Issues with drainage pipes in an industrial or commercial space can have disastrous consequences.
In the hustle and bustle of commercial properties, resolving emergency drainage issues often comes with a hefty price tag. Plus, these problems can become safety hazards for both staff and customers, turning a regular day into a business nightmare.
On that note, here?s a list of the five most common issues about drainage problems faced by commercial property owners. Let?s take a look.
5 Common Commercial Drainage Issues
1. Food, Fat Or Grease Blockages
Restaurants and other similar eatery places in the food industry commonly face the problem of blocked drains, overflows or pooling water, broken pipes, and leaks. This is because of the high volume of food waste that passes through their drainage systems daily.
Since a commercial kitchen serves hundreds of customers daily, the number of plates that need to be washed is equally significant.
Due to the sheer volume of plates that need to be washed, the staff who wash them do it as soon as possible to serve other customers. In this dynamic process, preventing food scraps and cooking grease from going down the drain can be tricky. The food waste is usually washed away in the sink and goes down the drain, leading to a clog.
If the restaurant uses a waste disposal system, the chances of food debris or grease causing clogged drains and poor drainage are much higher. Leaving a blocked drain unattended can create fat and grease build-up in the sewer system, potentially disrupting the plumbing system of the entire building and obstructing water flow. Can it even result in a breeding ground?
2. Blocked Toilets
At home, most folks are mindful of not flushing large amounts of toilet paper or other foreign items. But in public restrooms, that caution often goes out the window. For owners of hefty commercial properties like shopping centres or hospitals, this oversight can cause significant headaches.
Although not all non-flushable items clog toilet drain pipes, they can still easily block the central sewer system.
If you experience a blocked drain within your establishment, find out who is responsible for that particular section of the blocked drain. If the affected area falls under your jurisdiction, you must immediately bring experienced professionals to clear the blockage.
3. Hard Water Damage
Water is considered to be problematic if it has a higher concentration of minerals such as magnesium and calcium. These elements are usually collected by groundwater as it passes through various layers of soil and rocks that contain the said minerals. Although natural, excessive amounts of these minerals in the water can pose a significant risk to one?s safety.
If you spot limescale on your drain pipes or drip pan, it?s a sure sign of hard water trouble. This build-up can cause clogged pipes, blocked drains, and even slow down your drainage. Plus, it can lead to hot-water equipment breaking down. Other areas affected by hard water include:
A. Infrastructure
Hard water can cause structural damage and significantly reduce the lifespan of any industrial or commercial equipment and infrastructure. This is mainly due to the minerals depositing inside the appliances or pipes and hardening over time. Accumulation of these dissolved minerals can result in equipment failure.
B. Energy Consumption
Hard water also affects commercial properties? energy consumption. Over time, the minerals in the hard water can build up inside the heating elements, reducing their efficiency. This means you will need more electricity to heat all the water, drastically increasing your energy bills.
C. The Environment
Although hard water does not affect the environment directly, some problems will arise further down the line. For example, soap and detergent only work efficiently with hard water. To get the same results as soft water cleaning, you may use more soap and detergent, which may destroy the soil and nearby water bodies.
4. Lack Of Industrial Tank Cleaning
For many industrial businesses, tanks are indispensable. However, without proper maintenance, they can quickly become problematic as acids, alkaline wastes, and toxins might build up, clogging the system.
Additionally, plant roots can weave deep into the ground, sometimes blocking pipes unnoticed. This could undermine a tank?s efficiency and harm the quality of what?s produced.
To eliminate this issue, regular tank cleaning is essential. This typically involves clearing any blockages in the tank and preventing further contamination. The ideal way to clean a tank is by using a high-pressure jet to remove unwanted deposits and debris.
However, one should be mindful of the risks when cleaning a tank. If the situation requires a person to step into the tank, it must be avoided at all costs and performed only by qualified personnel.
5. Lack Of Cesspit And Septic Tank Waste Removal
Commercial septic tanks are large-scale sewage treatment systems capable of handling all wastewater and sewage generated from various commercial properties such as hotels, schools, caravan parks, etc. These tanks are usually opted for when there is no public main sewer line nearby or when the existing public line is incapable of handling large amounts of waste.
Handling a substantial amount of wastewater, these sewage units need regular emptying and cleaning. Neglecting this can lead to wear and tear, potentially flooding the surrounding area. To effectively clean a septic tank, both primary and secondary compartments should be emptied to clear all matter.
If you spot blocked drains or leaks, it?s crucial to clean the soakaway promptly to prevent contamination and other environmental mishaps.
Identifying Common Commercial Drainage Issues
Facing any of these drainage issues in your commercial space? It?s time to get qualified plumbers on the job. Reach out to Fixed Today Parramatta for prompt assistance.
With over ten years of experience, the plumbing specialists at FixedToday provide immediate solutions to fix drainage problems in Sydney. We use the latest technology, tools and equipment to ensure that you receive superior services. Our professionals offer services 24/7, including emergency services and specialty work.
