5 Common Commercial Sewage Issues

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Common Plumbing Problems

As a commercial property owner, repairing and maintaining your building's plumbing and sewage systems should be very close to the top of your list of priorities. Many plumbing issues, such as a blocked sewer or broken pipe, can go unnoticed because the property owner doesn't know what to look for. Make sure to check your building in Smith Village, OK, for any of the following common plumbing problems.

1. Leaking or Overflowing Toilets
A flood caused by toilet overflow -- also known as a black water flood -- is especially problematic. The biohazards present in the flood water can cause massive amounts of structural damage, and almost always need to be addressed by flood restoration professionals.

2. Damaged Foundation
Plumbing issues that go unnoticed for long periods of time can sometimes manifest themselves in the form of structural damage. This can include cracks, bulges or other deformities in your building's foundation caused by an accumulation of flood water.

3. Broken Pipes
Some pipe breaks are obvious, while others tend to fly under the radar. A drastic increase in your monthly water bill is a good indication that you're dealing with what's known as a silent pipe break. This is a broken pipe that's hidden behind your building's walls, slowly and steadily leaking gallons of water over time.

4. Drain and Pipe Clogs
Customers tend not to respect commercial bathrooms as much as they would residential ones, which can lead to unwanted clogging. At the very least, a clogged drain can make your business look bad. In severe cases, these clogs can lead to a blocked sewer or dangerous sewage overflow.

5. Worn Down Sewer Lines
If your building is a bit older, chances are your sewer lines are still made out of cast-iron. These pipes are designed to last for about 25 years, but unfavorable conditions can certainly cause them to deteriorate prematurely.
Catching small plumbing issues and fixing them early is the key to preventing further damage to your commercial building. More severe problems, such as a blocked sewer or severe flood, need to be addressed by water restoration professionals.