Plumbing issues can happen at a time when you least expect it. It is frustrating to have to plunge a toilet or unclog a sink, however not all plumbing issues are as easily repaired. Sometimes, you will need help from a professional plumber to solve some of the most common plumbing issues.
Faucet Leaks – A leaky faucet may not seem as though it is releasing much water, in reality it is costing you a lot of money. A leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water a year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency an average household can account for more than 10,000 gallons of wasted water each year; as much needed to do 270 loads of laundry. Additional damage such as deteriorating caulk and grout; added stress to other plumbing pipes and fixtures; and damage to floors, walls, and ceilings.
Drain Clogs – commercial buildings house hundreds of busy individuals 40 hours a week. Bits of paper towel and other debris end up in commercial drains causing a host of problems clogging the system and slowing down the flow of water leading to larger problems down the line.
Toilet Clogs – While most residential toilet clogs can be repaired easily by plunging, commercial toilets take some additional wear and tear. The age of the drain, clogs due to regular waste and paper products, and foreign objects are just a few causes of a clogged drain line and will require a professional plumber to “snake the drain.”
Running Toilets – Hearing water run inside the toilet tank even after filling is a symptom of a more costly problem. Some DIY tips will include “jiggling the handle” but sometimes the toilet needs the attention of a commercial plumber.
Silent Leaks – According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), toilets are responsible for approximately 27 percent of the water used in homes on a daily basis. The amount of water used by toilets is only increased when there is a leak. A leaking toilet tank can result in an incredible loss of water every minute it has not been stopped. It oftentimes goes undetected until a leak test has been conducted.[1]
Water Temperature Problems – Commercial water heaters will need to be inspected every few months to ensure they are operating properly. If you notice issues with your hot water supply, you may need to clean the water heater. Water heaters that store water should be flushed yearly. Instantaneous heaters require in their Operation and Maintenance Manuals that they receive yearly service.
Sewer Smells – If you smell sewage, call us right away. A block in a sewage line is usually the culprit and can cause a fair amount of damage to your property. Sometimes, it can be a dried-up trap seal on a floor drain which could indicate a failed trap primer not automatically keeping the water seal of the trap filled.
Low Water Pressure – In a commercial building, intermittent and temporary water pressure issues could be a municipal issue, but if you are repeatedly experiencing a drop in water pressure on an ongoing basis in your building, then you may need to hire professional plumbers to identify the problem and fix it. The size of your building, the amount of people the building has to accommodate, and the size of the plumbing system will also impact the solution that a plumber is able to offer you. One potential issue could be accumulated dirt from the municipal water system clogging your pressure reducing valve or backflow prevention device serving the building. Additionally, this dirt could also be found in the flush valves of toilets and urinals, as well as the mixing valves of the touchless, sensor-activated faucets. Again, a plumber is the best person to diagnose and repair these issues. In fact, only a licensed plumber holding backflow certification is allowed to service backflow devices for buildings, even if they serve a fire/sprinkler system.
Calvert Mechanical is an ethical, safe, and family-oriented company, that offers our employees the opportunity to work amongst experienced and talented professionals who believe in the value of hard work to provide an exceptional product as a team. We listen to our clients’ needs and carefully provide specifically tailored solutions 24-7 to get the job done right, before you need it. For more information about how Calvert Mechanical may assist you with addressing your plumbing needs, visit our website at calvertinc.com or call 410.323.5400.
[1] https://www.conservationmart.com/t-leaking-toilet-tank.aspx#:~:text=When%20this%20occurs%2C%20water%20begins,the%20toilet%20leaking%20is%20silent.&text=The%20second%20most%20frequent%20cause,fill%20valve%2C%20or%20ball%20cock.