Office Space Plumbing: Avoiding Serious Issues

When they got up to go to work on April 13, 2015, none of the 2,200 workers at Walmart could suppose that they would lose their jobs by 7 p.m. But, this is exactly what happened. Five stores were to be closed and all the workers were to be put to paid leave. The reason behind this mysterious closing: plumbing issues.

Even though Walmart was accused of trying to avoid a protest their workers were organizing by closing down the stores, serious plumbing issues are not to be underestimated. They can lead to long-term damage of your office, major health problems as well as environmental issues.

Leaky Tap

Did you know that a dripping tap can lose 5,000 litres of water in three months? One of the most common causes of a leaky tap is a washer. In order to fix a leaky tap, turn off the water at the mains and empty the tap. Remove the handle and then unscrew the shroud/skirt. Use a shifting wrench to remove the tap bonnet. Next, remove the washer and replace it with a new one. Finally, put the tap back together.

Poorly Functioning Main Shut-off Valve

Solving any plumbing issue starts with shutting off the water at the mains. You can imagine the results of poorly functioning main shut-off valve in the case of any type of leaking. Water can keep leaking and the only thing you can do is to wait for a plumber to shut it off at the street. “Contacting a professional plumber to carry out a full plumbing inspection in your office can prevent the shut-off valve problem as well as all other plumbing issues”, says a highly-rated commercial plumber from Sydney.

Clogged Drain

Not only can the stagnant water in clogged drains emit unpleasant odour, but it can cause leaking into corners and foundation. The area may even become prone to flooding. Preventing clogs in your drains (in office kitchen sinks, espcially) can start by regular cleaning. Run hot water through the sink once a day. Pour baking soda into the drain and then run hot water. Finally, you can try unclogging the drain with vinegar.

Toilet not Flushing Properly

The usual cause behind this plumbing problem lies in a cistern. Open the cistern lid, try to flush the toilet and check whether the mechanism is working properly. There is a possibility that something obstructs the valve that triggers the tank to fill. Buttons can become misaligned so that the lid cannot properly fit over the mechanism. If the problem persists, or if you do not know what the cause of the problem is, call a professional.

Unpleasant Sewer Odours

Unpleasant sewer odours usually have something to do with a U-shaped section of the pipe below the sink. When you turn off the sink, a small amount of water stays in the pipe. If the pipe dries out, it releases awful odours. Pour 4 cups of water in the sink to fill the pipe. If the odour persists, serious plumbing problems can be the cause of it. Mould and bacteria can grow in the inside of another pipe, called a tailpiece, or a hidden vent may have cracked.

Even though all these problems may not seem serious to you, if unattended, they can lead to a serious damage of your office. When in doubt, always call a professional.