Commercial Plumbing Blog

If you suspect a leak somewhere in your business, it’s important you can trust that your plumber is certain about where it’s located. Obvious leaks may be easy to detect, but some leaks are hidden in hard to reach areas or in places you may least expect. This is why Action Plumbing uses specialized electronic leak detection technology to ensure your leak is located and repaired as quickly as possible.

Electronic leak detection devices are able to locate leaks in even the most difficult to reach places, including:

• under concrete slabs and asphalt
• behind walls
• inside construction
• under landscaping and irrigation

The frustration of hard to find leaks is compounded by the fact that any leak has a direct impact on your water bill. And many business owners typically realize they have a leak when they discover a drastic or unexpected increase in their monthly bill.

Luckily there are other signals that you may have a leak, and knowing what to look for can give you a head start before you call a plumber. Some common signs of leaks to watch for include:

• The sound of running water when you don’t have anything turned on
• Hot water coming from a cold tap
• Your water heater is running continuously
• Unexplained water puddles

If you do suspect a leak, turn off your building’s water supply and call Action Plumbing right away. Your water supply shut-off valve is typically located outside in a covered hole from which water may need to be removed before the electronic leak detection can be performed.

Your experienced technician will then perform a number of activities which can include disconnect pipes from the hot water heater or pressurizing with nitrogen before performing the electronic leak detection. Best of all, the process of electronic leak detection will find your leak on the first try 90% of the time.

If you suspect you have a leak, stop before you begin ripping out drywall and give the experts at Action Plumbing a call. Our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When your plumbing is malfunctioning, it’s going to affect your business negatively. Choosing the right commercial plumber is essential to keep your business running smoothly. In today’s post, we will discuss a few ways you can select the best plumber for your business.

Choose Plumbers with Commercial Experience

While you can attempt to hire a residential plumber to service your business, it can be a huge mistake to do so. Unless the residential plumber has proven experience servicing commercial businesses, the plumber will likely make beginner mistakes that will set your plumbing back. Commercial entities must adhere to specific building codes to avoid fines and other penalties and hiring a plumber who is unfamiliar to these standards can be extremely risky.

Choose Plumbers That Are Fast and Reliable

In the event of an emergency, you need immediate service to handle whatever problem you’re facing. Time is a crucial asset in business, and if you’re plumbing is down for a significant period, it can spawn an array of different problems. You need a commercial plumbing company that can respond at any time of day and can quickly arrive to the scene so that you can remedy the problem as quickly as possible.

Choose Plumbers That Can Handle Installations and Repairs

Some plumbing companies don’t have the versatility to handle both installation and repairs. For your business, it’s best to work with companies that have a wide range of experience providing different services. When you have a plumbing issue, you want to be sure that your plumber can take care of it, and that you won’t need to call another company to fix the issue.

Choose Plumbers That Are Insured and Bonded

If a plumber makes a vital mistake, you want to be protected. If your plumber is not insured and certified, you are leaving your business vulnerable, and you can lose money if there is a problem. Certified plumbers are more experienced, more reliable, and can be trusted to handle large scale commercial jobs and projects. Imagine starting a new construction project while using an untrustworthy plumbing company to handle the plumbing line installations—it can create a longstanding disaster that can be costly to fix.

Choose the Best Commercial Plumber with a Proven Track Record

Commercial plumbing systems have more lines, pipes, appliances, drains than normal residential systems, and it’s crucial that you hire a plumbing company that can handle it. When looking at potential plumbing companies to hire, don’t just choose the first one that meets your eye; choose companies based on their track record in your community. You can find this by searching for honest online reviews of the business, asking around, and talking to the company to gauge its experience in the industry.

To find out more about Action Plumbing’s expert commercial plumbing services and how we can help you avoid costly issues, contact us today!

