We know Aussie business owners have a lot more on their minds than plumbing maintenance, but it should be at least in the back of your mind. We understand that when you’re trying to manage a busy business, property and plumbing maintenance can fall off the to-do list, but when that happens you’re leaving your business vulnerable to issues.
If you want to avoid the mess, expenses and downtime that can come from a neglected plumbing system, this blog’s for you. Keeping your commercial plumbing system flowing smoothly is easier than you may think, especially if you know a few tricks. So, kick back for a couple of minutes and discover how you can protect your business from plumbing disasters.
Tips for Maintaining Your Commercial Plumbing Systems
The good news is that maintaining your plumbing system doesn’t have to overtake your other responsibilities. Plumbing maintenance is just something you need to be aware of and add to your regular routine; it doesn’t have to be stressful or strenuous.
Here are a few things you can do to protect your commercial plumbing from issues:
Keep Drains Clean
With heavy daily use, drains can easily become dirty and even blocked. This is even more probable if you’re not cleaning your drains regularly. Cleaning your drains should be as much of your business routine as wiping down benches or cleaning equipment, especially if you are in the food industry.
To keep your drains clean and clog-free, simply get your cleaners or staff to pour down some boiling water and soap regularly to flush out the drain and move any minor blockages. Alternatively, if a clog appears to be starting, you can try pouring baking soda and vinegar down instead.
Educate Employees on Proper Plumbing Use
Along with keeping your drains clean, it’s important to implement preventative measures. This includes educating yourself, your staff and any regular visitors on what can and cannot be flushed down drains or toilets.
This can include hosting staff meetings or posting posters in bathrooms and kitchens that outline proper plumbing use. The most common causes of plumbing issues such as burst pipes or clogged drains are foreign objects or build-up of non-degradable solids.
It can also help to make sure bins are provided in all bathrooms and kitchens to promote proper disposal of waste such as sanitary products, tissues, food waste, hair and other objects.
Maintain Plumbing Regularly
Just like we’ve said you should be cleaning your drains regularly, you should also be inspecting and maintaining your plumbing systems regularly. Like any piece of equipment, plumbing fixtures can wear out with constant use or get damaged. When this happens, you need to react swiftly to complete the necessary repairs or cleaning to prevent further issues.
When inspecting your plumbing systems, look for signs of rust, corrosion, leaks and loose connections. All of these are signs that your plumbing system is in urgent need of repairs or maintenance.
It also pays to pay attention to any abnormalities in your plumbing or water, including pressure or temperature fluctuations, strange noises, slow drainage or increased water bills. These can signify that your plumbing system is having problems and needs maintenance before it gives out.
When this happens, you will need to contact your local commercial plumbing company for professional advice and expert repairs.
Upgrade Old Fixtures
Like many things in businesses and life in general, as they get used and become older, they can become less effective and more prone to damage. The same goes for your plumbing systems. For this reason, we recommend that you keep track of the age and wear of your plumbing systems and replace them when they get too old or worn out.
Older plumbing systems are often also less water efficient than newer models, leading to higher usage costs and potential water wastage. Many plumbing products and systems have a life expectancy of 10-20 years, however, may wear out quicker for businesses with high usage.
Staying aware of any of the signs listed above will give you a good indication of how well your plumbing systems are fairing and whether they need to be replaced yet. However, for more personalised advice, you can contact an experienced commercial plumber to inspect your plumbing system.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections
Professional plumbing inspections are the best way to gauge the health of your plumbing system and minimise the risk of damages or other issues. We recommend scheduling a professional inspection of your commercial plumbing systems at least yearly or six-monthly depending on your industry and usage to ensure proper function.
At Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage, our experienced commercial plumbers can complete comprehensive checks of your business’s plumbing systems, checking for wear and tear, aging and other damage. We then provide tailored advice and solutions to restore your plumbing and minimise the risk of costly and disruptive plumbing issues.
Protect Your Business from Commercial Plumbing Issues
Businesses require plumbing that works reliably and flows smoothly all year round. Without it, it can cause disruptions to your services which can be costly. By implementing the measures we’ve discussed today, you will be able to protect your business and plumbing systems from a wide range of issues, or at least minimise the risks. Don’t forget to give our friendly and professional commercial plumbing family at Mario’s a call to schedule an inspection, maintenance or repairs if your plumbing is showing signs of damage, aging or other issues. We aim to provide swift and flexible solutions to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly without disrupting your business operations.
