Plumbing problems in commercial buildings can cause serious issues and lead to pricey damages. To avoid the inconvenience and expense of a plumbing disaster, commercial property owners can remain informed about common plumbing issues and what to do about them. Plus, regular servicing from your Denver plumbing experts can help reduce the risk of damage to your plumbing system. 

Common Commercial Plumbing Problems

The Problem: Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks can go unnoticed for a long time, until significant damage has already been done. This makes leaks one of the most damaging plumbing issues for commercial properties. From rotting wood to mold to damaged paint and flooding, a plumbing leak can cause serious, costly damage to your property. Plus, mold and rot can put your employees’ and customers’ health in danger, potentially making your business liable if they get sick. 

How To Fix It

Plumbing leaks are commonly caused by extreme temperature changes, pipe corrosion, and damage to the pipe seals. To avoid a burst pipe from temperature fluctuations, it’s wise to have your pipes insulated. But, as far as corrosion and damaged pipe seals go, regular plumbing maintenance is your best defense against leakage. Skilled plumbers like members of the team at Drain Terrier can maintain your pipes over the years to ensure that any damage or warning signs are resolved before serious damage occurs. 

Knowing the warning signs of a plumbing leak in your commercial property can also help you avoid irreversible damage. Leakage from pipes behind a wall can lead to crumbling plaster, bulging walls, and water stains. If plumbing located underground is damaged and starts to leak, the flooring will likely feel spongy and weak. Plus, the soil will always be wet, even when it’s dry outside. Other warning signs that you’re dealing with a commercial plumbing leak include higher-than-usual water bills, mold growth, and musty odors. 

The Problem: Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets can be a serious inconvenience in your commercial building. In addition to the unpleasant odors and mess of a clogged toilet, this type of drain clog can significantly damage your commercial property. While many instances of clogged toilets are minor and can be taken care of without the help of a professional, others will require a plumber to prevent enduring damage. 

How To Fix It

Regulating what’s flushed down the toilets in your commercial building is one of the most important preventative measures for clogged toilets. Only toilet paper and waste should be flushed down the toilet: no feminine products, flushable wipes, or any other items. Putting up signs to remind people of what not to flush can help enforce this in your building. 

If a toilet clog can be handled without the help of a Denver plumber, try out these tips:

• Start with a plunger. You may need to move the plunger up and down several times before the clog is broken up. The plunger will apply pressure to the clog to loosen it with repetitive hits. 
• Try a drain snake. Also called a drain auger, this plumbing tool is a long metal tool that can cut through a drain clog. This can break up and remove the clog. You can purchase drain augers for non-professional use in commercial buildings, and they can be as long as 50 feet. For drain clogs that aren’t broken up with a plunger, a drain auger is your next best bet. 

The Problem: No Hot Water

Most commercial buildings require hot water for day-to-day operations. So, if there are issues with the water heater, your business may have to pay a significant price in lost time and money. Commercial hot water systems are much more complex than hot water systems for homes. Plus, they’re regulated by board regulations and licensing guidelines. This can make professional assistance particularly helpful for this plumbing issue. 

How To Fix It

If no hot water is flowing to the faucets in your commercial buildings, there are several potential issues at fault, including:

• A corroded hot water tank
• Accumulated sediment in the hot water tank
• A failed electric healing element
• A tripped reset switch on the heating element
• Leakage of the temperature and pressure relief valve

For help with all of your commercial plumbing needs, reach out to Drain Terrier today.