Commercial plumbing systems are often neglected until the costly problems arise. While it may not seem like a major part of a commercial building, it goes without saying that it is essential to any business structure. Compared to its counterpart in residential areas, commercial plumbing is deemed more critical because it is put under lots of pressure every single day and, therefore, is more prone to issues.

Commercial Plumbing System: Most Common Problems and Their Fixes

Maintenance is the key to keeping any part of a commercial building in good shape. Thus, understanding the most common plumbing system issues in commercial buildings is necessary, so you can spot minor problems before they escalate into expensive ones.

Here are some of the common plumbing issues encountered in commercial establishments and what you should do when you see them.

1. Clogged Drains

Compared to residential areas, commercial plumbing systems are put under more pressure every day. One reason is that homeowners take care of their own equipment better and are more wary of what they dump into the pipes.

That said, almost every business encounters a clogged drain. As owner or manager, it is important to take precautionary measures, like posting signages that serve as reminders for people to use it properly. Some establishments are more direct and make a list of what not to dump into the toilet or sink, while others post a cleaning schedule for staff to monitor every 30 minutes or so.

2. Problems with Hot Water Supply

While hot water in showers of hotels is often seen as a luxury, it isn’t the same with other establishments like restaurants and hospitals. In these places, hot water is considered a necessity and is even required to acquire certain permits to operate such businesses.

The high demand for hot water often causes problems with its supply. Proper maintenance and constant monitoring of the hot water supply should be able to take care of the problem. If not, seek help from a professional plumber and orient the staff on the do’s and don’ts.

3. Leaks

Leaks in the toilet, faucet, and other parts of the plumbing system are very common in commercial buildings because of the number of people that use them. Although it is expected, some building owners have a difficult time spotting it, which sometimes causes the issue to escalate into more serious problems. As a building owner or property supervisor, it is important to know the signs of water leaks in every aspect of the plumbing system so you can address the problem before it gets worse.

4. Running Toilets

Running toilets cause a heap of trouble for businessmen as it consumes more water than necessary. One clear sign is the increased water bills. But before that even happens, a constant flow of water even though the toilet isn’t flushed should let you know that you have a running toilet problem.

Jiggling some of the parts of the toilet can often fix the problem, but it is best to contact your local plumber to solve the issue without incurring more damage.

5. Sewer Smells

Unpleasant smells from your sewer line are a sign that there may be blockages somewhere in the sewage system. Experts recommend calling the plumbing company right away because this matter is an indicator that the drain needs to be cleared of waste buildup. Address this urgently to avoid bigger (and stinkier) problems to the business itself, especially in restaurants.

6. Low Water Pressure

Water pressure is important to know whether a commercial plumbing system is working well or not. If the pressure is lower than normal, it might mean that there are broken pipes or leaks somewhere. When this happens, have your local plumber come right away.