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Common Commercial Plumbing Issues and How to Resolve Them

Regardless of your business or industry, plumbing is of critical importance. Though like everything, occasionally things can go wrong, significantly impacting your operations, especially if you don’t know how to handle the issue.

In today’s blog, we’ll explore the most common challenges businesses have with their plumbing systems and fixtures, the causes and how you can resolve them to get back to normal operations sooner.

Most Common Commercial Plumbing Issues

Different businesses have different plumbing systems, so can naturally face different problems. However, in this blog, we’ll focus on the common plumbing issues that could happen to anyone.

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that you should let professional plumbers who specialise in commercial plumbing services handle most plumbing issues. This is because commercial properties often have highly complex plumbing systems that connect multiple buildings, rooms or fixtures to the main sewage system.

However, as we go through these common commercial plumbing issues we will provide you with tips that can help tide you over until the professional plumbers can get on premises. 

Water Leaks or Damage

Water leaks and damage are some of the most common plumbing issues that business owners can face. Water leaks can be caused by a few different factors, including damaged pipes, excessively high water pressure, corroded hot water systems, damaged gutters and roofing to name a few.

It’s generally easy to spot a water leak as you will often see wet spots, puddles or mould starting to grow. The first step in managing a water leak and minimising water damage is to locate the source of the leak.

You can shut off your main water supply to cut off the flow of water. You can also wrap some duct tape around the pipe – if you can access it – to stop the leak until the commercial plumbers can complete more permanent repairs.

If the water leak is coming from your roof, gutter or hot water system, you can attempt to plug the leak with duct tape or towels or place down a bucket to catch the drips.

Gas Leaks

Many commercial businesses rely on gas for cooking or heating. However, over time your gas appliances can wear out or malfunction, resulting in a hazardous gas leak.

If you have a gas leak you will often smell a rotten egg odour or experience symptoms of dizziness. If this happens, you must evacuate the whole premises immediately and then – once you are away from the gas – call the emergency services and an emergency plumber.

In the case of a gas leak, you must leave the repairs to the experts for the safety and wellbeing of all.

Blocked Drains

Due to the large amounts of water used in businesses, it’s common to experience blocked drains now and again. Blocked drains can be caused either by a build-up of non-degradable solids being flushed down the drain or by tree roots infiltrating the pipeline.

Blocked drains are one of the easiest plumbing issues to spot as your drains will simply not empty or will empty very slowly. You may also notice sewage smells as the blockage grows.

If you have multiple blocked drains it is best to leave any repairs to the experts as this is a sign of a significant plumbing problem. However, if it’s a single fixture you may be able to attempt using a plunger to free the blockage.

Overfull or Blocked Grease Traps

Busy dining establishments tend to flush a significant amount of grease, fats, oils and food scraps down the drain when cleaning dishes and cooking utensils. This can build up in your grease trap over time and cause it to overflow or block.

You will often know you have an issue with your grease trap if the sewage smell is seeping back up your drains or if it is physically overflowing or causing a backup. This is a clear sign that you need to have your trap pumped and cleaned out professionally.

You can also prevent this issue from occurring by scheduling regular grease trap servicing with your local commercial plumbing company. 

Leaky Taps

As commercial bathrooms and kitchens are used frequently it can cause the components inside taps to wear out or corrode. As the washers or O-rings wear it can break the water-tight seal, allowing water to constantly drip.

The best way to stop a stubborn leaky tap is to replace the washer or O-ring or replace the entire tap. While these are generally simple processes, if you know what you are doing, it is still best to contact a professional plumber to inspect the tap and complete the required repairs, as commercial taps can sometimes have complex connections.

Running Toilets

Similarly to taps, the components that create the water-tight seal can wear out from frequent use and cause them to run, leak or not flush properly. The most common component to wear out is the flapper valve.

Again, it’s a fairly simple fix as this valve just needs to be replaced. However, if there are multiple running toilets or you feel uncomfortable with the replacement process it’s best to leave it to the trained professionals. They can ensure a quick and effective replacement.

Malfunctioning Hot Water Systems

In businesses, it is essential to have consistent and safe hot water. If your water temperature is fluctuating or is too hot or cold there’s likely an issue with your hot water system or Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV).

To resolve this issue and restore your correct water temperature you can start by inspecting your water heater and TMVs for signs of damage, corrosion or loose connections. You should also shut off the power and water supplies to your water heater to prevent further issues.

Then, contact your local commercial plumbing service to check your TMV –which is required every 5 years– and hot water system and complete any required repairs.

