A Proactive Approach to Plumbing Problems
1/13/2022 (Permalink)
Plumbing problems cause a lot of expense for property owners throughout New Bern, NC. In addition to resulting water damage, those problems often shut down businesses for professional cleanup and restoration. Some of the most common issues faced by businesses include:
- Leaks and clogs along the pipe system
- Worn toilet and water heater components
- Sewer blockages
- Burst pipes
The good news is that a proactive approach can prevent situations such as a broken pipe or a clogged water main.
Avoid Plumbing Problems With Proactive Maintenance
Routine maintenance and inspections are some of the best steps in preventing plumbing problems. This begins with finding a reliable, qualified plumber. Check out online reviews and get recommendations from peers in your community. Schedule regular appointments with the plumber, so this professional is familiar with your system before a major broken pipe or other emergencies.
Automate Your Bathrooms
Inappropriate items flushed down the toilet are huge problem-causers in plumbing systems. It can be difficult to monitor what the public carries into the bathroom, but you can cut down on waste and clogged toilets by replacing paper towels with automatic hand dryers. Automated toilets and toilet paper dispensers can also reduce the risk of clogs. You might even consider installing bidet attachments.
Exercise Water Valves
Many property owners don't know where their main water valves are located, let alone how to find and exercise all the valves throughout the property.
However, simply closing and opening the valves once a year is a great way to increase the life expectancy of the valves. If you increase this exercise rate to two, three, or four times a year, you can be sure they will be operational during an emergency. Ask your plumber how to locate all the valves and complete the exercises. Also ask for recommendations about how often is appropriate for your business.
Flush the Water Heater
This is a vital part of yearly maintenance. You may have some experience with this task for your personal appliance, but commercial water heaters should be handled by professionals. The amount of sediment, specifically lime and calcium, that accumulates in the tank can cause a lot of trouble. As professionals handle this task, they often recognize warning signs of further trouble, such as cloudy water, rusted components, and worn anode rods. Additionally, it takes time to flush the sediment out of the take and many businesses just can't devote that much time away from their other responsibilities.
Complete Maintenance for Each Season
Seasonal maintenance is another huge aspect of preventative maintenance. Before the temperature drops, detach hoses from the building and all exterior water pipes are drained. Add insulation to exterior faucets and pipes that are next to the walls of the building. Frozen pipes are a big cause of pipe leaks during the winter and spring months. Reach out to local professionals to learn more about the tasks you can do during each season to keep your plumbing system in good repair.
Most plumbing problems can be avoided with regular maintenance and professional inspections. This proactive approach tends to be much less expensive than major repairs and reconstruction that follow water damage.