Business owners and office managers have many responsibilities. Sometimes, unexpected problems could arise at the worst possible moment, creating complexities in the office. When trying to close a deal with a valuable customer, who wants to deal with a plumbing emergency? Just as you must stay on top of your plumbing systems condition in the home, you have to do the same in the office. A few simple steps could help prevent a plumbing problem and ensure the system works properly.
Engage in Preventive Maintenance
Inquire with a plumbing service about preventive maintenance inspections. Many will request a thorough inspection when booking an appointment for repairs. Ultimately, that means a problem has to manifest before the plumber checks other things in the system. This approach is preferable to not checking anything at all, but it might be better to have an annual inspection performed. This way, a skilled plumber can review the system and recommend any required work. At the very least, the plumber could inform a business owner when upgrades or repairs may be necessary.
Enlighten the Office Staff About Plumbing Rules
People in the office might be unfamiliar with standard ways to prevent plumbing problems from happening. For example, an office worker might throw food scraps into the toilet without realizing they are setting a course for a clog. Assuming that the employees know what proper plumbing care is could be a drastic oversight on management’s part. Sending out memos via email to inform employees not to pour grease down sink drains or through inappropriate items in the toilet may prevent a costly, avoidable mishap.
Don’t Overlook Seemingly Minor Problems
What might seem like a minor problem could be the start of something severely problematic. A slow-moving drain would typically indicate a partial clog. The problem will doubtfully go away unless someone clears the clog, and the risk exists that the problem will worsen. Performing DIY steps with a plunger might clear minor clogs, but calling a plumbing service might be necessary if simple actions don’t resolve the issue. Not taking the required steps to fix things may result in an overflowing sink.
This brings up an important side note: Ignoring problems can create liabilities. If a sink were to overflow, someone in the office could slip. Pouring chemical drain cleaning fluids into the sink could also be potentially dangerous. The fumes could create hazards, among other woes.
Fix Problems as Soon as They Occur
Contacting a plumbing company immediately at the first sign of a leak, corrosion, or other problem would be wise. Ignoring the problem or assuming it is not very serious might worsen things. Case in point, a leaky pipe could result in corrosion on the valves, necessitating more extensive repairs. While it is understandable that a business must keep its expenses under control to maximize profits, taking risks that lead to more significant costs and liabilities may not be the best decision.
If they are not spotted and repaired in a timely manner, plumbing mishaps can create problems in the office. Engaging in valuable steps to prevent or deal with issues quickly reflects good management decision-making.