Commercial Plumbing Maintenance Checklist: Be Proactive!

If you own a business property, regular plumbing inspections are a requirement as they help to prevent costly repairs and damage. But how do you know what should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure your building is safe for your employees, clients and customers? To help, the team at Mid Richmond Plumbers & Suppliers have put together this maintenance checklist to show you what a commercial plumber should be looking for during your next inspection.

One of the first things your plumber should do is check the water pressure, as this can be a big indicator of any issues with your system. If your plumbing system has a water pressure over 80psi, then your pipes are at risk of bursting, which could result in floods and leaks, leading to costly downtime for your business. Similarly, water pressure must not drop below 40psi, as certain features of your system will become unusable if this is the case.

If you have noticed damp, moisture and condensation on walls and furnishings within your property, ask your plumber to check for any active leaks in your system. Leaks can cause structural damage and decay, harbouring an unpleasant musky smell and discolouring your walls, ceilings and flooring. 

Corrosion is a sign that your pipes are wearing down, and too much of it can cause them to become inoperable. If you have spotted rust or limescale around pipes, taps and fixtures, it's important to let your plumber know. Limescale is a chalky substance that forms from calcium carbonate and is typically found in metal objects that contain hot water. If limescale is detected, your pipes will likely need replacing.

Shutoff valves are extremely important as they give you complete control over water flow. Essentially, they allow you to turn off your water in case of a leak, so they can save you a lot of money if there's a burst pipe or an overflowing sink. Your plumber should assess all valves for wear and tear and replace any that are no longer working efficiently.

Ideally, your backflow rate should be tested annually and you should have devices installed to prevent it. Backflow is when water and waste are pumped back into your property, which can cause serious health problems as well as a lot of damage. As this is a serious issue and can have severe consequences, you should also ensure that the plumber who is conducting the test is fully trained and qualified in this area of expertise.

Water pipes can easily become clogged, usually with natural matter such as hair, small organisms and waste. Root infiltration can also become an issue. If you've noticed slow drainage, especially in any sinks on your property, you should request a video camera inspection into the cause of this, and have your pipes completely cleaned out.

We hope that this checklist has helped you feel more prepared for your inspection, but we understand that you might require a professional commercial plumber to conduct it. We follow this checklist here at Mid Richmond, bringing the best plumbing service possible to our customers in Lismore and the Northern Rivers region. Get in touch today to arrange a visit to your commercial property.