SPRING CLEANING: COMMERCIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

By: RK Service

Spring cleaning for drainage systems should be an annual practice for businesses. It can identify issues before they become major problems. As the weather becomes warmer, drains, pipes and equipment should be checked to make sure they aren’t damaged and are working properly.

SPRING WEATHER REVEALS PIPE DAMAGE

Extreme winters can often lead to freezing and cracked pipes that reveal themselves in spring time. Tree roots are also known to cause damage to drainage systems in spring time and in areas with old buildings. Endless thirsty roots clog up sewer lines, often causing serious problems. Large trees need a lot of water and are drawn to any moisture they can find. If there is a pipe that is leaking or seeping water, the roots will wrap themselves around and inside of it. If there are substantial roots underground, a thorough cleaning should keep the drainage system clear for about a year.

While drain cleaning services can vary in prices, having to dig up and replace a sewer line that is beyond repair may cost up to 50 times more than maintenance. A commercial plumber can do a camera inspection of the pipes to find the exact location of the issue and alleviate the need for extensive excavation.

12 IMPORTANT TASKS TO PERFORM EACH SPRING

Perform these twelve tasks each spring to ensure that your drainage systems will remain in good working order throughout the year.

  1. Inspect pipes, faucets, drains and toilets for leaks or damage and repair as needed.
  2. Remove mineral deposits that have built up.
  3. Flush infrequently used drains, including floor drains.
  4. Snake slow-moving drains to remove clogs.
  5. Ensure that water heater temperature is no greater than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
  6. Drain several gallons of water from water heater tanks to remove corrosion-causing sediment.
  7. Replace water heater if it’s more than 15 years old.
  8. Exercise water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking.
  9. Flush infrequently used drains. If the drains are slow they should be snaked.
  10. If there is a sump pump, make sure it operates properly by flushing the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off.
  11. Install a backflow valve in the floor drain in areas where sewers back up, preventing future backups.
  12. Make sure yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open and free of debris.

Enlisting a commercial plumber to perform these tasks annually is a smart idea for restaurants, apartment buildings, high rises, office buildings, hospitals, medical facilities, nursing homes and other commercial businesses.

RK Service performs a full spectrum of drain services including high-pressure water jetting and cable cleaning to remove grease and debris from pipes, line locates to pinpoint exactly where the issue is and system assessment services. All of our services can be requested on-demand with our 24-hour emergency service or can be covered under a Planned Maintenance Agreement, optimizing building efficiency and reducing the frequency of drain emergencies.