Annual Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Your Commercial Space

When you’re managing a commercial property, even minor plumbing issues can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and business disruptions. One of the best ways to prevent expensive plumbing emergencies is through regular inspections. We recommend scheduling a comprehensive commercial plumbing inspection at least once a year, and using our checklist below to guide your maintenance plan.

But don’t go it alone—McMullen’s Refrigeration & Heating Ltd. offers professional commercial plumbing inspections in Red Deer and surrounding areas. Let our experienced team help you stay ahead of issues before they spiral out of control.

Check Water Pressure

Make sure that you check your water pressure and take note if it is higher than normal. When water pressure is too high, it can cause leaks in various plumbing components such as small fixtures, water heaters, angle stops, and toilets. It is a good idea to regularly inspect and ensure that water pressure does not exceed 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). Prolonged exposure to high water pressure can result in gradual damage to the plumbing system and major repairs down the road.

Inspect Visible Pipes

Do a thorough visual inspection of all visible pipes on your commercial property. Check them for any signs of damage, including rust, corrosion, and hairline cracks. Catching these minor signs of damage and addressing them will prevent them from becoming bigger issues, such as leaks or burst pipes.

Clean Drains

We recommend having the drains in your commercial building professionally cleaned at least once a year. Badly clogged drains can cause flooding and significant damage, so preventative maintenance to avoid this is essential. Having the drains professionally cleaned with specialized equipment gets rid of any debris and blockages that may be lingering inside your pipes and prevents future clogs from occurring.

Look for Leaks

Inspect your plumbing system, including pipes, boilers, and hot water tanks, for active leaks. Look for any signs of leaking, condensation, dripping and puddles, mold or mildew, running toilets, and water stains on walls, floors, and ceilings. Have leaks repaired as soon as you discover them – if you ignore them, they will only get worse and worse, eventually leading to major problems and the need for costly repairs.

A plumbing inspection is also a great time to schedule a furnace check-up. Commercial heating systems need regular maintenance to run efficiently and avoid costly breakdowns. We offer furnace repair, inspections, and tune-ups as part of our comprehensive HVAC and plumbing services.

Test Backflow Prevention Valves

Every commercial building is required to have one or more backflow prevention valves. These devices play an essential role in preventing cross-contamination by ensuring that wastewater doesn’t flow back into the building. To maintain their effectiveness, backflow devices must undergo annual testing. Facilities managers can conveniently schedule this testing as part of routine commercial plumbing maintenance or as a separate service provided by a certified professional specializing in commercial backflow tests. If a backflow device doesn’t pass inspection, you will be required to replace it.

In addition to plumbing maintenance, don’t forget about your heating system. Regular furnace repair and maintenance can help ensure that your heating system operates efficiently and effectively, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and prolonging the life of your equipment.

At McMullen’s, our plumbing professionals are certified to perform commercial backflow testing and repair backflow prevention valves to ensure your commercial plumbing system is up to code. Get in touch today for backflow testing, plumbing inspections, maintenance, and repairs for your commercial facility.