Common Commercial Plumbing Issues

When it comes to commercial plumbing repair, there are many common commercial plumbing issues may require the help of a professional to rectify. However, some fairly minor plumbing issues can be solved with a little know-how and elbow grease, such as replacing a drain cover or unclogging a toilet. Here, we will discuss some of the most common commercial plumbing issues that may require a plumbing repair service, as well as a few issues that you can take care of yourself.

Faucets that Drip

A dripping faucet, while a minor issue, can quickly grow into a big one if it renders you unable to fall asleep. A dripping faucet can cause a big spike in your water bill. A few seemingly insignificant drops can quickly add up to several hundred gallons over the course of the year.

It should be noted that water that enters through your property is under pressure to move through your pipes. However, when you turn it off, silicone or rubber-based washers create a seal that is watertight to prevent water from getting through your pipes and out of your faucet.

Wear and tear over the years can cause those washers to become dislodged or torn. This can allow a small amount of water to break through, causing that annoying drip that can lead to many restless nights.

While it is possible to replace torn, dislodged, or stiff washers yourself, it can be a difficult task if you do not have the specific tools for the job. A leak that has been left untreated for a prolonged period will usually lead to a corroded or worn valve seat. Which will soon require even more complex repair work that is generally best left to the pros.

Water Pressure that Drops

If you notice that water trickles from the tap, when it should actually be gushing through, then the culprit is usually very low water pressure. Now, there are many reasons for low water pressure that you should be aware of. For instance, low water pressure can sometimes be caused by your municipal water supply.

While it is very uncommon, a break can occur in your mainline, which can lead to a tentative drop in pressure. As such, low water pressure can sometimes have nothing to do with the condition of your pipes. In addition, a more common cause of low water pressure is the accumulation of sediments or deposits in the faucet aerators.

Water that enters via your pipes house certain dissolved minerals that eventually make their way onto metallic surfaces. Moreover, if you happen to have a filtration system, then those same deposits will ultimately make their way to that system and become transformed. If you do not have such a system in place, then the deposits will accumulate and eventually adhere to showerheads. The interior surface of your aerators will inevitably lead to a decelerated water flow and clogged screens.

Fortunately, you can usually solve the issue yourself, as most kitchen faucets have aerators that can be unscrewed, extracted, and cleaned. Simply remove the unit and soak it in vinegar overnight, as doing so will usually cause the calcium deposits to dissolve in a few hours.

Toilets that Run

If you frequently jiggle the handle on your toilet to make it work properly, then it may be time to replace the inner workings of your toilet. For a toilet to function as designed, the flapper valve must allow water to pass from the tank to the toilet bowl. However, the flapper may malfunction, because it no longer fits as intended, or the fill tube has become loose over time.

In some cases, the issue may be caused by a float that has become imbalanced, but such a problem can be taken care of with a toilet repair kit. In fact, many are very user-friendly and will also work with almost any toilet model with minimal effort on your part.

However, in some cases, a running toilet may be caused by more complicated issues. If you have replaced the fill tube, float unit, and the flapper valve, yet you still notice that the toilet is running, then the problem may lie in sediment deposits that are impeding proper filling and flushing.

Also, if you have noticed a hike in your water bill, then it may be due to a silent leak. The good news is you can test for such a problem yourself by adding some food colouring to the tank. Then, after you have added a few drops, simply wait for about 15 minutes and check the bowl for any unusual colour fluctuations. If you notice that the water has become tinted, then it means that the flapper valve is defective and will need to be repaired or replaced.

When to Call in the Pros

While there are many common issues that you may be able to tackle yourself, there are some that are too dangerous to handle if you are a plumbing novice. For instance, we would suggest that you call in a commercial plumbing repair company if you need someone to install a new tub, sink, or new pipes.

Water heater problems should also be left to the pros, as should septic tank leakage issues. Besides, sewer line leaks and breaks should be handled by professionals. Any new construction work that requires a building permit should also be left to the experts.

If you require the help of a fully licensed, bonded, and insured commercial plumbing repair company, then we can help. Drain King Plumbers specializes in plumbing, sewers, drains, flood protection, and fixture maintenance and installation. To learn more, please give us a call at 833-983-5301.