Keep Your Business’s Plumbing Flowing Smoothly

Protect your business by contacting a reliable commercial plumbing company and completing these few simple tricks to manage these common commercial plumbing issues.

If your business is experiencing plumbing issues or if you want to get a comprehensive check to ensure everything is functioning as it should, contact our experienced team at Essendon Plumbing Services. We are all fully licensed and qualified to maintain and repair any commercial plumbing issues.

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What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency

Plumbing disasters can strike at any time of the day or night, causing stress and damage if not handled properly. So, do you and your household know what to do during a plumbing emergency?

If not, that’s okay, because today we’re going to go through everything you need to know! If in doubt, the best thing to do is call a 24/7 emergency plumber for advice, but it always pays to have a little prior knowledge.

Signs of a Plumbing Emergency

One good thing –if we had to find a silver lining–about plumbing issues is that they often have warning signs. This means that if you know what you’re looking for you should be able to catch the issue and get repairs before it turns into an after-hours disaster.

The most common signs of any plumbing issue are unusual noises such as hissing, dripping or clunking from your pipes and damp patches on your ceilings or walls. Additionally, strange or foul odours can also indicate an issue, gas leaks for example will generally have a rotten egg smell, while sewage odours could be from blocked drains.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly but as calmly as possible.

Immediate Action to Take

If you notice any of the warning signs (or when you notice a major issue), call in a 24-hour emergency plumber. Depending on the nature of the plumbing emergency, the steps will be different, but the one constant is that issues of this level are best left to those with experience.

Gas Leak

In the event of a gas leak, it’s important to get everyone, including pets, out of the house and onto the street as quickly as possible. Once everyone is at a safe distance from the property you can then call the emergency services (000), your gas company and/or your local emergency plumber.

It’s essential that you evacuate first and call second for gas leaks as electrical devices can create sparks and risk igniting the gas. We also don’t recommend trying any DIY fixes for this issue as it’s highly dangerous–leave it to the experts!

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes also necessitate quick action to minimise mess and water damage. Your first two steps –in any order– are to shut off your mains water supply to stop the flow and call an emergency plumber. Once the water is no longer flooding into your house and you know a plumber is on the way you can start to do some preliminary clean up.

Burst pipes often require significant repairs and inspection to fix, so it’s best to contact a plumber for advice and repairs while you focus on the clean-up and protecting your property.

Water can damage your belongings and property if left to sit for long periods. So, to minimise damage, lay down rags or towels to mop up the water and move any furniture out of the wet space, drying as you go where possible.

Blocked Drains or Sewage Backups

Blocked drains can lead to sewage backups if not treated properly and efficiently. While it can be tempting to continually pour chemical drain cleaners or bi-carb soda and vinegar down the sink or toilet and go to town with a plunger this is often either ineffective or can do more damage than good.

If your pipes are heavily blocked, the reactions from these chemicals or the momentum from the plunger can cause the sewage water to back up into your sink or toilet bowl and risk overflowing. If this happens, it can cause damage and create an unsafe environment. That’s when it’s a real plumbing emergency!

Instead, avoid flushing toilets or pouring anything down your sinks from the moment you notice an issue and call an emergency plumber. Then you can turn off your water to prevent further issues. For extra protection, you can plug the drains to prevent backups and lay towels or rags around the base of the toilet or in front of sinks.

Hot Water System Failures

Hot water systems are another plumbing fixture that can cause major issues. Not only can a malfunctioning hot water system leave you with cold showers, but if it is damaged and leaks it can cause significant water damage.

If you suddenly lose heat in the middle of a shower or while washing the dishes there’s likely an issue with your system that needs to be addressed. As water heaters are generally electric or gas, they can be dangerous to repair, so you will need to contact an emergency plumber ASAP.

While waiting for the experts to arrive, you can shut off the water and power to the heater to be safe and keep everyone away from the system.

Minimise Damage from Plumbing Emergencies

With a quick response and a reliable emergency plumber on speed dial, you will be able to manage any plumbing emergency with minimal stress and damage. Just remember the specialised tips for each individual issue, like not to use electronic devices if you suspect a gas leak, and you should be okay.

At Essendon Plumbing Services, our reliable and experienced emergency plumbers know the ins and outs for a wide range of plumbing issues so we can fix them quickly and effectively. And, we are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, yes, even Christmas and public holidays! So, you will always be in good hands with our team.

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Addressing the Frustrating Issues of Fluctuating Water Pressure

When washing dishes or taking a shower you expect stable water pressure, so when you don’t it can be highly frustrating. If you’ve ever had your tap or shower head switch from fast-flowing water to barely above a drip in an instant, you’ll understand what we’re talking about.

