Regular commercial plumbing maintenance should be a top priority for property owners and managers, as plumbing-related problems are both inconvenient and expensive to address. To prevent major plumbing issues from emerging, non-essential tasks should typically be completed at least annually to minimize risk. JBK Plumbers has years of experience keeping commercial plumbing systems functioning optimally, which prompted us to put together this comprehensive checklist for building owners and managers. Our commercial plumbing maintenance checklist draws on the expertise of our plumbers to keep your plumbing running smoothly. Let’s explore all the essential tasks required for regular plumbing maintenance!
Commercial or industrial plumbing maintenance refers to the practice of keeping a building’s plumbing system in good working order. Proper commercial or industrial plumbing maintenance includes many tasks and actions, including inspecting pipes and drains, testing water pressure levels, clearing out grease traps, and fixing any leaks or damage in the plumbing system. Although everyone understands that well-kept systems will perform better and last longer, many people don’t fully grasp why regular maintenance must occur for effective operation and longevity.
Businesses looking to reduce costs might find regular plumbing maintenance unnecessarily costly. However, regular inspections and repairs can extend the life of their plumbing system and head off any potential future issues. Without routine care taken on pipes, they can corrode and break down, leading to expensive repairs or replacement costs in addition to the potential shutdown of an entire office building or factory floor if one pipe breaks. So preventive maintenance can save businesses from potentially disastrous situations that might otherwise arise.
Safety issues also play a part in commercial plumbing maintenance. Poor drain cleaners or air vents could create emissions that endanger employees and customers alike, so it is crucial for all businesses to regularly check and maintain their plumbing systems to ensure they work optimally and safely.
Overall, commercial plumbing maintenance is essential to running an effective business. Businesses should spend money on regular inspections and repairs of their systems to make sure that everything runs as intended. Now that we understand how important maintaining commercial plumbing systems is, let’s create a professional checklist to help us stay on track with these important services.
A comprehensive maintenance checklist for commercial plumbing systems is crucial in order to keep them operating well and safely. A professional checklist should include all steps required to keep pipes, drains, and fixtures clean, safe, and working correctly. Remembering to clear out drains regularly, check for clogs, look for leaks and corrosion, flush lines regularly with fresh water, test pressure regulators regularly, and replace pipes and fittings when necessary are essential elements of success in maintaining a functional and safe system.
Clean drains regularly to reduce grease buildup that could eventually cause blockages over time, using either an auger or hydro-jetting machine to check for clogs, moisture meters, or video cameras to detect any leaks and corrosion as necessary, and flush lines regularly to flush away dirt that builds up. Testing pressure regulators ensure proper water pressure throughout the system, and replacing worn-down or corroded pipes and fittings when they become worn reduces health risks due to leaky pipes.
All these steps are necessary for keeping commercial plumbing systems operating efficiently, safely, and smoothly. Maintaining these systems will not only save you money on costly repairs but will also give you peace of mind that your business’s plumbing is functioning according to rules set by groups like the International Code Council. Consistent, professional maintenance of your business’s plumbing can ensure it will operate effectively for years without major issues due to neglect. Let’s now talk about inspecting and replacing pipes and fittings as part of a commercial plumbing maintenance routine.
As well a visual inspection, pipes, and fittings must also be assessed for wear and damage, in addition to a visual examination, replacing any necessary pieces when necessary. Water mains and service lines need to be regularly examined for signs of corrosion caused by pressure, temperature fluctuations, hard water, and other sources; any signs of pipe failure must be resolved promptly in order to avoid a potential catastrophe.
When it comes to replacing pipes for commercial plumbing applications, opinions vary between those who consider copper the ideal material and those who favor plastic alternatives such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Copper requires more professional skills for installation. However, when done right, it can withstand higher pressure without requiring maintenance costs. PVC, on the other hand, requires less training for installation yet has a longer lifespan of 25–50 years and lower material costs.
Though both arguments provide valid points of view, there is no single correct answer regarding which material is best for any particular application. Instead, skilled plumbers who understand your job’s specific requirements, such as cost considerations, the expected lifespan of materials chosen, maintenance needs that arise with your system in question, and future repair needs must make decisions when selecting materials for commercial plumbing systems. Furthermore, environmental regulations must also be considered when making choices between materials. Keeping this all in mind gives businesses confidence that when selecting materials for their commercial plumbing system, they are making well-informed choices.
As we discussed in detail earlier, it’s essential that commercial plumbing maintenance includes checking for and replacing worn or broken pipes and fittings as soon as they become visible. Now it is also essential to perform maintenance by cleaning and disinfecting pipes and tanks regularly for optimal plumbing operation.
