04/19/2021
Indicators of Plumbing Problems
When your plumbing system starts to break down, several signs will alert you to an issue.
1-Stains: Water stains on walls and underneath plumbing pipes can indicate leaks, meaning pipe replacement will soon be needed, Sobieski points out.
2-Leaks: Sobieski adds that obvious leaks and drips are the most reliable signs that a plumbing problem requires pipe or fixture replacements.
Pipe and tubing damage: Look for dents, dimpling, flaking and discoloration. Damage or changes in the physical characteristics of plumbing pipes and tubing can signal the need for replacement, Sobieski notes.
3-Water color: If your employees notice a discoloration in the water that's coming out of your building's taps, it could be a sign that the water pipes are corroded and need to be replaced as soon as possible.
4-Foul odors: “Unpleasant or downright offensive odors coming from plumbing fixtures could indicate a blockage in the sewer vent stack,” HVAC contractor Sinclair points out. As these gases build up over time, they can lead to dangerous sewer leaks that can affect your entire commercial property.
5-Low water pressure: This could indicate a blockage in your plumbing system’s supply lines. The pressure loss may have been gradual (which doesn’t necessarily indicate an urgent problem), but if the loss is sudden then there could be a broken or completely blocked pipe in your system, according to Sinclair.
6-Lead in pipes: Lead is a major concern for buildings that were constructed before 1978, as there is a chance that these fixtures could contaminate a facility’s drinking water. “Modern plumbing systems use copper, brass or PVC pipes,” Sinclair explains. “Each of these materials has a different lifespan and isn’t meant to last forever.”
For example, PVC pipes must be replaced after 24 to 40 years, while older brass pipes can last up to 100 years.
In addition to addressing pipe-related issues quickly, companies can upgrade to more modern fixtures (i.e., faucets, toilets, flush valves, etc.) to help reduce headaches and repair/replacement costs, while also significantly reducing water consumption.
