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Every business needs reliable and safe electrical systems. But did you know that many of the electrical problems in your building can be prevented with a full-service electrical panel check? Let’s look at some of the issues our qualified RK Service technicians will inspect and how we can help keep your business safe from potential hazards and costly repairs.

What does a full-service electrical panel check involve?

A full-service panel check will give you peace of mind knowing that your facility’s circuits, breakers, GFCIs, disconnects, and wiring practices are up to code. With our electrical service panel checklist, our technicians will conduct thermal imaging tests, torque specifications tests, physical testing and amperage load checks of your electrical systems. These tests ensure that potential issues are caught before they become a significant problem for your business.

In addition to the panel checklist, RK Service technicians can conduct a visual walk-through, looking for issues such as proper exit lighting, exterior safety lighting, emergency lighting checks and missing GFCI/ARC fault locations. By doing so, technicians can notify you of any safety measures that must be taken to protect you and your customers from potential dangers lurking within your facility.

Benefits of regular electrical panel checks

Regularly scheduled inspections are essential for keeping your business safe and up to code. By periodically checking all aspects of your electrical system, including wiring practices, you can detect any future problems before they become serious hazards, requiring extensive repairs or even replacement parts. Inspections will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is running smoothly regarding power and energy usage in your building or office space, saving time and money!

Maintain safety, efficiency and code compliance with RK Service

At RK Service, we understand how important it is for business owners to keep their facilities safe and running efficiently. That’s why we offer full-service electrical panel checks, including thermal imaging tests, torque specifications tests, physical testing, and amperage load checks. In addition, RK Service technicians will provide a visual walk-through service looking for items such as exit lighting working properly, exterior safety lighting, emergency lighting checks, and missing GFCI/ARC fault locations.

By having regular electrical inspections done by qualified professionals, you can rest assured that any issue will be identified before it becomes a significant problem, keeping your business safe, efficient and compliant with local codes.

Contact us today for more information on our full-service electrical panel checking service!

Check for proper licensing first.

When you have a plumbing project that may require excavation work that needs immediate, high-quality service, be sure to check your service provider’s licensing before you hire them to do the job. Proper licensing is crucial whether you are managing the repair and replacement of water, sewer or fire service lines.

Time and time again, RK Service technicians receive calls from property owners who hired a provider to perform work on their property without proper licensing and now need to hire a properly licensed company to complete the job. Though the service provider likely offered to complete the job for a lower price, hiring a company to complete a plumbing project, including excavation work, without proper licensing is extremely risky for the property owner.

Why proper plumbing and excavation licensing is essential.

For example, did you know that fire and water lines are tied to the same mainline? When working on a fire or water line, your service provider must flush and chlorinate the line to properly complete the repair or replacement. If lines are not properly flushed, water lines can become contaminated, affecting the quality and safety of the drinking water for your tenants and potentially other buildings that utilize the same city water line.

These requirements are essential for public health and safety. Unfortunately, many plumbing companies may lack proper licensing or are unaware of license requirements.

What happens if you hire an unlicensed contractor to work on your project?

Though they may offer you a better price for the job, never hire an unlicensed company to do your plumbing work. Here are the top reasons why:

What type of licensing should my service provider have?

Many property owners are unaware the company they hired cannot perform certain services. As a property owner, ensure you understand what types of licensing your service provider needs to complete the work they are hired to perform.

Here is a simple guide to types of licenses that may be used in conjunction with plumbing work. Depending on the project’s location and the type of work to be performed, ensure your provider has the proper license to complete the job.

Types of licenses

Research first, then hire.

Hiring a company with proper licensing helps reduce costs in the long run and reduces the time of displacement and discomfort for tenants as the job will be completed the first time properly. Spending more time researching and confirming proper licensing is always worth the effort. To ensure the company hired is licensed and can pull the proper permits for your job, call the city first to verify their licensing status.

If you have a water crisis that requires remediation, repair and installation services, RK Service is fully licensed and ready to work on any job, big or small. For information on RK Service and our emergency 24/7 response time, visit rkservice.com.

Water issues are a nightmare for property managers, commercial and apartment building owners, and business owners. Whether a fire or potable water line bursts at 2 AM, sanitary lines back up, causing flooding or tenants report foul smells from a broken sanitary line, water and sewer issues are never fun.

Property managers and building owners often do not know what is happening underground and their first call is to Denver Water or a fire protection company. Though the water company may be able to diagnose the problem, they typically call in the experts to manage the excavation work – your friends at RK Service!

When should I call an excavation service?

Sensors are often triggered when there are issues in the water and fire pipes in your building’s systems. However, those sensors may not accurately indicate what is happening underground. It is a good idea to contact the water utility company or the fire protection company first to shut down the mains and ensure the protection of the surrounding environment. Next, find an excavation and plumbing service provider to resolve the issue.

How do I choose an excavation and plumbing service provider?

The number one thing to consider when choosing an excavation and plumbing service provider is proper licensing, processes and protocols. Denver is the most difficult city in Colorado to get licensed in plumbing and excavation services. Service providers must have all the appropriate licenses to correct the damage.

