Is the plumbing system in your commercial building running smoothly? Make sure that you take time to do a thorough inspection once a year and use our checklist to guide you.
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.
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.
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.
