For many business owners, giving the plumbing on their properties any sort of attention only happens when water is streaming out of a burst pipe or blocked drain. This “don’t fiddle with it if it isn’t broken” attitude may end up costing a significant amount of money down the road.
It’s essential to keep in mind that commercial plumbing services should include regular preventive plumbing maintenance. A few simple checks done regularly by professionals will go a long way to avoiding unnecessary downtime.
What is Preventative Plumbing Maintenance?
Essentially, preventative plumbing maintenance refers to the various measures plumbers put in place to test your plumbing system. Many plumbing audits involve yearly or quarterly checks to identify any potential problems. For the most part, this involves checking for potential leaks, faulty TMV valves, heating systems and faulty fixtures.
Advantages of Regular Plumbing Tests
Aside from avoiding extensive costs, several more advantages highlight just how important preventative maintenance is.
- Risk prevention: Some plumbing emergencies are considerably more serious than a few leaking taps or a blocked toilet. A damaged heating system or faulty gas lines can result in severe damage to your property. It also poses a risk to human life.
- Cost reduction: Having regular plumbing checks will ensure that your company doesn’t waste unnecessary costs on repairs that could have been avoided. Repairing a faulty valve or pipe is considerably cheaper than having to replace an entire system.
- Access to expert advice: Plumbing involves more than knowing how to change the valves on a leaky tap. Plumbers are experts in their field and will be able to conduct proper repairs that are both safe and compliant. They will also advise you on any changes in commercial plumbing legislation.
- Provides a flexible timetable: Having a problem identified in advance will give you more control over when you can have it repaired. You will be able to avoid having to close your business because of an emergency or at least reduce potential downtime.
- Less risk of damaged equipment: Having water gushing throughout your property can cause extensive damage to equipment, appliances and IT hardware. Repairing your plumbing at the slightest sign of an issue can prevent this from happening.
Services Included in Preventative Plumbing Maintenance
Under Australian regulation, several types of preventative plumbing maintenance audits need to be done annually. The most significant of these are listed below.
Potential Gas Leaks
Commercial kitchens that make use of the gas line for food preparation will understand how dangerous a potential gas leak can be. Not only can it lead to carbon monoxide poisoning but it could also lead to an explosion. Maintenance includes checking the lines and components that run to and from the gas line and appliances.
Sewerage and Stormwater Repair
Since no business owner wants sewage flowing through or around the property or business. That said, sewerage and stormwater drains should be regularly checked for blockages and leaks. Plumbers will also advise you of instances where certain pipes are more at risk of getting blocked because of the contents that are being flushed down them.
Fire Service Repairs and Replacement
Commercial plumbing services include regular fire service surveys. This involves analysing any fire equipment that may need to be upgraded, repaired or replaced. Your commercial plumber will also recommend new equipment that could make your premises safer. They are also aware of any changes in legislation that you need to be aware of.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve Testing and Installation
Every commercial building is required by Australian law to be compliant with the regulations surrounding thermostatic valve installation and testing. The thermostatic mixing valve on your water system ensures that the water coming out of the tap is regulated so it’s not hotter than the prescribed temperature.
This will minimise the risk of employees or visitors getting accidentally scalded or suffering extensive burns. Older systems will require their valves to be replaced to avoid becoming worn or damaged. An expert plumber Brunswick residents rely on will be able to distinguish whether your system needs a repair or replacement.
Backflow Testing and Prevention
Another crucial plumbing preventative test is the one that checks your backflow preventative device. A faulty backflow device may result in water flowing backwards into your water pipes. When this happens, anyone using the water is at risk of being exposed to contaminated water.
Using dirty or contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera and diphtheria. Keep in mind that anyone getting ill as a result of contaminated water originating from your property can initiate a liability lawsuit against your business. Additionally, the damage to your reputation will be irreversible.
Final Thought
Preventative plumbing maintenance is essential to keep everyone working there or visiting the property safe. Furthermore, it will avoid unnecessary costs and fines for damages and failure to comply with local legislation. Get peace of mind now, so you don’t have regrets later on.