Plumbing is often one of the most overlooked systems both in high-rise buildings and residential apartment blocks, which is much different than repairing a leaking faucet or running a toilet bowl in your home.
Whether you manage schools, office buildings, or healthcare facilities, you may face many plumbing issues. Faulty plumbing systems can affect the property in many ways, from permeating the building with unpleasant odors aiding mold to develop in certain areas by creating moisture that impairs the structural integrity.
1) Faucets, sinks, pipes, and many other items leak over time. Unfortunately, some property managers neglect preventative maintenance, so in time repairs become vital. Assess damaged pipes and sinks and replace them with brand new ones.
From a business standpoint, it is cheaper to replace old pipes than completely renovate them in the aftermath of a water-related accident.
You can ask a professional plumber to inspect your water system. Also, consider installing the latest systems that can detect leaks in your property.
Note; The average age of most pipes in the US today is 50 years old. Therefore, intelligent plumbing habits are vital.
2) Water pressure is another aspect that you should pay attention to. Typically, in your average household, the water pressure should be under 80 psi, concerning bigger structures such as high-rises or other public buildings. Higher than eight stories require pumps that deliver the H20 into water tanks on the highest floor. This system is designed to ensure that water is distributed equally amongst all floors without sacrificing the water pressure.
On the other hand, high water pressure is one of the leading causes of water-related accidents in all buildings, especially in smart homes.
3) Submeter- When it comes to large buildings like high-rises, sub-metering is the most practical approach. This system allows landlords, condominium associations, or other entities that manage facilities to charge tenants for individual consumption.
4) Prevention- Preventative measures are the way to go. One way to prevent any plumbing issues is to ensure that everything is correctly installed. Loose pipes or improper installation of plumbing for traps for urinals are two of the most common causes of damage to the buildings. Regular maintenance is critical, similarly with toilets. If you are having several issues with broken toilets, it is much cheaper, in the long run, to just replace them rather than doing quick patch-up jobs.
5) Plumbing appliances-Each sink or toilet in any chosen building has a shut-off valve that allows the water supply to be cut off. Get familiar with the property, locate flaps, and learn how to turn off the water supply if toilets burst at night when there is no one else around.
6) Water system- Every building has shut-off valves that are strategically placed to provide easy access. Instructing and teaching your staff how to operate the water system will prevent accidents in the long term which can be costly. Also, as a property manager, identify the limits concerning plumbing repairs your staff can handle and hire outside experts to do the job that you’re not able to.
7) Chemicals- Do not fix water problems via a long-term solution that maintains the health of your pipes. Some property managers buy chemicals and pour down drains to clean them. These compounds might fix the problem but at a cost. Chemicals weaken drain pipes and sinks and eventually cause damage. Sewer lines and underground pipes often rot after this type of exposure.
8) Consult a professional plumber-If you have water problems reach out to the experts. Smartplumbers Inc. You’ll find our plumbers to be very competitively priced, professional, reliable, and honest and will indeed save your business thousands of dollars in repairs. Although training your staff to repair minor issues might be cheaper in the short term, outsourcing the job could prove to be more cost-effective in the long run.
9) Routine Maintenance Helps-Check your water lines regularly. In addition, keep an eye on the heater, wet walls, toilet, and drops from the sink. Please do not ignore any water issues, no matter how small they may seem.
10) Large food particles and oils block pipes-Make is sure to instruct staff, office workers, or tenants not to flush any grease into the kitchen sink. Grease and oils can thicken and harden. Instead, place these oils into cartons and dispose of them in the trash, likewise, with eggshells, potato peels, and other food wastes.
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