Commercial Plumbing Blog

How to Properly Clean a Sewer Ejection System for Your Business

May 14, 2021 By Action Plumbing

The sewage ejector pump in your business gathers all the waste from your plumbing fixtures. Maintaining this pump is essential for the overall health of your business’s plumbing system. But what if something goes wrong?

More often than not, you are going to want to contact a sewer ejector cleaning professional to get the job done right. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your sewer ejection system remains clean and running properly.

Follow these three simple tips can actually prolong the life of your system.

Cleaning Tips for a Commercial Sewer Ejection System

Use a Trash Can

Flushing things like feminine products or wipes don’t seem like a big deal, but it can actually cause a ton of problems on your plumbing – such as a backup. Once a backup happens, portions of your interior plumbing are often destroyed and need to be replaced. To avoid any temptation it might be best to keep a small waste bin near the toilets so your customers and employees have somewhere to throw their waste.

Improve the Health of Your System

You don’t have to be a professional to take some precautions and maintain your pump. By simply flushing lemon juice down your toilets, you can significantly improve the health of your plumbing system by breaking up any existing clogs and cleaning out your pump. It can also help with eliminating any odors that sit in the grinder between flushes.

Smell the Vents

With sewer ejector pumps there will be a local vent installed that connects to the pit located on the outside of your home. If you feel there might be an issue, start by blocking the vent. This will trap any odors in the pit.

If you find there is an odor, call your plumber right away. Even if you feel something might be off with your plumbing it’s best to have it inspected before it can become a real problem. A professional plumber can resolve most issues before they become a bigger issue. Whether you’re having plumbing issues with your drains, need to fix a pipe that bursts, finding the right commercial plumber is the key to getting the job done right.

When is it Time to Contact a Commercial Plumbing Professional?

When was the last time you had your business’ system looked over? It is something that can easily be forgotten until a disaster happens – like a backup. Having a plumber check on your system annually can prevent an emergency visit that is usually costly. If your plumber finds any issues, they can get down deep in your system and remove anything that you might not have been able to clean out by yourself.

Does your business need sewer ejector cleaning services? Call Action Plumbing. Our team of trusted professionals can handle all of your commercial plumbing needs.

How to Prevent Common Commercial Plumbing Problems

April 15, 2021 By Action Plumbing

As a business owner, you have a full plate, and even a simple plumbing issue can 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.

Drainage 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 down the drain. Foods that are difficult to break down (e.g. 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!

The Benefits of Plumbing Cameras

March 15, 2021 By Action Plumbing

Efficiency is key when it comes to ensuring your plumbing job is done right. With the many technological advances we’ve had over recent years, there’s no doubt that one of the most beneficial was the introduction of video cameras into the commercial plumber’s arsenal of professional tools.

Before plumbing cameras, it was impossible to see exactly what was happening inside your pipes without excavation. Not only is excavation extremely expensive, but it can damage the environment. This is why so many commercial plumbing problems go ignored or simply treated ineffectively, causing more damage and costly problems down the road.

Fortunately, there’s a better solution these days thanks to sewer camera inspections.

Why Are Plumbing Cameras So Effective?

Today, plumbing cameras give us the flexibility and maneuverability of a plumbing snake along with the major benefit of actually being able to see what’s going on inside your pipe. This makes locating problems like leaks and clogs easier than ever before.

Although cameras aren’t used for every job, in many instances they can help to keep down costs and eliminate the guesswork that typically came along with performing many similar jobs in the past. It’s the best way to diagnose and ensure that a problem has been solved by performing the proper repair job.

There are many instances when a plumbing camera is the right choice for your needs, some of which include:

When you’re unsure about the extent of damage you’re facing or what’s causing the problem in the first place.
When you’re doing a remodel and you don’t have the blueprints needed for a plumbing installation.
When you can’t find a leak using traditional methods.
When you’re experiencing a blockage in your business’ drains, such as grease buildup
When you’re buying a building and you want to be 100% certain that there is no plumbing issue.

Don’t forget that unknown issues are often the reason the small plumbing jobs turn into big plumbing jobs, and although a plumbing camera won’t scale down the amount of work to be completed, it will ensure that your plumber is accurately diagnosing any issues and performing the best repair work possible.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of sewer cameras or about how our commercial plumbing professionals utilize the most modern technologies available to get your job done right the first time, contact one of our representatives today.

Plumbing and Electronic Leak Detection You Can Trust

February 8, 2021 By Action Plumbing

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.

Can Rats Climb Toilets? What You Need To Know

October 8, 2019 By Action Plumbing

Having a wise, adorable, mentor rat as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had back in the day sounds good. However, rats don’t seem to understand us when we tell them to leave. Although some people enjoy rats as cute, cuddly pets, the majority of us are not so fond of them. In fact, there are many diseases rats can spread to you and even your pets. As you can see, it’s important to keep them out of your house every way you can. But, can rats climb toilets? The answer to this urban legend as old as toilets may surprise you.

Can Rats Climb Toilets? (SPOILER ALERT: YES)

Yes, they can. According to the video seen above from National Geographic, it’s actually pretty easy for them to do so. Rats have underrated swimming capabilities and can hold their breath for up to 3 minutes. That’s long enough for them to swim from the sewer line into and up through your toilet. Furthermore, fitting in through tight spaces isn’t a problem for them. Some small rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter.

How Often Does This Happen?

Animal control experts say it rarely happens and is more likely in larger cities with big sewer systems. The good news? You’re not likely to see a rat during a late-night or home movie bathroom break. According to animal control experts, they say only 1 of a 1000 calls for rodents has been entering the home through a toilet. So rest easy, but always look before you sit!

What To Do If You Find a Rat in The Toilet?

We suggest if you find a rat in the toilet, shut the lid of the toilet and put something heavy on top of it. The rat may be able to pop open the lid of the toilet seat if there isn’t any weight on top of it. Fortunately, there are many qualified pest control professionals in the area to call if this happens. Call them and they should be able to get rid of your pesky problem.

If you have any other commercial plumbing issues that need fixing, take action, and contact Action Plumbing. Our expert team of commercial plumbers is there to get the job done quickly for you.