The plumbing is one of the most important structures in your building or business. Even so, you may need to take care of it on a budget. Learn about ways you can affordably manage your commercial plumbing expenses.
Install Water-Efficient Structures
Choose water-efficient plumbing fixtures for your property. These cost-saving additions can include low-flow toilets, sensor faucets and aerators. They help reduce water usage and can lower your commercial water expenses.
Train Your Staff to Report Plumbing Problems Quickly
Train your employees to look for and report plumbing issues promptly. These problems can range from overflowing toilets to leaky sinks and leaks under or around appliances. Your staff should also inform you quickly of unusual noises, such as banging or gurgling, that they hear coming from plumbing fixtures.
Test the Water Pressure Regularly
Test the water pressure at least once or twice a year. Use an outdoor spigot or utility sink for this test. First, turn off appliances that use water, such as the dishwasher, ice maker, washing machine and irrigation system.
Next, securely attach a pressure gauge to the spigot or faucet and open the faucet all the way. Commercial water pressure should ideally range from 50 to 80 psi. If it is too low or too high, contact an expert plumber to find and repair the underlying issue for low or excessive water pressure.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Remember to take care of your commercial plumbing during the fall and winter. Insulate exposed pipes to keep them warm and prevent them from freezing during cold weather.
You can use materials like foam-insulated tape and pipe sleeves that you can buy at the hardware store to wrap them. When the temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, put the faucets on a slow drip. This tip keeps water moving through them and prevents them from freezing and bursting.
Use Water-Monitoring Technology
Use water-monitoring technology for your commercial plumbing. This technology includes a water-monitoring system that fits up to two-inch pipes. It can connect to both Wi-Fi and data to provide you with live streaming usage analytics and leak detection.
You can also use smart water metering, which provides you with usage trends, billing-ready reports and alerts about leaks. It can attach to your property’s existing water meter, sparing you the costs of upgrading that infrastructure.
This meter sends you information about the property’s plumbing through NB-IoT or CAT_M1, both of which allow a strong signal. Smart meters can likewise integrate with other building management systems technologies like SCADA.
Schedule Routine Preventive Maintenance
Prevent costly problems with the plumbing by ensuring it undergoes routine maintenance. At least once a year, hire a licensed plumber to inspect and maintain it.
Issues like worn seals, small leaks and slow sink drains can become larger and pricier problems later. Regular upkeep resolves them effectively and promptly. Keep a log of your property’s preventive maintenance to help you remember the details of this service.
These strategies help you stay in control of your commercial plumbing costs. Contact E. Dennis AC Inc. in Newnan, GA for commercial plumbing services.
