When you hire a technician to work on your commercial plumbing, creating a maintenance checklist can help them conduct a thorough sweep of your system. A guide sheet can point them to vital aspects of your pipes and fixtures and allow them to spot and diagnose issues such as active leaks or drain blockages.
A checklist helps you remember the plumbing issues you must address, whether you need simple pipe replacements for leaks or extensive hydro-jetting services for drain blockages. If you need help creating a task plan, here are some crucial points you should include in your plumbing inspection guide:
Backflow Prevention
It’s a requirement for some commercial plumbing systems to have backflow prevention devices. These installations ensure that the pipes from your main water supply only flow one way, preventing contamination. Annual or biannual testing of backflow preventers is recommended to ensure there are no problems with your water lines.
Water Leaks
Every technician should look for leaks during a round of preventative inspection. As a prevalent plumbing problem, leaks often start small and, when undetected, can become a significant issue down the line for your commercial space. For your checklist, keep note of some telltale signs of an active leak, such as puddles, water spots, excessive moisture, mildew, and mold.
Valves
As the component that controls and regulates your water lines and fixtures, valves serve a one-of-a-kind purpose in your plumbing network. Thus, your preventative maintenance checklist should include regular valve testing to ensure functional efficiency. Should your technician detect defective valves, have them replaced immediately to prevent blowouts.
High Water Pressure
The water pressure of your plumbing system requires a thorough check from your technician. When overlooked during a maintenance inspection, issues with your water pressure can lead to exploding pipes. Aside from costing you high repair fees, the plumbing problem can also lead to customer complaints and negative feedback.
Corrosion
Corrosion may start small, but compound buildups can silently cause considerable plumbing problems if not addressed immediately. Before the inspection, ask your technician to check for signs of rust, particularly on surfaces and metal fixtures, to eliminate them early and prevent them from spreading.
Clogged Drains
Dirt and debris buildup can cause a blockage in your drains, resulting in a slow flow rate. This matter presents issues for commercial establishments, as it can cause inconvenience both for you and your customers.
To prevent blockages, ask your plumbing technicians to unclog your drains with their hydro-jetting services. This method provides deep cleaning for your drain lines, breaking up sludge and waste buildup and flushing them out of your system.
Water Heaters
Preventative inspection for your commercial water heater will let your technician check if your unit is within the correct temperature range, gauge its performance, and spot signs of leaks. As part of your routine check, it’s advisable to have your maintenance team flush the system and replace the anode rod, preferably once every year.
Safety Protocols
While there are many aspects to preventative maintenance, safety is one thing you should never ignore when it comes to your field priorities. Complying with the proper safety guidelines can prevent harm and injuries on the field, which can help avoid legal liabilities or lawsuits.
Always observe the proper safety protocols for you and your technicians when conducting plumbing work on commercial properties. Your on-site checklist should include wearing the correct personal protective equipment, checking for water puddles, and clearing any potential hazards that can cause trips, slips, or falls.
Observe Routine Preventative Plumbing Maintenance
Your plumbing system should always run at optimal performance, especially when running a commercial building with a lot of foot traffic. Regular inspections by professional technicians, preferably every quarter, can save you from spending big on repair fees and halting your business due to extensive utility fixes.
If your technician informs you of drain blockage in your plumbing, ask to have it cleaned immediately to prevent long-term issues. One effective way to deal with the problem is through hydro-jetting services, which deliver a thorough cleaning that removes debris buildup. Talk to your specialist about the service to restore your drain function and keep your plumbing lines in excellent condition.