Once inspections and replacements are completed, it is imperative to clean and disinfect both pipes and tanks thoroughly. This has become ever more significant over the past decade as bacterial contamination of water sources remains a primary health risk. People should pay particular attention to observing hygiene rules that safeguard them against Legionella bacteria that could thrive within many plumbing systems if left untreated.
Good practices involve regularly cleaning aquariums, pipes, and valves with detergents or disinfectants to avoid mineral deposits accumulating. Solutions such as white vinegar and baking soda may work effectively as cleaning agents—plus some elbow grease!
Flushing pipes regularly will help ensure no corrosion builds up inside them and poses any threat of contamination, as well as help prevent blockages from forming over time. Plumbers should create and use a checklist for this process of flushing their interior pipes regularly.
Finally, tank conditions must also be carefully observed. Sludge accumulation at the bottom should be regularly examined, as this could lead to bacteria growth, which poses serious threats. Sediments and sludge need to be cleaned regularly so as to minimize their presence as hazards in your tank environment.
Once these essential maintenance steps have been accomplished, the next step should be checking small business filters regularly. Air filter replacement can save on energy costs while prolonging system lifespan; sediment filters prevent sediment build-up in appliances that could result in clogs; and selecting an ideal water filter will give your business years of fresh, clean drinking water.
Filters are often overlooked when it comes to maintaining the plumbing systems of small businesses. Filters play an essential role in keeping systems safe and efficient by trapping small particles such as sand, dust, and dirt from getting trapped in pipes, causing blockages or restricting water flow issues. This buildup of contaminants may result in clogs, and high or low-pressure issues, which must be resolved quickly before any issues arise that require corrective action.
Polluted pipes not only pose significant health hazards, but they are also breeding grounds for harmful viruses and bacteria such as E. coli and coliforms that can put lives at risk. Filters checked regularly can help mitigate this risk; any delays could cost businesses more money in repairs and replacement costs later. By catching debris early on, businesses will save themselves a great deal on repair or replacement expenses in the future.
Small business owners should take great care in selecting and installing filters that best meet their individual plumbing needs, then create a regular maintenance schedule to ensure they remain functional. DIY maintenance may be possible in cases where filters are accessible and easy to change; otherwise, professional inspection services like JBK Plumbers offer comprehensive small commercial plumbing maintenance packages. To keep their plumbing working effectively for as long as possible, business owners must go beyond routine cleaning and sanitation and move on to repairs or clog clearance as soon as necessary.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) advises inspecting plumbing systems twice annually to detect issues, such as clogged drains, slow-flushing toilets, or leaky pipes.
As per the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, proper maintenance is vital in order to avoid expensive repairs and waterborne illnesses.
Studies conducted between 2020-2024 discovered that one-quarter of commercial buildings reported issues with their plumbing systems due to an inadequate maintenance program.
Proper commercial plumbing maintenance involves both making repairs and clearing away clogs as needed. Not only should you identify and clear away clogs, but it is equally essential to fix pipes and fixtures when they become necessary due to flooding or containment issues. Without adequate maintenance of pipes and fixtures, your business could face costly flooding issues and water containment issues, which could cost your business dearly if left neglected. There are various strategies you can employ in order to keep the plumbing system operating efficiently without risk and reduce or prevent serious issues from arising, such as flooding and water containment problems. These measures could save your business from potentially costly flooding damage.
Step one in preventing major plumbing repair problems is identifying any clogs or blockages in your system, using both visual inspections and more advanced methods like drain surveying cameras. By detecting any early indications of potential blockages, plumbing professionals may be able to clear them before they become bigger issues.
After finding and fixing any existing clogs, it is also essential to make timely repairs to pipes and fixtures as necessary. Over time, pipes can become corroded or compromised, leading to leakage or total failure if left untreated. Checking regularly for signs of age-related wear and tear will help avoid costly repairs or water damage that might not have been foreseen before. Furthermore, only licensed plumbers should replace a pipe if that becomes necessary in order to resolve an issue.
Anytime there is a malfunction at a site, any necessary repairs must be handled swiftly. As most states impose stringent licensing requirements for plumbers, all repair contractors must possess all relevant certifications and insurance coverage so as to be legally allowed to conduct commercial site work.
Fixing repairs promptly and clearing out clogs are two key aspects of keeping your business’s plumbing in good shape at all times. Through routine inspections and repairs as necessary, you can rest assured that any water damage to your commercial property won’t result in expensive repair bills due to poor plumbing maintenance practices.
Contact JBK Plumbers now at 801-874-7976 for comprehensive commercial plumbing maintenance services. Don’t wait for small issues with your system to become bigger issues; trust our highly qualified team to ensure top-quality maintenance on all commercial plumbing systems in place in your business. Get in touch now so we can set up an appointment and ensure it runs seamlessly!