-functioning plumbing system is important to your business. It ensures steady operation and efficient day-to-day performance. That is why you should schedule regular inspection and maintenance with your trusted plumbing contractor.
During the inspection, unnoticeable commercial plumbing problems will be detected. And then, plumbers can provide the necessary services to resolve these issues. With regular maintenance, you can make sure your plumbing system is working in top condition.
When you hire a plumbing professional to look at your system, make sure they have an inspection checklist. This will guarantee that critical components of your plumbing will be checked and assessed thoroughly. Here are what should be on the checklist:
Active Leaks
If left undetected, plumbing leaks lead to water wastage and exorbitant water bills—or worse, structural damage to your building. The plumber must check for signs of leaks that include the following:
- Dripping plumbing fixtures
- Low water pressure
- Moisture stains on walls and ceilings
- Accumulation of mold and mildew
- Water puddles or spots
Rust and Corrosion
Another problem that plumbers need to look out for is signs of rust and corrosion on pipes. Metal pipes—made of copper, galvanized steel, cast iron, and brass—will eventually corrode at the end of their lifespan. This can lead to water contamination, which can compromise people’s health, especially in hospitals and the food and beverage industry. Severe corrosion can also cause burst pipes and significant damage to your plumbing system.
Pipe inspection involves the following:
- Examining visible pipes for corrosion and rust
- Inspecting water fixtures (e.g., showers, faucets) for limescale
- Checking for water discoloration
Water Pressure
Extremely high water pressure can destroy piping and other plumbing fixtures, resulting in flooding in your building. Meanwhile, water pressure that is too low will not be efficient for your daily operations.
Plumbers will use a water pressure gauge to check the pressure in your building. Normally, it should range between 40 and 80 psi. Lower or higher than these values mean you need to have your pressure regulator repaired or replaced.
Water Heaters
You need your water heaters to be functioning in top condition to ensure a constant supply of hot water for your business. Without proper maintenance, water heaters can break down, put people’s health at risk, and cost you money for repair or replacement.
Water heaters need to be checked for the following:
- Obvious leaks and dripping from the unit
- Pools of water at the bottom of the tank
- Fluctuations in water temperature
- A buildup of scale and sediment in the unit
- Unusual noises coming from the system
- Water discoloration
Aside from these, the overflow and safety valve must be inspected if they are working properly. When issues are found, they must be fixed immediately to prolong the life of your water heater and prevent major problems.
Drain Lines
Regular drain inspection prevents leaks, floods, and other safety issues. On the other hand, damaged or blocked drainage systems can negatively affect your business through expensive repairs, business downtime, environmental penalties, and property loss.
The major causes of drain problems include sanitary wastes, liquid and food wastes, industrial products, and plant matter. These materials and substances can cling to the pipes and cause drain blockage, obstructing water flow.
During the inspection, all the drains in your building must be checked for clogs and blockage. This includes:
- Testing the drain lines for their flow rate
- Performing hydro-jetting or power rodding for clogged and slow drains
- Using camera inspection to check for problems such as pipe cracks, tree roots, and material buildup.
Safety and Shutoff Valves
Safety and shutoff valves control the water flow to different plumbing fixtures in your building. Toilets, water heaters, faucets, and sinks must have shutoff valves to protect your plumbing system.
You can use these valves to turn off the water supply in specific areas in case of emergencies. A plumbing professional must check the efficiency of these valves during the inspection. They need to make sure the valves are working properly or in need of replacement.
Water Backflow
Normally, water flows in one direction from the source into the taps. But sometimes, it runs back toward the opposite direction. That is what is called “backflow” water. It can be contaminated and is not safe for consumption.
According to the law, businesses are required to have a backflow test annually. It will inspect the backflow prevention mechanisms installed in your commercial plumbing system. Only a certified plumbing company can perform the examination.
Hire a Reputable Plumbing Contractor
To ensure proper maintenance and inspection, hire a reputable plumbing contractor. They have the trained plumbers equipped with the knowledge and tools to perform the maintenance procedures mentioned above. With regular plumbing inspection and preventative measures in place, you can ensure that your business will run smoothly and efficiently.
