Common Plumbing Problems in Commercial Buildings

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

Plumbing problems in your commercial building can cause big issues. Due to heavy use, commercial bathrooms need special attention. The smallest leaks can cause not only an increase in your water bill but can cause future mold growth that will need remediation. Here are the most common issues a commercial bathroom can experience: 

1. Toilet Clogs

While most toilets in a commercial building are built for heavy use, they are still prone to clogs. Clogs in commercial buildings can be so much worse than those in a house. Most often residential toilets store water in their tanks. The water from the tank then pushes out the water and waste in the bowl when it is flushed and re-fills the bowl with clean water. Commercial toilets, on the other hand, receive water from a water supply line at a high level of pressure. If it clogs and floods the bathroom, this can force you to hire water damage restoration professionals. 

2. Leaks

Leaking pipes and faucets can be problematic for numerous reasons. While small leaks may not seem like a big deal, they can lead to a lot of wasted water over time, high increases in your utility bill, as well future mold issues if not dried correctly. If you notice a leak, be sure to have it fixed as soon as possible and call SERVPRO to inspect the area for additional water damage. 

3. Broken Toilet Handles

Excessive clogs are not the only thing that can be a problem with commercial toilets. They also are more likely to have a broken handle due to excessive use. Over time the toilet’s flush handle can become loose or break-off completely and allow water to continually flow into the tank or bowl between flushes.  

4. Sewage Blocks

Another thing that's worse than leaking pipes is a sewage block. Your main sewer line is responsible for draining all of the waste water that goes down the drains, so if it clogs it could quickly turn into a large problem. This can lead to foul smells throughout your business, water backups, and more. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness.  

SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita provides free inspections on commercial properties which can help identify the entire scope of water damage which is often larger than you can see. Additionally, we provided free Emergency Ready Plans or ERPs to businesses which can drastically reduce the size of a potential loss. Call us today at 316-260-9011 to get your ERP started before anything goes wrong on your property!