Less Traffic Means Plumbing Problems for Restaurants

In the last few months, we’ve been called out to local restaurants in Denver and Littleton that have needed plumbing help after years without any plumbing trouble at all. We’ve addressed plumbing problems ranging from clogs in the main drain to flooding in and around drains to grease buildup in pipes. Why the sudden increase in plumbing trouble at these restaurants? Less foot traffic and fewer diners is likely the cause. Keep reading to learn more about how fewer foot traffic in restaurants means more problems with their plumbing.

Many associate increased plumbing problems with more usage, but less plumbing usage can also cause your pipes to have trouble. Fewer toilet flushes, less frequent hand washes, and fewer dishwasher runs means less water pushing debri down the main pipelines. Toilet paper, food and grease need water to lubricate and help them successfully flow through pipes and the regular people traffic flowing through restaurants before Covid-19 government mandates meant more plumbing usage and more water flowing down pipes. As a side note, we’ve seen similar trends in residential Denver plumbing systems due to lack of visitors and company. Especially in guest suites and basements as the plumbing is seeing very little usage in those parts of the house. Some of the tips below are also applicable to for residential plumbing in Denver and surrounding cities.

While the number of customers who are dining inside restaurants has reduced dramatically in the greater Denver metro area, local restaurants are still making food for delivery and takeout. Meaning chefs and cooks are still producing grease and disposing of food without the usual need for dishwashing and restroom visits by patrons. The average commercial dishwasher rinses at 180 degrees fahrenheit. That very hot water, plus soaps and suds help dissolve grease and aid in cleaning pipes to prevent drain clogs. 

Grease buildup in Denver restaurant

This intentional hole in the pipe should be clear but you can see grease buildup.

So what do restaurants do to keep plumbing backups and grease build-up in pipes at bay? The first thing restaurant owners can do is encourage staff to run water, flush toilets and use dishwashing machines more frequently when they are working throughout the day. This will help prevent backups as the water pressure helps push things through the pipe and lubricate other solids that are running through the plumbing. 

Hiring a plumber to water jet your lines is another tactic that can help prevent grease buildup and clogs that can cause flooding and backups in your restaurant. Water jetting is the process of pushing pressurized water down your pipes to clear out debri, solids and grease.

Restaurant Jetting

Water jetting in a Denver restaurant to clear grease buildup. 

Another tactic we use is cleaning your sewer lines with our mainline sewer drain cleaning machine. This helps free up debri and prep the lines before jetting with high pressure. If you need a Denver plumber or plumber near you, we are happy to help with jetting your lines and cleaning your drains. Give Drain Terrier a call at 720-999-6120.

 

Trusted Plumbing Services

Are you having trouble finding a good plumber? Have you ever wondered why some plumbers charge $100 or even $200 per hour? If you’ve answered yes to either question, then read on.

Plumbing problems can be very annoying. They can cause water damage, drain backups, and even lead to serious structural issues within your home. The cost of hiring a professional plumber can range from $50 to $300 or more depending on the problem and experience level of the plumber.

While you don't want to skimp on quality, you also don't want your plumbing bill to skyrocket because you didn't choose wisely. Drain Terrier provides plumbing and drain cleaning services at an affordable cost, from Littleton to all of the Greater Denver Metro area, from Highlands Ranch to Boulder. You can trust the experts at Drain Terrier to get the job done right!

Open 24/7. Call now for quick and affordable plumbing service and drain cleaning (720) 999-6120.

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