In addition, watch out for excavating companies that don’t pull the appropriate permits. Excavating without the correct permits and licenses is illegal and may result in a drawn-out resolution for the issue. Further, your business will be at risk of a lien if you do not choose an excavation company that is licensed, insured and has taken the time to pull the correct permits.

What to consider when calling for emergency plumbing services.

With dozens of excavation companies in Denver, you need to know how to choose the best one for your project that can complete all aspects of the work. In addition to appropriate licensing, property owners should look for the following:

Pipes are fixed. Now what?

Make sure your excavation company cleans up after their work. Did you know the property or building owner is fully responsible for the quality of the excavation provided? For example, when streets are not correctly patched after excavating, the city will often redo the streets and bill the property owner directly. The invoices are typically a more considerable dollar amount than what an expert excavation company would charge.

It is important to choose an excavation and plumbing service that will fix the problem and restore the property to its original condition. You should expect a superior customer service experience from your provider and have your property looking as good as new, or better, once the work is complete.

Choose RK Service as your trusted partner.

If you have a water crisis that requires excavation and plumbing services, RK Service has the knowledge, licensing and expertise to start digging under emergency circumstances. The team can help you navigate the process with our excellent customer support.

For information on RK Service and our emergency 24/7 response time, visit rkservice.com.

Most people automatically picture a man when thinking of a construction worker. However, women are just as qualified and capable of being successful in the industry. Construction careers require high levels of skill and determination, perfect for anyone who enjoys creating and working with their hands.

Currently, women make up 10.3% of the construction workforce in the U.S. Just two years ago, that number was closer to 9%. While that number has not jumped significantly, it has steadily increased over the past decade.

Although still inadequately represented, 31% of women in the industry hold professional or management roles, many of which have moved into those roles in recent years. This shows that companies have been increasing efforts to promote and educate women about the benefits of working in construction.

Technological advancements, such as hydraulic equipment, have also made brute strength less important to get the job done. Regardless, some men still feel that women cannot carry their share of the workload and some women are concerned they might be considered masculine for working in the industry. Recruitment bias and non-inclusive work cultures also remain a concern.

Despite stigmas, more women are seeing the earning potential and diverse opportunities available in the industry. They are steadily working towards changing views about gender norms and leveling the playing field. Additionally, nearly 87% of women who work in the industry hold office positions, squashing most of the gender concerns.

In recent years, the construction labor shortage has presented an opportunity to hire more women than ever. Diversity is important in solving the labor shortage crisis and research has shown that gender diversity brings economic benefit to companies. Those companies with higher gender diversity in their workforce who have proved to be much more likely to outperform the industry average. Hiring more women in construction is a win-win situation.

Many organizations, like Professional Women in Construction, provide mentorship, networking and opportunities for growth and business development to women in the industry. The goal of Women in Construction Week is to bring awareness to those opportunities, directing interested women to training programs and local mentorship groups, and encouraging women to become role models. By highlighting the value of construction jobs for women, other women and young girls can see the industry as a viable career path.

The RK Apprenticeship Program began an all-female apprentice class last year with great success. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about our apprenticeship program, click here.

 

The Rise of Women in the Construction Field, National Center for Construction Education & Research, December 3, 2020
How Women in Construction Positively Impact Profits and Collaboration, Digital Builder, March 5, 2020
Just 9.1% of America’s construction workers are women—here’s what it’s like to be one of them, CNBC Make It, January 29, 2019
Women in Construction: The State of the Industry in 2021, Big Rentz, January 19, 2021

Recently, companies have been more concerned about the health and safety of their buildings due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Not only are they worried about keeping current employees and customers safe and happy, they also want to attract new talent and tenants. It is important to address the virus-related concerns since many people are now thinking about the air quality of the buildings they will be spending their days in. So, what can companies do to improve the overall health of their buildings?

Expand on Current Inspections
In most buildings, facility managers have already upgraded their building to include health conscious features like indoor plants, water bottle filling stations and natural lighting fixtures, along with regular inspections of HVAC and other systems. As we continue to live through the pandemic, companies need to look beyond just operating efficiently to help people feel safe.

In addition to regular inspections for wear and tear, businesses should examine unseen systems, such as ventilation and cleaning protocols, which could be just as vital for safety as a leaking ceiling or a crack in a sidewalk.

Keep Fresh Air Flowing
Recycling air from one room to another can increase the risk of airborne viruses also transferring. With growing concern of viruses spreading among people in close quarters, improvements to existing ventilation systems are needed. Increasing the amount of outdoor fresh air, along with purifying existing air in the building through bi-polar ionization can go a long way. While opening windows can be a quick fix, most buildings don’t have that option.

Reducing Transmission through Touchpoints
Install equipment such as toilet sensors, touchless soap dispensers and faucets, foot door pulls, and sensory lighting to minimize touchpoint transmission. For surfaces that must be used communally, consider an antimicrobial coating system to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Encourage and Enforce CDC Recommendations
If there are areas of your building where restrooms aren’t nearby, consider installing hand sanitation stations to encourage regular hand washing.
Be sure all employees and guests are wearing masks or face coverings and wearing them properly, covering both their mouth and nose. Also, remind them to safely social distance when interacting with one another.