If you’re constantly adjusting your taps to get enough pressure, then it’s time to troubleshoot the problem properly. In today’s blog, we’ll go through everything you need to know about normal water pressure, the signs of an issue and what you can do to rectify them to restore stable water flow on your property.

Understanding Normal Water Pressure

While water pressure can vary between plumbing systems, properties and suburbs for several reasons, the national standard in Australia is 500 kPa (Kilopascals) or between 40 and 60 psi (pounds per square inch). Readings within these measurements are considered safe and ideal for residential water use.

If your water pressure is higher or lower than this, you likely have a serious issue with your plumbing that needs to be addressed ASAP. While some extra pressure may seem like a good thing, high water pressure can strain your plumbing fixtures and cause them to break. Conversely, low water pressure won’t do any damage to your plumbing system, however, it can be a major inconvenience as it can take longer to fill your sink, bathtub or washing machine.

Common Causes of Fluctuating Water Pressure

High demand periods

Fluctuating water pressure can have many causes, but often the most common explanation is that you’re using your water during a high-demand period. If the fluctuations tend to occur at a similar time each day, you’re likely in a peak usage period. The peak periods for water usage in Melbourne are early in the mornings before people go to work and early in the evenings when they get home.

Alternatively, if you notice fluctuations when other household members or appliances may be using the water then this is another likely cause.  For example, if you try to shower while the washing machine or dishwasher is filling or when someone else is using a second bathroom, you may notice subtle fluctuations.

Blockages or leaks in your pipes

Blockages or leaks in your plumbing system can also cause pressure issues. However, this will generally result in a lasting pressure drop rather than fluctuations. When your pipes first become blocked or spring a leak, it can cause a sudden pressure drop, but it will then often stay at this same pressure until you address the problem.

Depending on the size of the blockage or severity of the leak, the pressure change could be subtle or dramatic, so it’s important to stay aware of any changes no matter how minor they may seem. 

If you believe your pressure issues may be related to a burst pipe or significant blockage in your pipes, it’s essential that you call a professional plumber ASAP for expert repairs as these issues often cause damage far beyond a pressure drop.

Water supply issues

Your location can also impact your water pressure. Sometimes, isolated suburbs can experience water supply issues which can result in fluctuating water pressure. If you live further from a reservoir it can take longer for water to get to your property, resulting in pressure drops, especially during peak periods. 

Hills and valleys are also especially susceptible to higher water pressure issues as the water travels quickly downstream in the pipes. So, it’s important to consider your location when experiencing fluctuations.

You may also experience pressure issues if your supply line becomes damaged or water is cut off for any reason. In Melbourne, you can check the Yarra Valley Water website for faults or outages in your area. 

Troubleshooting and Solutions

As some water pressure issues can be completely normal while others can signify serious issues, you should take some time to troubleshoot and check your plumbing system before beginning to panic. We understand that sudden losses of pressure when you’re in the middle of a shower can be frustrating, but unfortunately, sometimes they’re a fact of life.

Start by checking your main water valve. This will generally be near your water metre and should be fully open for maximum water pressure. If it’s not fully open you can turn it anti-clockwise as far as it goes, this is one common fix for pressure issues. If it doesn’t work, however, move on to the next step.

Next, inspect your pipes and fixtures for damage, leaks or blockages. If you notice water pooling around or dripping from any of your pipes, your very next step should be to pick up your phone and call a plumber. This is the same if you find a blockage.

Professional Plumbing Solutions

Additionally, you can ensure your plumbing system is functioning properly by scheduling a professional plumbing maintenance check. Experienced plumbers, like our team at Essendon Plumbing Service, will be able to diagnose and repair any plumbing problems. 

They will also be knowledgeable of your area and be able to offer advice to improve your water pressure if it’s impacted by your location or peak periods, such as installing a water pressure booster. Pressure boosters are a cost-effective solution for improving water pressure in isolated areas or suburbs susceptible to low water pressure.

Enjoy Stable Water Flow on Your Property

Now that you know the most common causes of water pressure problems, you can start to rectify them or at least work around them. I know we said some fluctuations are a fact of life, and they are, but you can minimise them.

Call our expert plumbers in Essendon today for tailored solutions for your water pressure issues. While on site we’ll diagnose any issues and provide expert advice for your situation. Whether it’s completing pipe repairs, installing a water pressure booster or confirming that your plumbing system is in top shape, we can help. 

While the last option is the best outcome for your plumbing, it may mean that your best solution is to change up your routine to work around peak periods or your other household members.

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