3 Tips for Troubleshooting Common Plumbing Problems in Commercial Buildings

Several commercial establishments are adopting water-efficient plumbing fittings and fixtures such as faucets, flush valves, and heaters. The best part about such accessories is that they reduce utility bills and minimize water usage. Also, the commercial building becomes sustainable through optimal water usage and wastage avoidance. However, a plumbing system is only as effective as the maintenance on its components. As such, regular inspection and routine maintenance should be prioritized by commercial building managers if they are to reap the benefits of a plumbing system. Here are some tips that building managers must know regarding troubleshooting plumbing problems.

Shut off Valve and Isolation Valves -- Plumbing requires that you control the flow of water using valves. There are many types of commercial plumbing valves performing different functions. A shut-off valve controls water flow to your building just in case you need to turn on and off the main water supply. The valve comes in handy during plumbing emergencies including burst pipes that lead to flooding water. Isolation valves regulate the flow of water to specific areas such as the kitchen or washrooms. With isolation valves, you might not need to turn off the water supply to the entire building when the area of concern is the bathroom section. You should know the location of these valves to prevent any serious damage in case of a plumbing catastrophe.

Urinal Flushing Issues -- The urinal system might experience pressure problems that make it impossible to push urine down the drain. A simple solution is to open the regulator valve, often located at the bottom of the system's intake line.  Conversely, if the water pressure is excess, you have to reduce the pressure via the valve. Also, sediments can clog the urinal thereby causing strange noises when flushing the system. You need a plumber to take apart the system to remove any materials blocking the free flow of water. Moreover, when water does not get into the system, ensure that the water supply has not been disconnected. Further, there could be some damage to your pipes, which may need repair or replacement to allow water to flow to the urinal flushing system. 

Touchless Faucets --Touchless faucets aid in conserving water because they turn off automatically when not in use. Notably, if batteries that help power the mechanism run out of juice or are improperly inserted in their compartment, the LED sensor that triggers the flow of water will not work. In such a case, swap old batteries with new ones or check to ensure they are appropriately inserted. Sometimes, you might experience water leaks when the activation cycle has completed. In this case, a technician has to adjust the system by disassembling the faucet and removing any dirt that could be clogging the system.