FAQ

In a commercial setting, a lot more solid waste will make its way into your plumbing, so a clog will likely form at some point. Also among some of the more common culprits are tree roots. What happens is they continuously grow and eventually wedge their way into your sewer line or water main. Your garbage disposal can also cause a clog to form in your plumbing. Some of the organic waste material that you discard will adhere to the inside of the pipes, creating buildup. Some examples include grease, melted fat, eggshells, and chicken bones.

Even if your hidden leak is relatively small, it can still create a lot of water damage. And if you wait too long to resolve the issue, then it can have devastating effects on your business. Once you identify a leak, you should repair it as quickly as you can to prevent further damage. The more common indicators of a hidden leak include an increase in your water bills, damp sections of grass in your yard, the sound of running water inside your walls, outbreaks of mold or mildew, and splotchy areas in your ceiling or walls.

If it’s a major leak, then you should immediately shut off your water main so that you can mitigate the damage. The shut-off valve is typically located in the basement of your business near the front foundation wall. The valve is also usually within 3-5 feet from where the water main enters. Once you stop the water, you should call a professional to repair the leak. You should also take pictures of the damage for insurance purposes.

An unpleasant smell usually indicates that your plumbing is backed up. What you are likely smelling is sewage or wastewater that has failed to drain properly. This can be worrisome because sewer gases pose a health risk. They typically contain toxins which can compromise your immune system you breathe a lot of it in. Sewage vapors inside your business can also cause you to experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Unusual smells are something you should not ignore because water systems are complex and it can be difficult to diagnose the issue.

Water damage is something that you always want to avoid because it can lead to costly and unaffordable repair services. If you are a business owner, then you need to take care of the plumbing issues you encounter early on. Clogs, obstructions, buildup, and insufficient draining are a couple of things that you will need to repair immediately. You should also keep an eye out for puddles that form inside and around your building. Standing water is the number one cause of structural damage and outbreaks of mold or mildew. Low water pressure and high utility bills are also critical indicators of a leak. If you hear the sound of running water, even if none of your plumbing fixtures are in use, then this could be a sign of a bigger problem.

The benefits of regular checkups and maintenance are numerous. You will greatly reduce the likelihood of a clog or major obstruction. If you run a business, then there’s a good chance that solid waste will wind up in your plumbing, so the best thing you can do is have someone regularly remove any buildup no matter how minor it is. Early leak detection is also critical in protecting your plumbing system. Most professional plumbers possess digital monitoring equipment that can pinpoint the exact location of the leak. This will give them enough information moving forward when performing repairs. Regular maintenance will greatly increase the lifespan of your system and it’ll allow you to avoid having to replace it entirely.

Minor plumbing issues don’t necessarily require any assistance, but we strongly recommend that you hire a professional. If you lack the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix whatever is wrong with your plumbing, then you could end up doing more harm than good. For example, a pipe burst is something you shouldn’t fix by yourself; even plumbers of intermediate experience will struggle with this. Hiring a licensed commercial plumber goes a long way in mitigating the damage and resolving any plumbing issues you are experiencing.

Hydro-jetting is a cleaning method where all the gunk and buildup in your pipes are removed via pressurized water. It’s a non-invasive alternative to flushing out your plumbing system (hydro-jetting is a lot safer than most other methods, including drain snakes and plungers). Before the hydro-jetting process takes place, your plumber will need to inspect your system to determine where the buildup is occurring. Next, they will need to find an ideal spot to pump in the water. The hose will discharge water at 5,000 psi which will easily force out any of the accumulated waste materials inside your plumbing.

Any major plumbing upgrade that you perform will take time and cost money, so you should consider the pros and cons before making any decisions. That being said, the plumbing in most older buildings are not up to code. Outdated commercial plumbing systems are more liable to undergo damage and other structural problems. Also, the pipes in these older buildings are often located in hard-to-reach areas. If you are frequently experiencing major breakdowns in your plumbing, then it might be time to upgrade.

Commercial plumbing systems handle a lot more demand than a normal residential system. That means they require more maintenance and care. However, if your system is extremely outdated, then it might be time to replace it. In many instances, leaks and clogs are minor symptoms of a larger problem. Discolored and murky water is also a major cause for concern and may require you to update your system. During an inspection, if it’s revealed that your pipes are rusty, corroded, and decayed, then this can also indicate that you’ll need to replace everything.