How to Inspect Your Commercial Plumbing System

If you own a commercial building or business, you know how costly significant repairs can be. Hence, maintaining and upkeeping major systems, such as HVAC and plumbing, is essential. However, you’re likely not a plumbing expert. That’s where this guide comes in handy! 

Here, we’ve compiled a complete guide on inspecting your commercial plumbing system to keep it working optimally. So, to learn from a commercial plumber Detroit, keep reading to protect your investment and keep your operation running smoothly and efficiently, avoiding downtime associated with major repairs you can avoid. 

Commercial Plumbing Systems: The Basics 

Before we get into how you can inspect your own commercial plumbing system, let’s better understand some of the basics surrounding its functions. Even if you have a grasp on residential plumbing systems, they often differ from commercial systems in their complexity and requirements. 

Like residential systems, you’ll find various types of piping materials used in commercial systems for their different purposes and unique vulnerabilities. Some of the most common materials include stainless steel, copper, and PVC pipes. Each of these has its own specific application and potential issues.

Before beginning any inspection, review previous building inspection reports to understand your system’s specifications, especially if you have older infrastructure or mature trees near underground pipes that could cause root intrusion.

Common Issues To Look Out For 

It’s best to inspect your system and find common issues you can address before they become major problems requiring replacement or significant repairs. So, let’s get more familiar with some telltale signs of old or faulty plumbing that could require maintenance. 

1. Water pressure: When your building is experiencing issues with water pressure, it tends to indicate an underlying problem. Drops in pressure or sputtering faucets can be signs of an issue, as well as too much pressure can overload the system. 
2. Drain and sewer: These problems can quickly escalate from minor inconveniences to major business disruptions, so it’s essential to check for common red flags (like slow draining or gurgling sounds) that could indicate an issue with the main sewer line.
3. Fixture-specific: Commercial fixtures endure significantly more use than their residential counterparts and require particular attention. For instance, running toilets, while seemingly minor, can waste thousands of gallons of water monthly and substantially increase utility bills. 
4. Pipe system: Your building’s pipe network requires regular inspection for early problem detection. Signs like vibrating or hammering pipes, or present condensation can be signs of early issues. 
5. Water heater: Commercial water heaters are crucial for daily operations and deserve special attention during inspections. Crackling and popping sounds, as well as discolored water are red flags that your heater requires maintenance. 

Steps to Inspect Your Commercial Plumbing System 

Now, we’ll walk you through step-by-step how to inspect the main components of your commercial plumbing system (before calling a commercial plumber Detroit!). 

Exterior Inspection 

You may be surprised to find out that you can find common plumbing issues from the exterior of your building. To start, inspect any exposed outdoor pipe or drain. Look carefully for signs of damage, including corrosion, cracks, or signs of leaks. It’s also important to pay close attention to connection points and joints, as these are common failure points. 

Of course, if the drains or catch basins have any debris, be sure to remove to prevent blockages. 

If your building has external faucets or fixtures, test them often to ensure proper operation and to check for leaks around bases and handles. Lastly, if your property has a sprinkler system, verify that all heads are properly aligned and undamaged. 

Interior Inspection 

The next step is to head inside and begin a few checkpoints to check the health of your commercial plumbing system. First, start by checking the water pressure at various points using a pressure gauge you can purchase at big box hardware stores or plumbing supply stores. Readings should fall between 40 and 60 PSI for optimal performance. 

Next, inspect all visible pipes in utility rooms, basements, and crawl spaces for signs of corrosion, rust, or water stains that might indicate leaks. Go from room to room and test every fixture, including urinals, showers, toilets, and sinks, for proper drainage, operation, and any signs of damage. 

To inspect for leaks, it helps to pay attention to areas under cabinets and around fixture bases. Using a flashlight to examine walls, ceilings, and floors for water stains or moisture accumulation that could indicate hidden leaks is also helpful.

Drainage System

A drainage system that works is crucial for any commercial property. That means going from sink to sink, and drain to drain, to test each one with running water and see how quickly it all flows away. As you do this, listen for any unusual sounds (especially gurgling) and watch for air bubbles which can indicate ventilation problems or blockages. 

Again, get out your flashlight to check drain openings for visible obstructions like debris or sediment buildup. Finally, examine horizontal drainage pipes for proper alignment, as sagging can lead to slow drainage and backups.

Water Heater Inspection

To inspect your water heater, start by testing the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve, which should release a small amount of water when lifted. While in the area, inspect the heater for any signs of corrosion or leaks and verify that the valve is properly connected to a discharge pipe. 

It’s also recommended to flush the tank periodically to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency and shorten the heater’s lifespan. Inspect the base of the unit for water pooling and examine all connections for signs of corrosion or leakage.

Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention devices are critical for maintaining water quality and safety in commercial buildings. To begin an initial inspection, first, locate these devices near water meters or supply connection points and verify they’re installed at the correct height and orientation according to local regulations. 

Check for visible damage, corrosion, or leaks around the devices and their connections. If possible, perform basic functionality tests following manufacturer guidelines to ensure proper operation.

The Final Word: When to Call Commercial Plumbers Detroit

While regular self-inspections are valuable for maintaining your plumbing system, certain situations require professional expertise. Complex repairs, issues requiring specialized tools or knowledge, and problems that could affect building safety should always be handled by licensed plumbers. 

Even more, any repairs governed by local building codes (like backflow prevention!) or persistent issues that DIY solutions haven’t resolved warrant professional attention.

Whether you need residential service or commercial plumbing Detroit, WaterWork Plumbing is your all-in-one source for all things plumbing. Our experienced technicians and team cover all of Metro Detroit for emergency services, scheduled repairs, and ongoing maintenance to upkeep the plumbing in your home or business. 
Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call to get in touch with our team.