Commercial property managers in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas of Southeast Michigan know that commercial plumbing systems get lots of use! Because of this, you can expect wear and damage of fittings, pipes, and fixtures over time, just as with any other type of equipment.
Our expert plumbing contractors frequently come across serious issues that regular maintenance could have prevented. Considering regular maintenance can help you avoid serious (and costly) plumbing problems and even system-wide breakdowns, why wouldn’t you schedule regular maintenance?
Keep Endurance in Mind When Building
The first step to a plumbing system that stands the test of time is equipping your building with the proper fixtures, pipes, fittings, and other materials.
New Construction: Winter months in Michigan can bring frigid temperatures, so make sure the plumbing system in a newly constructed building is designed to withstand super cold temperatures.
Remodels or renovations: If you are considering the purchase of an existing building built in the 70’s, 80’s, or even earlier, be sure to work with an engineer in determining whether the plumbing system’s components and materials are outdated or even corroded. Worn out or substandard materials often result in plumbing malfunctions.
Keep in mind that existing plumbing issues or substandard materials cannot be addressed by preventative maintenance.
Invest in Regular Maintenance
Instead of an expense, think of preventative maintenance as what it really is: an investment in keeping your plumbing system in good working order so you can avoid the hassle and expense of a serious problem or system-wide breakdown.
Our Ann Arbor Plumbing Contractors Inspect:
- Pipes
- Pipe fittings
- Drains
- Sinks
- Water heaters
- Faucets
- Septic systems
- Other plumbing components
Simple Maintenance Should be the Responsibility of Tenants
Commercial property owners who rent space to tenants should be aware that in some cases, the tenant is responsible for well-functioning plumbing. What should tenants do?
- Drip faucets when temperatures dip down to freezing levels to prevent frozen pipes
- Avoid putting harsh chemicals or solids down drains
- Immediately report a toilet that won’t flush, or make a repair
- Immediately alert property manager regarding substantial drops in water pressure or leaks
It is important to check the pressure gauge once the boiler is operating to ensure it is functioning per the pressure levels recommended by the manufacturer. When the pressure is lower than recommended, you can top it up – but do so with caution, as the pressure release valve can easily sustain damage. When this happens, you will need to call a professional for repair.
Sufficient space around your boilers is essential as well, so make certain that the area where the boiler is housed is clutter-free. Your boiler needs to breathe, so remove coats, shoes, bags, and other items. If housed in a box, be sure ventilation requirements are met according to manufacturer instructions and that there is an access panel to make your boiler easily accessible for maintenance.
Never Put Up with Leaking Faucets or Pipes
Not only do leaking faucets or pipes wastewater (in fact, approximately 900 million gallons in the U.S. each year), leaks also contribute to the growth of mold, wood rot, and other structural issues.
While not all leaks are noticeable if the water pressure drops you should have a plumbing contractor investigate the situation at once, as it could indicate a leak in the plumbing network. It is not always possible to prevent a leak, however, investing in a thorough plumbing inspection once or twice each year is the best way to manage your system and avoid leaks.
At Haley Mechanical we know preventative maintenance can help commercial property owners avoid the majority of plumbing issues. We invite business owners in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas to schedule an inspection with one of our expert plumbing technicians today so that you can avoid serious malfunctions or leaks as well as the associated costs!
