3 Plumbing Emergencies and How to Prevent Them

Many emergencies are preventable, and that’s no different when it comes to plumbing. Commercial plumbing systems can easily go unnoticed until something goes wrong. That’s why it’s important for facilities managers to build a strong preventative maintenance plan for commercial plumbing systems. Here are three examples of plumbing emergencies and how they could have been prevented.

| LOSS OF PRESSURE

Even if the facility you manage isn’t serving a water-based business like a car wash or water treatment plant, it relies on a steady stream of water. From bathrooms to fire systems to irrigation, a reliable water supply is crucial. Pressure loss can have consequences ranging from a minor inconvenience to business shutdown depending on the severity. The good news is there are a few things you can do to get ahead of it.

If you use a licensed commercial plumber, it’s a good idea to discuss a preventative maintenance plan with them. They can set up a regular schedule to check for the usual suspects when it comes to loss of water pressure. During those visits, they will look for things like corroded or clogged pipes, faulty fixtures, or partially closed valves that can all contribute to a loss of pressure. Some problems can even be resolved during the same visit, giving you one less phone call and one less thing to worry about.

| MAJOR WATER LEAK

Every facilities manager dreads this phone call. It seems like it always happens in the middle of the night or on the weekend and it takes over your whole day every time. One or more of the water lines in your commercial facility has burst, creating a veritable flood that you could practically swim in. So what went wrong? And, more importantly, how could it have been prevented?

Major water leaks like these are rarely the result of a freak accident. In fact, they’re often the final act of a slowly building problem that goes ignored or unnoticed for too long. Things like damp spots, drips, low pressure, and corrosion are all signs that a bigger problem might be on the horizon. These things shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’ve already got a routine preventative maintenance schedule with your plumbing provider, make sure to put these on a punch list for them to check out.

| GAS LEAK

A gas leak needs to be dealt with immediately. It poses respiratory risks as well as a risk of explosion among other potential problems. Maintaining your gas lines in proper condition, then, should be at the top of the list for facilities managers. When it comes to maintenance, no one is better suited than a licensed commercial plumber. many of the early warning signs for gas leaks are similar to water leaks, and your plumbing provider will know how to identify and resolve them. As with the other items in this article, a preventative maintenance schedule can save you from major complications later down the road. Consult your commercial plumber to determine a reasonable assessment schedule that can help you catch problems early and save you thousands in repair costs.

AAA Facility Services is a C-36 licensed commercial plumber. Contact us today to find out how we can help prevent emergencies with regular scheduled maintenance.