When running a business, you may not think often about your property’s plumbing, but ignoring it can lead to expensive consequences. From sudden pipe leaks and clogged toilets to slow drains and sewer line breaks, plumbing disasters can impact customer experience and quickly escalate into large issues for your business if left unchecked. Fortunately, regular plumbing inspections can protect your property, your bottom line, and your reputation. 

Prevent Expensive Emergencies

Plumbing issues often start as tiny leaks, slow drains, or mildly strange odors. But over time, these minor issues can develop into major emergencies, such as burst pipes, flooding, or water damage. Regular inspections can help catch problems early, reducing the risk of expensive repairs, costly business shutdowns and lost revenue, property damage, or business disruptions. Fixing leaks can also save you money on your water bill. 

Maintain a Professional Image

If you own a customer-facing business, you understand how much first impressions matter. A clogged toilet, foul smells, or water stains on the walls can give customers the wrong idea about your business and drive them away. Regular inspections ensure everything continues to work properly behind the scenes so your business maintains a professional image at all times. 

Inspections also allow you to schedule repairs during off-peak hours or when your business is closed, minimizing disruptions to operations. 

Improve Employee Comfort and Safety

Leaking water, nonworking toilets, and mold from unchecked plumbing issues can be inconvenient and pose health and safety hazards to employees. Consistent inspections help identify and eliminate these risks, keeping your workplace safe, sanitary, compliant, and comfortable. 

Ignoring plumbing problems can lead to the following health risks:

• Poor indoor air quality
• Sewage backups
• Mold and mildew growth
• Pest infestations

These plumbing health risks can lead to issues, such as:

• Vomiting, cramping, fever, and diarrhea
• Hepatitis A
• Salmonella 
• E. Coli
• Gastroenteristis 
• Legionnaires’ Disease 
• Allergic reactions or respiratory issues from mold exposure

Stay Code-Compliant

Commercial builds must adhere to local plumbing codes and regulations. Routine inspections ensure your property meets these standards so you can avoid costly fines or shutdowns due to non-compliance. 

Protect Property Value

Your building is a major investment. Plumbing problems can damage walls, floors, and foundations, significantly decreasing your property value. Inspections help preserve the integrity of your infrastructure and maintain its long-term value. A well-maintained plumbing system will also significantly factor into whether or not you can attract future buyers or tenants if you decide to close or move your business in the future. 

Increase System Efficiency

Regular maintenance helps improve water flow, reduce strain on pipes, and keep fixtures running efficiently. This can lower your water bills and reduce wear and tear on your plumbing system — extending its lifespan and saving you money in the future. 

A professional plumber can also let you know how much life your pipes and fixtures have, so you can factor in future upgrades or replacements. 

Signs You Have a Plumbing Issue 

Here are some signs your business has an issue within its plumbing system:

Slow Drains — If the sink or floor drains at your business are draining slowly or not at all, you could have a blockage or leak. 

Low Water Pressure — A drop in water pressure throughout the building could indicate a blockage or leak, especially if every fixture has low pressure. 

Foul Odors — Unpleasant odors, especially sewer smells, can indicate a blockage in the main sewer line or other issues with the plumbing system. 

Leaks — Visible water leaks or water stains on the walls, ceilings, or floors indicate a problem in your pipes. 

High Water Bills — A sudden or unusual increase in your water bills can be a sign of a leak or other plumbing issue. 

Discolored Water — Dicolored, rusty, or cloudy water could indicate a problem with the plumbing system or water supply. 

Strange Noises — Gurgling, chugging, or knocking noises can indicate a blockage or other plumbing issue. 

Mold or Mildew Growth — The presence of mold or mildew near plumbing fixtures or pipes can indicate a leak or other moisture issue. 

No Hot Water — If you have no hot water or inconsistent water temperatures, there may be an issue with your water heater or hot water pipes. 

Invest in Regular Plumbing Inspections to Protect Your Business 

Don’t let a plumbing problem disrupt your business. Scheduling regular plumbing inspections will help you protect your property, ensure safety, save money, and keep operations running smoothly. Partnering with a trusted commercial plumber will give you peace of mind and help you focus on running and growing your business.