If you’re in the property business, or you’ve recently acquired your first commercial property, then you’ll know that, if managed correctly, it can be a very lucrative investment. This is of course, if you maintain the property according to the necessary Australian regulations.
It’s with this in mind that many business owners rely on the commercial plumbers Melbourne companies use to ensure that the basic service issues are taken care of. Plumbing issues that aren’t addressed timeously or correctly will not only result in expensive repairs, but also cause unnecessary downtime.
Common Plumbing Issues to Know About
Whether your commercial property is used to run a restaurant kitchen or a busy industrial factory, chances are the bathroom gets a considerable amount of use. This means that incorrect maintenance procedures can result in a wide variety of issues.
Blocked toilets, backflow issues, and even faulty thermal valves are more common than you may think and can result in extensive costs. We’ve compiled a list of the most common issues that a first-time commercial business owner should keep an eye out for.
1. Understanding Backflow
Backflow refers to the reversal of water in your plumbing pipes. This can happen when there’s a change in water pressure or a necessary valve has become worn. When water flows backward, it can easily become contaminated, which can result in water-borne illnesses.
To avoid this, Australian Law requires that backflow testing is done once every year after a new device is installed. Ensure that this is done by setting up a routine maintenance schedule with your commercial plumber.
This will ensure that there’s no water pooling in your pipes. They will also provide you with proof of the annual test and you’ll have peace of mind that your employees and customers are safe.
2. TMV Testing
When it comes to your water supply, it’s not just important to ensure that the backflow testing works correctly. You will also have your TMV testing process done at the same time. This refers to the temperature at which hot water comes out of the tap. Having a faulty thermostatic valve can cause the water from the boiler to get too hot and burn or scald anyone opening the tap.
As with your backflow test, the TMV needs to be tested annually. It’s always a good idea to have these two aspects tested before taking ownership of your new property. This is especially important if you’re going to be running a kitchen or have a restroom that will be used extensively by the public.
3. Water Leaks
No matter what you’re using your commercial property for, there’s always the risk of a water leak. The golden rule in repairing water leaks is to ensure that a problem is taken care of as soon as it’s detected. This will prevent extensive water damage and unplanned downtime.
Some of the more common reasons your plumbing may be leaking can include the following:
- Cracked pipes
- Leaking toilets
- Aged fixtures and pipes
- Faulty components or valves
- Incorrect fixtures and fittings installed for the volume of a commercial building (commercial fixtures should be stronger and more durable than those used in a residential space where toilets and taps are used less often)
Water leaks that are left to escalate can result in severe damage that extends to more than your pipes. Electrical equipment and furniture are also at risk of getting damaged. Furthermore, wet floors are also a tripping hazard for staff and customers which can result in a personal injury claim against your company.
4. Blocked Toilets
Unfortunately, if your restrooms are being used by customers, staff, and the general public, it’s almost a certainty that there will be blocked toilets at some point. Speak to your commercial plumber to ensure that you have the right types of plumbing for high volumes.
Encourage your staff to check the toilets daily for blockages or leaks and report these immediately. It’s also a good idea to add posters in the public bathrooms that highlight what items shouldn’t be flushed. This is an especially good idea if your restrooms are also used to change baby nappies.
Be sure to add separate bins in these areas for items such as nappies and wet wipes to be disposed of. You can also speak to your plumber about the right types of cleaning chemicals to use that will help to break items down and make it easier for them to wash away.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you’re going to be using your commercial building for, it’s always essential to enlist a commercial plumber to do the routine tests. Fortunately, an experienced commercial plumber will know what to check for and also know what type of documents you need to keep on file as proof of compliance. This ensures that your business is compliant with current regulations and also reduces the likelihood of downtime created by an emergency. To simplify the process, set up monthly and annual inspections in advance!
