Autumn is the perfect season to start preparing the plumbing at your commercial property for winter. Between cold temperatures and increased usage, problems may occur that you didn’t anticipate. Getting everything ready ahead of winter much easier than dealing with resulting problems if they arise at a later date. Let’s review some of the top fall plumbing tips to keep the plumbing at your business running smoothly this winter.
1. Inspect and Insulate Exposed Pipes
Many problems can occur when your exposed water supply pipes aren’t properly insulated, and there are two that often become major issues during the winter. The first is water temperature fluctuations where hot water doesn’t stay that way for long. This can be particularly problematic at businesses like hotels where guests are counting on warm showers and won’t be thrilled getting hit with a stream of cold water.
However, the primary potential plumbing issue is pipes bursting after freezing. Water in exposed pipes freezes, causing pressure that can cause the pipes to burst and send water all over your commercial property. This is a major problem in any environment and even more so in businesses where people are staying overnight, such as a hospital, hotel, or nursing home. A commercial plumber can inspect the pipes and let you know the next steps to help better insulate your pipes to keep problems at bay.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Water must be able to flow uninterrupted through gutters and downspouts. When that can’t happen, for example, if there are leaf clogs, it could lead to water backing up right into your building or elsewhere on your property – places where you don’t want water going. To promote efficiency, clean out the gutters and downspouts every year after all the leaves drop off the trees before the end of autumn.
3. Check for Leaks and Drips
While you can check for leaks at your commercial property, you may find it beneficial to call in a plumber who can do an inspection and check for additional problems while they’re at it. It’s best to discover and address as many potential issues as possible before winter, so you can resolve them now instead of having to deal with them at the most inopportune time when you least expect them.
4. Test Water Heaters for Efficiency
Having a properly working water heater is important throughout the year, but if you run a business that has a ramped-up schedule once the holidays approach, it’s even more important to ensure it’s working properly. It’s ideal to get the water heater tested in the fall to ensure its efficiency. A professional commercial plumber can tune up your water heater to keep it operating at peak performance and extend its life.
5. Drain and Winterize Outdoor Faucets
It’s surprisingly easy to drain and winterize your outdoor faucets, and doing so can prevent a host of issues. When ice expands and causes pipes to crack and burst, it damages the faucet, too. Taking care of the outdoor faucets now can guarantee they’ll be protected this winter and be in working order come spring.
Once you drain the water out of the faucets, the best thing you can do is cover them. An outdoor faucet cover costs less than $5 but can help prevent many issues.
6. Schedule a Professional Pipe Inspection
A professional pipe inspection in autumn can give you peace of mind this winter, knowing that your plumbing system is in good condition. A plumber can also give you a heads-up if there are potential issues that need resolving.
Autumn is the best time to have the plumbing inspection before cold weather and the busy holiday season arrive. Good preparation now mean there will be less for you to worry about later. This is especially true if you need plumbing repairs that could interrupt daily operations at your commercial property.
7. Clear Sewer Lines of Debris
One of the last things you should deal with during a busy season at your commercial property is problems with your sewer line, particularly if you have a business that gets even more hectic during the winter months. Signs that there’s a substantial amount of debris in your sewer line can include odd noises or smells and slow-draining water. If not addressed early, the problems could result in a sewage backup in your commercial business.
Skilled plumbers can rectify the situation by professionally cleaning sewer lines of built-up debris before it has a chance to become a complicated clog. There are a variety of methods to use, but mechanical Roto-Rooter cleaning is cost-effective and thorough. For greasy clogs, hydrojetting is one of the most effective and popular services available.
8. Ensure Proper Drainage Around the Property
A variety of problems can occur if there’s insufficient drainage around your property. Standing water, for example, can draw insects and allow mold to accumulate, putting the health of visitors and employees at risk. Additional issues may include damage to the foundation and water streaming into the commercial building at the foundation footer.
Scheduling an appointment for commercial plumbing services to ensure there’s adequate drainage around the property is a much more cost-efficient and less stressful option than having to deal with any of the previously mentioned effects. Fall, before snow starts falling, is a great time to make this appointment.
Schedule a Commercial Plumbing Appointment Now
As tempting as it may be to focus on other areas of your business, taking care of the plumbing on your property in autumn can prevent a slew of issues you don’t want to clean up after in the future. Schedule an appointment today with an experienced commercial plumber to learn more about the types of commercial plumbing services that can help get your property in top shape for the upcoming winter.