The plumbing system in your office space may be considered more robust and sturdier than that in residential areas, but it could also suffer damage and may require some work from time to time. Usually, plumbing in commercial spaces is built with more superior materials to handle higher usage. This is true so the system can have a longer life span even with its high use.
In spite of this, it’s still a good practice to always watch out for any signs of damage and wear and tear of the plumbing system. These signs may indicate the need for repairs, replacement, or upgrade. Below are seven crucial signs your office plumbing may need some work done.
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Slow Toilet Or Drains
If you notice the water in your sink or toilet drains slowly, it could be an indication of some clogging in the drain pipes. If the slow drain issue is isolated to one area, the problem is likely a minor clog in the drain opening. But if you get reports of the same problem in other areas, it could indicate the clog is further down in the drainpipe.
Either way, you’d need to contact professional plumbers in your area to unclog the drain. If your office space is in the southern region of Sydney, for example, a search for plumber Sutherland Shire would get you top-rated quality plumbing services. These experienced plumbers would unclog the drains and also inspect your drain lines for signs of potential blockages.
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Water Stains On Walls
Any signs of brown spots on your office walls, under the pipes, and on the ceiling are indications of underlying plumbing problems. Water stains on the ceiling are common signs of roof leaks, but they could also come from leaking pipes.
If these warning signs are ignored, it could lead to severe damage to your office building, thus affecting its structural integrity. So if you notice any stains signifying the building is in need of pipe repair or replacement, call a plumber immediately.
Another indication of a water leak is the sudden and noticeable increase in your water bills. Understandably, your office utility bills are generally high, but a rapid surge should be a hint there’s an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Water damage in a building could also result in the growth of moulds, making indoor air unsafe. This clearly poses hazards to the health of your employees, which may affect their morale and even productivity.
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Water Discoloration
Sometimes, water changes colour when there are repairs in the major water pipelines, and the issue should go away quickly. However, a persistent change in the colour of water to a yellow, brown, or dark tint is a clear sign something is amiss in the plumbing system. The issue would require you to get a plumber to examine the root cause.
In many cases, it’s due to severe pipe corrosion caused by aging pipes, and this can make pipes burst. Your office space would need pipe replacement when this happens.
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Foul Smell From Plumbing Fixtures
Smells coming from plumbing fixtures could create an uncomfortable atmosphere at work. Foul smells may be caused by a clogged toilet, bacteria, or a more severe issue such as a sewer gas leak.
If you notice unpleasant odours coming from your office plumbing system, you need to get professional assistance at once. A plumber would thoroughly examine the plumbing system, especially sewer lines, to determine and remedy the possible problem.
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A Drop In Water Pressure
A noticeable drop in your toilet’s water pressure and other plumbing fixtures is one of the clear indicators that the office plumbing system may have blockages. Although it’s not a typical plumbing emergency, any gradual decrease in water pressure should be addressed soon.
However, if it’s a sudden drop, this issue calls for speedy action. This is because a sudden drop in water pressure is suggestive of a complete blockage or broken water pipes.
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Strange, Gurgling Noise
You shouldn’t ignore any unusual noise coming from the plumbing system, especially from sinks, as they may point to a clogged drain line. They may also result from failing valves and pipes. If there’s a noise that’s out of the ordinary in your plumbing system, ensure to address it sooner than later.
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No Water
There’s nothing more frustrating than flushing the toilet but finding out there’s no water. You know there’s no pending water bill, but your office space still has no water. In this case, there could be a serious problem, such as a massive clog or leak in the system. You need a professional to help with this problem since most plumbing is concealed behind walls, and it’d be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem on your own.
Final Thoughts
Your office space plumbing experiences high usage, and any issues in the plumbing system can affect office operations significantly. Plumbing issues such as leaks and burst pipes can cause severe damage to the building. Meanwhile, problems such as foul smells in the workplace can create an unpleasant working environment for your team. To prevent all these, always be on the lookout for any tell-tale signs your plumbing system is in need of replacement or repair.
