Managing an office building involves many complexities, including tenant conflicts, compliance management, and security matters. Unexpected issues can arise that can make the day even more challenging. For example, a serious plumbing mishap may occur. A burst pipe or overflowing drain can lead to costly damage, and liability issues could also arise.
Sometimes, calling me can help you catch a problem early and implement a fix. Being on the lookout for common problems helps with the cause, as does knowing how to respond. Here is a look at five common plumbing problems and how to fix them.
1 – Drain Clogs
As noted, clogged drains can become a big problem in an office building. People can be unfamiliar with the typical reasons why a drain can clog. Too much paper in the toilets can lead to clogs in the system, and so can disposing of food waste and other inappropriate debris down sink drains. Someone who abuses the garbage disposal by putting things that the garbage disposal can’t handle will create problems. Dumping kitchen grease down drains is another bad idea.
The problem can be worse in an office building than in the average household because of the number of people in the building. Addressing such troubles often requires contacting a professional plumbing service with the necessary tools to clear out tough clogs.
2 – Plumbing Leaks
There is no such thing as a minor leak. Even a minor leak leads to water waste, which drives up monthly bills. The risk of water damage to floors and ceilings creates more potential costs. Fixing the problem without delay or upgrading the fixtures could be the best solution. Regular inspections may catch these problems before they worsen.
3 – Reduced Water Pressure
When you turn on a faucet, the water pressure might be below what you expect. Assuming that things are fine as long as the water comes out would be a serious misjudgment. A clog in the system could be the culprit, or there may be a leak. A faulty pressure regulator or corroded pipes might require replacement. So, there could be a serious plumbing problem that needs addressing.
4 – Low or No Hot Water
Water heaters only last so long before replacement becomes necessary. When a water heater fails, building occupants may not have access to hot water. A thorough inspection can determine whether the unit needs an upgrade or it can be fixed. If you must upgrade the water heater, you can switch to a more energy-efficient unit to help cut costs.
5 – Sewer Backups
Sewer backups could be the most troubling issue because of potential health hazards. If a sewer line backs up, you might have little time to deal with the problem before raw sewage comes from the toilet or drain. The issue might be so extensive that replacing the sewer line may be the only way to deal with things.
An annual plumbing inspection may reveal things you don’t know about. A plumber can recommend the necessary fixes, allowing you to fix things in the building before a plumbing mishap occurs.