As a business owner, you have a full plate, and even a simple plumbing issue be a thorn in your side. When the plumbing fails, the business can experience downtime. With downtime comes lost revenue caused by unforeseen commercial plumbing problems. And not only is there lost revenue—the business will need to pay hefty repair costs to get the issue fixed. The best remedy is prevention, and in today’s post, we’re going to highlight the most common plumbing problems and how you can prevent them.

Leaks

Leaks can be sneaky. Leaks from pipes and other fixtures can often go unnoticed, spawning unwanted mold that can be difficult to remove. Rot and mold are health hazards and can leave your business liable if employees or customers become ill. The best way to prevent long term water damage is to schedule regular maintenance checkups with a professional plumbing company that knows what to look for. An experienced plumber can offer in-depth pipe leak testing and sewer leak detection services.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can be a recurrent problem for businesses—especially restaurants that frequently use kitchen sinks. A clogged drain can lead to damaged pipes, which can be costly to fix and replace. To avoid the clogged drain issue, follow these tips:
Avoid putting certain types of foods in the garbage disposal. Foods that are difficult to break down (e.g. banana peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, etc.) can lead to clogged drains.
Don’t dispose of grease in the sink. If grease is poured into a drain, it is likely to congeal, which can block the pathways in the drainage system. It’s best to put the grease in a container and dispose of it in an actual garbage can.
Clean drain stoppers on a regular basis. Stray hairs, soap residue, and small particles can accumulate and clog the drain. Make a habit of consistently checking to ensure that the drain is clean.

Hot Water Supply Failure

Commercial hot water supply systems are far more complicated than residential systems, and they must adhere to strict licensing guidelines and board regulations. When dealing with heat loss, it’s best to immediately call a commercial plumber to fix the issue. You may need to add insulation, replace a malfunctioning thermostat, or completely replace the water heating unit. A commercial plumber will be able to make recommendations on the best course of action. To prevent future water heater issues, it’s best to schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure that the system is in good health and to proactively make minor repairs.

Clogged Toilets and Other Commercial Plumbing Problems

A clogged toilet can create an uncomfortable work environment for your employees, and it can frustrate customers who visit your business. It’s quite easy for toilets to get clogged, but the best way to take care of the issue quickly is to have your employees check the restrooms on a consistent basis. Again, we recommend that you schedule regular maintenance checkups to ensure that your plumbing fixtures are in good health. A simple checkup can save you from spending a great deal of money in the long term because you will be able to address problems before they worsen.

To find out more about how to prevent common commercial plumbing problems or to schedule our expert preventative maintenance services, give us a contact Action Plumbing today!

It’s important that you check for water leaks on a regular basis for several reasons. Most importantly, finding a water leak early can prevent you from having more serious problems later on. Also, fixing even a small leak can help you save water and keep your water bill down.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to check for water leaks to make the process as easy as possible:

Outside Faucet Testing

While you’re making the most of your outdoor space, it’s a good time to occasionally check your faucets, especially if they aren’t used regularly. Turning them on and off to check for pressure and potential leaks can help you recognize any potential problems.

Testing Toilets

Testing your toilet for leaks is actually a lot easier than you may think. You can do this any time of day and get immediate results.

• Open the lid to the tank and put 1 teaspoon of food coloring inside.
• Wait approximately 15 minutes.
• Don’t flush the toilet while you wait!
• Take a peek inside the toilet bowl. If the water has food coloring in it, then you’ve definitely got a leak. If it’s clear … than you’re in the clear!

Uncovering Pipe Damage

It can be easy to forget about the pipes located in the dark recesses of your basement, but it’s important to check them periodically to make sure everything is running properly. Start by checking pipes located under your sinks then progressively dig deeper into your living areas and your basement using a flashlight to look for leaky areas.

Discovering Drainage Problems

If you notice soggy ground even on particularly hot and dry summer days, this could be an indication that you have a leaking pipe. In this case, we highly recommend getting the help of a professional.

If you have any questions on how to check for water leaks or have uncovered a leaky pipe, Action Plumbing is ready to help!