For Immediate Service
800-864-7717
For Immediate Service
800-864-7717Mar
28
2018
While HVAC and refrigeration equipment are important to maintain in their own right, electrical and plumbing system malfunctions become increasingly more serious if left unaddressed because a facility’s central functions hinge on those systems working correctly.
Like most facility maintenance emergencies, plumbing issues often don’t rear their ugly heads until it’s too late. While there are ample opportunities to check for “silent” leaks, water pressure deficiencies, and boiler valve issues, the fact many of these problems can’t be directly seen can make it difficult for facility staff to determine if maintenance is needed or not. It’s imperative, though, that facility staff and facility owners not fall into this trap.
Plumbing and water damage is serious. In the case that planned maintenance measures aren’t taken, we break down what can happen if you’re in the mood to gamble with fate.
There are multiple factors that contribute to the formation of leaks, especially silent leaks (leaks undetectable by the eye):
All of these issues can be determined and addressed in advance by a trained planned maintenance crew, but unaddressed leaks lead to high water operational costs as thousands of gallons a year are wasted. Ideally, no more than 5 percent of delivered water is unaccounted for in a facility (a higher number could indicate something serious is wrong). Unusually high spikes in water usage are often a sign that something is amiss, but the root of the problem could remain unknown. Although they can go unnoticed, notable drops in water pressure, uneven flooring, and water marks are other signs of a leak.. A professional might be needed to determine exactly where a specific leak is located.
Furthermore, the exponentially devastating effects of water damage from leaks cannot be overstated, especially if the source of the water is from an internal leak in your plumbing system. Sometimes this problem can arise after new construction, so building age isn’t always the best indicator for the likeliness that a facility is safe from harm.
The effects of water damage can range from damaged flooring, to critical foundational and structural issues, to the build up of mold and bacteria. Beyond the costs for loss of water from the leak, structural damage can lead to thousands of dollars in costs for repairs and potential legal liabilities (in case someone gets injured on uneven flooring). The build up of mold and bacteria can also directly affect occupant health, eventually leading to symptoms of sick building syndrome.
The safety/relief valves within a commercial boiler are components that must work correctly and absolutely under no circumstances should be ignored. These valves relieve the boiler of excess pressure and are set to open once the boiler reaches a specific pressure point. If a safety valve becomes damaged (which can happen after opening and closing automatically for an extended period of time), then the boiler can no longer relieve pressure properly.
This is where things get serious quickly. If the boiler cannot relieve pressure, the boiler can be at risk of failing outright or even exploding in the most extreme cases. Boiler explosions can lead to thousands or millions of dollars in damages (depending on the severity of the blast), and more so can put lives in jeopardy.
Depending on the commercial boiler, different checks will be required. For instance, for high pressure steam boilers greater than 400 psi in pressure, a pressure test must be conducted at least once every three years. High pressure boilers between 15-400 psi require a manual check every 6 months in addition to an annual pressure check. High pressure hot water boilers (greater than 160 psi) will also need an annual pressure test. A trained maintenance staff can inform you of which tests make the most sense for your facility’s boiler.
As for piping, video equipment can be used to detect broken pipes, corrosion, leaking joints, blockages, and offset pipes. These videos are taken by an operator and then reviewed thoroughly by a trained maintenance crew who would then notify facility staff of any problems. Once those problems are found, the damages can be fixed onsite within the same day.
Needless to say, there are plenty of resources available to fix plumbing issues before they happen. Your facility’s plumbing system should never succumb to neglect. Neglecting your plumbing system can start an unwanted chain reaction of problems, but scheduling maintenance can lower risk and give you the peace of mind that everything is running smoothly.
TDIndustries is a premier facilities services and mechanical construction company. Founded in 1946, we are well-positioned to exceed customers’ expectations on any project regardless of size, complexity, within budget and on time.