Buying your first commercial property is a huge investment that could be quite profitable. This is especially when you keep the space as upgraded and maintained as possible. One of the top ways to do this is by partnering with a local plumbing expert to take care of installations, maintenance, as well as annual or seasonal compliance inspections.
The commercial plumbers Melbourne businesses rely on are not only highly skilled to deal with plumbing emergencies, but can also ensure that local installation and compliance regulations are met. Relying on the experts for this essential function also frees you up to focus on running your business.
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Understanding Why Commercial Plumbing Differs From Residential Plumbing
First-time commercial property owners will soon discover that industrial or commercial plumbing differs extensively from that found in a residential setting. Pipes, fixtures, fittings and plumbing systems differ from the ones found in retail properties.
Commercial plumbing typically involves any of the following services:
- Industrial plumbing installations & project management
- Routine preventative plumbing maintenance
- Emergency industrial plumbing services & repairs
- Hydraulic plumbing
- Industrial drainage solutions
- Backflow prevention
- Industrial and commercial gas fitting & repairs
- Water harvesting
- Drain clearing
- Installation, maintenance, and servicing of fire suppression systems
Many Plumbing Issues To Plan For
Not all commercial properties are the same. That means that the individual plumbing requirements will also differ. Specialised buildings such as factories or other industrial settings may have considerably more commercial plumbing requirements than the average office block. Our team of experts have compiled a list of the typical aspects your commercial plumber may inspect as part of their routine maintenance schedule.
1. Backflow Prevention
The term backflow prevention refers to the testing of water pressure in your commercial space. When there’s a change of water pressure, usually caused by a faulty valve, contaminated water can flow back into your drains and sinks. If this issue isn’t identified and dealt with correctly, the contaminated water can cause waterborne contamination or the spread of harmful bacterial pathogens.
Preventing this is the number one reason why Australian law requires backflow testing to be done annually. The plumber doing the testing needs to complete a report to certify that all prevention components are in place.
2. Gas Fitting, Repairs, & Maintenance
Many commercial properties that house food-producing kitchens often make use of gas because of its affordability and ease of access. Using gas puts your business and those around you at risk of gas leaks. Since gas leaks aren’t always easy to detect, staff and customers could be exposed to a considerable amount of gas before the issue is detected.
Exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal to people and animals. Anyone suspecting a gas leak, no matter how minor, should contact the local commercial plumber immediately. The plumber will not only repair the damaged or leaking gas fittings, but they’ll also provide you with the necessary preventative measures to avoid the issue from recurring.
3. Blocked Drainage
Severely blocked drains aren’t just common in residential spaces. In fact, commercial kitchens are notorious for having blocked drains. This is usually a result of grease, oil and food debris in sinks and dishwasher lines.
Educating your staff about the correct way to dispose of food scraps and oil, and grease is the first step to preventing blocked drains. Your commercial plumber will also check the drains regularly, as well as during maintenance audits, will ensure the blockages are cleared up before they cause severe damage to the plumbing.
4. Fire Suppression Systems
No matter what type of business you have running out of your commercial property, the required fire suppression systems should always be in place. This can include fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, fire doors, sprinklers, and fire hydrants.
Having these systems in place will ensure that lives and buildings are protected as much as possible in an emergency. Many of these systems are designed to contain fire and smoke, allowing evacuation to take place with as little risk to human life as possible. These systems require annual inspection and maintenance. The good news is that your local commercial plumber will be able to advise you of the necessary systems for your premises and will also be able to maintain and repair these systems.
5. Water Leaks
Any building, irrespective of the amount of traffic that passes through it, is susceptible to water leaks. Several reasons are responsible for leaks in your commercial building:
- Aged plumbing pipes or fixtures
- Cracked pipes
- Leaking toilets
- Incorrect fittings or fixtures added for the volume of a commercial building
- Blocked pipes causing sinks to overflow
Final Thoughts
Commercial plumbing will require routine maintenance to ensure that all necessary systems are functioning properly. This also ensures compliance and safety since preventative maintenance will also include having your fire suppression systems checked. Schedule a maintenance plan with your local commercial plumber sooner rather than later to give yourself peace of mind that the risk of a plumbing emergency has been minimised!
