4 Essential Commercial Plumbing Tips for Your Business this Winter

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Winter is coming! Are you prepared with proper maintenance plans for your commercial building? You have a lot to take care of on any commercial property, but certain maintenance responsibilities simply can’t take a back seat. Commercial plumbing tasks make up part of this list because, without it, you risk multiple problems and unnecessary expenses.

With colder months approaching, it’s even more important than usual to keep an eye on plumbing. One reason for this is the effect temperature changes can have on your plumbing infrastructure.

Here’s a handy checklist you can use each year. As a property owner or property manager, make sure you don’t have regrets about neglecting this part of your job and responsibility.

 

Do Some Necessary Cleaning

One of the most important tasks of commercial plumbing maintenance is keeping everything clean and clear of obstacles. This includes:

  • Pipes that may be clogged with grease and starch. Ensure that proper disposal methods are employed to avoid pipe blockages.
  • Gutters and down pipes that could be filled with summer’s leaves and other debris. You can clear the blockages yourself or call in some professional help. This task matters because you don’t want it to damage your roof or drainage system, limiting the flow of rainwater and possibly causing leaks, damage or excess moisture somewhere in the roof itself.

 

Prepare for the Cold

The reason why you especially need to clean pipes and gutters before winter arrives is because havoc ensues once the cold hits. In extreme conditions, the water may freeze inside a pipe and this would cause expansion. If the water is backed up somewhere in your gutter or plumbing system, there are more areas where this could happen, increasing the risk of damage to pipes.

In addition to cleaning, you can also insulate pipes. The less freezing there is the less chance of damage. You should also test valves and ensure they’re in prime condition. Since they’ll also come under more pressure than usual, you don’t want a faulty one creating problems this winter.

 

Check for Leaks

Due to the cold temperatures, your plumbing infrastructure will be under more pressure than in summer. This creates the possibility of a leak occurring and existing leaks getting worse. You can’t prevent leaks completely, but you can limit the amount of damage and wasted water. Frequent check and regular commercial plumbing maintenance can help you avoid water leaks occurring on your property.

 

Monitor Water Temperature

When it starts getting cold outside, keep a close eye on the temperature of the water coming out of your fixtures. If the water feels much hotter or much colder than usual, there could be a problem with your water heater or your thermostatic mixing valve. Water output temperatures need to be set by a plumbing professional so that the water coming out of the taps is safe for use. The last thing you need is an injury caused by scalding water and unregulated tap temperatures.

 

Final Words

For many of these tasks you’ll probably need assistance from a mechanical plumber. These experts, like the ones you’ll find at Banjo Nominees, understand the unique pressures on a plumbing system of a commercial property. Talk to us on 03 9397 1111 if you need more information on this topic. Leave it to the Banjo experts so you know you’re not putting your commercial property and assets at risk this year.