Updated June 2024 by Joe Rantino
Neglecting your commercial plumbing maintenance can be a huge mistake for business owners – but it happens all too often. Scheduled maintenance might seem like an additional cost you’d rather avoid, but waiting until you really, REALLY need a plumber is a risk no business should take.
A well-maintained commercial plumbing system is crucial in creating a comfortable and safe environment for your staff and customers. Preventative maintenance can detect potential plumbing issues early, before they turn into big problems. It’s the best way to safeguard your business against plumbing emergencies – not to mention the inconvenience and loss of revenue that a disruption or temporary closure would cause.
The benefits of regular commercial plumbing services have become especially apparent over the last few years as plumbers Sydney wide have dealt with the fall-out of wild weather events.
The Role of Commercial Plumbing in Sydney Business Resilience
In recent years, an extraordinary amount of rain coupled with unexpected natural events has caused havoc to Sydney businesses. There is no doubt that the commercial plumbing services Sydney buildings were afforded prior played a huge role in how each building fared during the floods. Those commercial premises with well-maintained plumbing were better equipped to withstand extreme weather events and avoid major problems.
Tips For Improving Business Resilience
If you’re an operations manager for an industrial or commercial organisation, here are some key areas to improve building resilience.
- Property Maintenance: Not all commercial businesses own the building they occupy, but if your business does, as part of the Workplace Health and Safety plan, it’s essential to ensure property maintenance is kept up to date.
- Rectify Issues Promptly: Don’t ignore leaky taps or toilets that struggle to flush properly. Detect and repair small issues now to avoid big disasters in the future.
- Adequate Drainage: Stormwater drainage issues are not always straightforward. An experienced commercial plumber can investigate and design stormwater drainage to mitigate flash flooding risk.
- Roof Maintenance: A commercial plumber can check the integrity of your external roof, ensuring enough downpipes are installed and that stormwater drainage to your property is sufficient.
- Backflow Prevention: Business owners have a responsibility to ensure that the correct backflow prevention device is installed for the activity taking place at the property. If the water meter is larger than 25mm, backflow preventer testing must be carried out annually by a plumber with a fully accredited backflow prevention license.
- Reporting Problems: If you’re a tenant, your staff must report plumbing issues promptly so that the landlord can be notified and organise repairs.
Can Building Resilience Features Reduce Commercial Insurance Premiums?
It’s best to ask a broker or your insurer directly about whether improving resilience features to your commercial dwelling can impact your commercial insurance premiums.
It’s not advisable to reduce the sum the building is insured for as the cost of rebuilding properties has increased due to a combination of:
- Shortage of building supplies
- High demand for tradies
- Flood-damaged homes and properties requiring priority
Getting Back To Business After Flooding
When a commercial building is inundated with floodwaters, it can affect many plumbing fittings. Arrange for a trusted commercial plumber to inspect the plumbing system of your business premises to ensure there are no hidden problems and/or secondary damage from water and/or mould.
In situations where black water (floodwater with sewerage) has flooded the property, it’s recommended to replace all fittings and valves including:
- Pumps
- Thermostatic mixing valves
- Chilled and boiling water units
- Flush valves
- Reticulated hot water units
Tips for Keeping Your Commercial Plumbing System Running Smoothly
Schedule Annual Inspections
An annual inspection of your commercial plumbing system is the best way to identify potential problems. When it comes to plumbing, even a small issue can become a much larger one if it goes unnoticed or ignored, so catching issues early is key.
Preventative Maintenance
As the Dutch philosopher Desiderius wisely said, ‘Prevention is better than cure’ – and when it comes to plumbing, it’s likely to be a whole lot cheaper, too! Regular preventative measures such as pipe inspections, drain cleaning and water heater flushing can keep your system working efficiently and effectively.
Adopt Best Practices
Educate your staff about how to conserve water, minimise wear and tear on plumbing fixtures, and avoid clogged sinks. And it may seem obvious, but signs that prompt customers about what not to flush down the toilet could save you a big plumbing headache!
Long-Term Contract
Plumbing, like many modern conveniences, often gets taken for granted until something goes wrong. And if you’re a busy commercial landlord, it’s easy for maintenance to fall to the bottom of your to-do list. A set-and-forget plumbing maintenance contract will keep the toilets flushing and make your life a whole lot easier!
The Plumber Sydney Businesses Trust For Commercial Plumbing Maintenance
It’s important to protect your business with regular plumbing maintenance service, but it’s equally as important to choose the right plumber. Not all Sydney plumbing companies have the necessary knowledge and expertise to service industrial and commercial properties. You need a licensed plumber in Sydney with extensive experience working with commercial clients.
Since 2004, Gladesville Plumbing Services have worked with Sydney business and industry to provide cost-effective commercial plumbing solutions. Our skilled team uses state-of-the-art equipment to inspect, maintain, diagnose and repair commercial plumbing systems. Let us tailor a commercial plumbing maintenance plan to your business requirements.
