Whether it’s in a shopping center, restaurant, or small office, when it comes to overhead costs, commercial plumbing system repairs should be a priority. This is true for both private bathrooms reserved for employees and spaces open to the public. While scheduled maintenance helps, due to the high frequency of use, some issues always crop up. Here are some of the most common ones.

Typical Commercial Plumbing Issues

1. Clogged Pipes

Just like residential properties, commercial pipes are susceptible to major blockages. This is often caused by improper use, such as leaving paper towels in the sink or non-flushable items in the toilets. If you run a restaurant, consider precautions like mesh screens and drain traps to catch debris. You may also want to post signs reminding customers and employees that they should flush only human waste and toilet paper. 

2. Broken Components

With so much daily use, many internal parts wear down quickly. These are usually tiny pieces like washers, gaskets, nuts, or bolts that are affixed to the handles on the toilets and sinks. Cheap, low-quality fixtures may also be to blame.

3. Running Toilet

When the water never seems to stop running or it’s starting and stopping incessantly, the flapper or the fill valve may be leaky. Thankfully, replacing these components usually does the trick.

4. Low Water Pressure

For most businesses, low water pressure can cause major issues, especially those in the service industry. These are often caused by a broken pressure switch, leaks, and clogged or broken pipes.

5. Water Heater Problems

If the water isn’t hot enough or it’s scalding, the thermostat could be broken or the tank may need insulation. This needs to be fixed ASAP. For certain businesses, such as those in the food industry, the water temperature is subject to local and industry-specific regulations. This means fluctuations can be a legal violation.

If you own or manage a commercial property in Wisconsin’s Green Bay Metropolitan area or the Fox Valley area and encounter any of these issues, call Reader Plumbing & Septic at (920) 788-2527. They’ve served the region for more than 40 years, so you can trust they’ll be quick to diagnose and solve whatever commercial plumbing repairs you may have. Having an issue with your plumbing at home? They also offer residential plumbing services! Learn more about how they can help on their website.