Plumbing issues in business properties are significantly more difficult and time-consuming than those in homes. Commercial property owners cannot afford to delay plumbing issues such as blocked drains, dripping faucets, and no hot water. This leads to disruptions in business operations, loss of profits, and negative impressions on customers.
If you’re a business or commercial property owner, there are a few things you should consider before considering a service for plumbing repairs and installations. Here are three facts about commercial plumbing that you might not know.
1. Commercial Plumbing has Different Codes and Regulations to Follow
Commercial plumbing is governed by a different set of rules and regulations compared to residential plumbing. As such, a commercial plumber must be familiar with legal regulations and industry techniques. They have the knowledge and expertise to provide cost-effective and timely repair solutions. These differences are often a result of the increased risk of water damage and the complex nature of large-scale plumbing systems in commercial properties.
These requirements are designed to protect the health and safety of the building occupants as well as the integrity of the plumbing system itself. Some of the most important regulations relate to the system installation, including the size and type of piping used.
Thermal imaging, for example, is frequently used in commercial plumbing to ensure that there are no hidden leaks or potential problem areas. Moreover, Backflow Prevention Devices are regularly required to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the system.
The commercial plumbing system must also be designed to handle a variety of different water pressures, depending on the needs of the occupants. By following these regulations, commercial plumbing systems can ensure that they are safe and efficient.
2. Corrosion of Commercial Pipes Can Be Caused by Its Material
No matter how well pipes are protected, they will corrode if they are made of the wrong material. Iron pipes, for example, are particularly prone to corrosion as a result of prolonged exposure to oxygen and moisture. Continued exposure leads to rust which quickly eats away at the pipe until it breaks. To avoid this, commercial plumbing service providers frequently use steel, copper, and PVC pipes rather than iron ones. These materials are less prone to corrosion and, with proper maintenance, can last for many years.
Commercial plumbing solutions include different ways of corrosion-proofing pipes used in commercial installation. For instance, rust can form between the metal threads in steel pipes. As such, a process known as galvanisation coats the steel pipes in a layer of zinc. This protects them from rust and further extends their lifespan.
Commercial plumbing installs pipes in relevant series, thus increasing the possibility that one pipe might connect with another made of a different material. When copper pipes are connected to pipes of other metals, they are more susceptible to corrosion. This is known as galvanic corrosion and deposits a blue-green substance where the pipes connect. A process called epoxy coating covers the pipes in a protective layer of plastic, helping prevent corrosion and extending the lifespan of the pipes.
Another method to prevent corrosion in commercial plumbing is known as cathodic protection. In this process, an electrolyte is used to create an electrical charge that prevents the formation of corrosion cells on metal surfaces. The most common electrolyte used for this purpose is zinc, however, other metals can also be used.
While there are many ways to prevent corrosion, one of the most effective ways is using corrosion-resistant pipe materials. These materials, such as PVC and stainless steel, are less likely to corrode over time. They can also help extend the life of your plumbing system by preventing corrosion from occurring in the first place.
3. Role of a Qualified Commercial Plumbing Service
Commercial plumbing is a critical part of any business. From restrooms and kitchens to pipes and sewers, plumbing is responsible for the proper functioning of many essential systems. When something goes wrong, it can have a major impact on operations.
As such, hiring a certified commercial plumber who is familiar with more complex plumbing components and pipes is essential for dealing with any plumbing issues. By doing so, you can ensure that the job is done right, with all commercial plumbing services requiring a local government licence and many companies endorsing qualified professionals that provide high-quality services.
As a result of the increased complexity factor in commercial plumbing, the risk of losing money is fairly high. Any poor plumbing decision may reduce productivity at work or require costly appliance maintenance. Working with a commercial plumbing company that uses cutting-edge machinery is ideal, as more up-to-date technology is essential to adequately handling any of your plumbing problems.
Whether you need plumbing repair and maintenance for your commercial property or new installations, it is always better to hire commercial plumbers and get the job done right the first time around, on time and within your schedule.
If you need plumbing services in Perth, our team at Alkimos Plumbing and Gas can help.
We have years of experience providing residential and commercial plumbing services to our Perth clients.