Evaluating your building’s current systems and equipment can help to identify ways to improve air quality, boost equipment performance and often leads to discovering new ways to increase energy savings.

RK Service’s expertly trained team of technicians can evaluate your facility, provide recommendations and build a custom products package to fit your needs. Call 877.576.9696 or email service@rkservice.com to schedule an appointment. For more information about our commercial HVAC/R systems evaluations and upgrades, click here.

 

What Makes an Office Building “Healthy”,  April 29, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Retro-Commissioning: Significant Savings at Minimal Cost, March 5, 2013, Building Efficiency Initiative
How COVID-19 has Increased Interest in Air Quality Testing, September 22, 2020, JLL

The refrigerant R-22, also known as chlorodifluoromethane, was banned earlier this year and is currently illegal to make or bring to the United States. It contains HCFCs, or greenhouse gases, that cause damage to the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. In order to slow the environmental damage that has already occurred, governments have worked together to limit the number of ozone-depleting substances that can be used.

For years, R-22 refrigerant has been in the process of being phased out. Systems that run on it have likely reached their lifespan and are no longer effective. So, if an older R-22 system springs a leak, a tough decision has to be made. Facility managers can either retrofit the system for a replacement refrigerant, or replace the system entirely. Upgrading and retrofitting old R-22 infrastructure to work with a replacement refrigerant can save equipment, energy, money and the environment.

ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS

RK Service’s expertly trained team of technicians can evaluate the refrigerant in your commercial system, recommend the right replacement option and execute the required retrofit or replacement. Call 877.576.9696 or email service@rkservice.com to schedule an appointment with one of RK Service’s expert technicians today.

COVID-19 has created significant business disruptions worldwide, and has owners and operators wondering what steps to take to ensure occupant safety going forward. Beyond just cleaning out HVAC/R systems, advanced bi-polar ionization surface and air purification systems are the modern technology facilities should consider installing to ensure their building provides a healthy environment.

Research proves that surface and air purification technology implemented directly into a building’s HVAC system can significantly reduce harmful bacteria and viruses in the air.

TOP SIX BENEFITS OF BI-POLAR IONIZATION SYSTEMS:

  1. Significantly reduces dangerous bacteria and virus including human coronavirus, norovirus, staph, MRSA, E.Coli, clostridium difficile (C.DIFF), tuberculosis (TB), airborne mold spores and legionella pneumophilia.
  2. Does not produce detectable Ozone*, or volitile organic chemicals (VOCs). There is no catalytic process. *UL 2998 recommends Ozone levels of less than .005 PPM. Insure all air-cleansing technologies carry the UL label. 
  3. No replacements parts and minimal maintenance. Self-cleaning systems are an option.
  4. System lifespan is up to 20 years with continual use and includes a 1-year warranty period.
  5. Universal voltage applicable to all systems.
  6. Tackles odors, particulates and static electricity in living spaces.

It is not a matter of if this technology will become a building code requirement, but when. Stay ahead of future interruptions to your business by installing a trusted purification system now.

RK Service highly recommends a bi-polar purification system install in all facilities. Our evaluation and three-step systems approach gives owners and operators the confidence they need to welcome occupants back into their buildings. Contact us to learn more.

There is a facility management staffing shortage happening now. Although the number of available positions in the industry is growing, there is serious concern about finding skilled labor to fill the roles. Not only do employers need to attract new staff to meet the expanding demand, but they also need to think about the all of the vacancies that occur as older workers enter retirement. The average age of facility management workers is 51 years old.

The labor shortage is not just happening in the United States, but worldwide. The pool of workers is down due to younger workers pursuing careers that they perceive as higher status with lower unemployment rates and competition. According to a recent survey by the Manpower Group, 45 percent of all employers say they can’t find the skilled workers they need, and skilled trades ranks as the hardest to find skill set of all.

Unfortunately, this skilled labor shortage has led to many companies putting off regular facility system maintenance. These delays can cause many issues, including:

Although it is easy to overlook when understaffed, regular maintenance of facility systems not only saves money but also ensures safety.

So, what should facility managers do if they aren’t able to hire the skilled talent that they need? The best options involve working with skilled talent from a third party. Whether this means having someone brought in to train your existing internal team, or collaborating with them to handle specific things such as preventative maintenance, both can bring great benefits. RK Service offers both of these options and is happy to work with companies to figure out the right combination of training and maintenance to fit their needs.

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.

By: RK Service

In recent years, service providers have started offering facilities management partnerships—a much more comprehensive level of operations management than a variety of one-time services. This type of partnership transcends standard service agreements.

An effective facilities management partner can help you achieve long-term business goals, including:

Facilities management partnerships are affordable and improve facility functionality. They also offer an increase in the ability to utilize the latest technologies, stay fully staffed, reduce overhead and enhance every aspect of business operations, boosting the bottom line.

RK Service is the leading MEP facilities management partner in the Rocky Mountain region. We’ll partner with you to find the best solutions for your business and leave you feeling confident in your decisions.