Whether you’re a commercial property landlord or a business owner renting a workspace, plumbing problems can soon become an issue for you. As a business owner, they can force you to close down for days costing you time, money and customers. As a landlord, they’re an added business expense which can also cost you a tenant if the issues persist.
Despite misconceptions, not all domestic and commercial plumbing issues are the same. Unlike household systems and appliances, commercial plumbing systems are in constant use and are more likely to suffer from certain plumbing issues than residential systems.
Whilst many of the problems you are likely to face in both types of plumbing are similar, the size and scale of the problems a commercial plumbing system may experience are very different and require specialist knowledge, tools and manpower to repair and maintain. In this blog, we’ll be covering the most common plumbing issues found in commercial properties.
Water Leaks
First up, let’s talk about one of the more obvious plumbing issues - water leaks. With commercial plumbing systems often consisting of hundreds of miles of pipework, leakages are very common for businesses.
Whether it’s a leak from a toilet, sink, pipe or tap, if left unattended, these can soon develop into more serious problems such as rot, mould and rising damp, and will be very expensive to fix if left untreated.
Damaged Pipes
Pipes are prone to cracking, splitting and bursting and the larger the property, the more piping your plumbing system needs. Not only this but the pipes themselves will deal with larger volumes of water than those in a residential property. Replacing or repairing pipework can be costly and complex so regular maintenance is key to prevent minor issues from developing into a more serious problem.
Water Temperature Problems
The size and complexity of large-scale plumbing systems means that commercial boilers and water heaters need to work much harder than regular boilers, so regulating water temperatures can be a common problem. This can become a problem, particularly if you need specific water temperatures for your day-to-day business operations.
Appointing an experienced commercial plumbing contractor to install and maintain commercial plumbing systems will mean they have the specialist tools and expertise to fit and service a system that’s right for your business.
Blockages
Whether it’s a sewage blockage or a blocked drain, your system is bound to run into a plumbing blockage at some point. One of the most common causes of blocked drains is the accumulation of debris such as foliage, soaps, toilet tissue, grease and food waste - all of which have the capacity to obstruct the flow of water.
Frozen Pipes
Although a seasonal issue, frozen and burst pipes are a common issue for businesses during the winter months. There are a few things you can do to prevent burst water pipes, including running your heating at a minimum temperature of 13 degrees celsius while the weather remains cold, insulating cold spots and providing regular maintenance.
Although these extra measures might come at an extra short-term cost, the temporary expenditure will be worth it in the long run when you avoid the frustration and expense of a burst water line.
Contact Us If You Need a Plumbing Contractor
Make sure you have a plumbing contractor to call in a plumbing emergency. Call Highland Services on 01656 720 330 to discuss your plumbing needs.
Get in touch with our team for expert advice and for help with your next project. You can also view our previous projects here.
.jpg)
.jpg)
