Out of all the commercial plumbing and repair services, underground pipes are one of the big concerns. Commercial plumbing contractors tend to do their best to find out when the issue is about to happen, but more often than not, it turns into an emergency commercial plumbing situation.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to avoid these emergencies, and there are several ways to detect issues with underground pipes still, while also taking preventative measures as well.
Looking for the right warning signs
An Australian commercial plumbing company must have the right type of certifications and licensing to perform commercial plumbing and repairs. Knowing that, they also need to have a way of looking at the tell-tale signs of what it means when underground pipes are ready to burst, or at the least, need to be dug into and technically checked. Looking at these above-ground damage indicators will help to show the severity.
First, you must understand where the piping runs. Commercial plumbing contractors who are properly trained and licensed can read the city and municipal blueprints to understand where the water flows underground. However, before checking out the actual locations, it’s important to see if there are any type of drainage or flow issues with all the commercial sinks and toilets.
Then it’s about running along these pipelines and noticing any type of cracking or overly worn concrete on paved locations. If there aren’t paved areas to check, then water pooling or the possibility of sinkholes are also commonplace.
Odd noises underground, such as actually being able to hear the rumbling waters in the pipes below, can also be a sign to start looking into those piping areas. A final way to confirm is if the target area starts coming up with sewage backup issues, smells, and a fresh type of infestation, either by vermin or the presence of mould.
There’s a lot of technology out there these days, especially related to specialised piping cameras, that goes along an entire commercial plumbing system to determine the root cause of the damage and quickly assess the overall severity.
How to approach the repair
Before even going for a repair, every commercial plumbing contractor will tell you that the best way to prevent heavy repairs is to ensure proper maintenance and a schedule to adhere to. In addition, this is the best time for you to do a spot check to see if there’s some issue at the commercial location. Then commercial plumbing contractors can work well with local city contractors to assess if there’s a bigger issue or if it’s contained only at the commercial location.
Then it’s about understanding all the necessary building codes and regulations, knowing exactly where any type of digging can occur, and how to do it. Another thing to note with commercial plumbing and repairs is to really understand where those underground pipes are in relation to utility lines. Many cities and towns tend to run these along the same underground path, and being able to read those city plans will ensure that digging won’t cause a bigger problem with the utilities themselves.
Once the appropriately sized hole is created or the proper sewage access point is used, then the true assessment can begin. If there’s already been a suspicion about the underground pipes needing repairs, then it’s a good idea to prepare for the worst as the actual source of the problem is approached.
Temporary support
Once the assessment is completed and the true damage is assessed, emergency commercial plumbing services can happen. This is akin to triage and is all about minimising the ongoing damage and preventing a catastrophe.
There are a few specialised and oversized tools that commercial plumbing contractors have access to stem those issues. A great start is commercial pipe wraps and pipe clamps that, when combined with epoxy compounds, can help to prevent leaks in the short term. This is by no means a long-term solution, but it does allow for the necessary commercial plumbing and repairs to take place.
It’s also important to note if it’s the clean water pipe that needs to be repaired or the sewage pipe. That can determine the type of piping that’s used, as those organic compounds in sewage pipes can cause deterioration in certain piping materials. Regardless the true work can begin by doing a system shutdown and replacing the pipes as needed. Commercial piping can last quite a long time, so if the leaks aren’t severe, there are options to do trenchless pipe repair for the time being and revisit the issue down the line if the sealant doesn’t hold.
Otherwise, it’s on to those replacement piping, and these are going to be much bigger and longer pipes than your residential homes have ever seen. Again, that’s why you always want to make sure to work with certified and trusted commercial plumbing contractors with access to the right piping and repair equipment as needed.
Work with us today and save yourself the hassle
For those that are looking for 24/7 commercial plumbing services, then you should consider working with us. We don’t look at you as a client but wish to act as your partner because we understand that commercial plumbing and repairs are a consistent necessity, and you need to ensure the safety of your customers and tenants. There’s no need to put on a poor example with a non-functional commercial bathroom or having the piping into the commercial location not bring any water to the food stalls, restaurants, or office locations.
We’ll work with you if you already have an emergency commercial plumbing issue, and then afterwards, work with you on a proper schedule to come in from time to time to assess the overall plumbing system’s health. Additionally, we’ll check along the entire plumbing line to see if there are going to be any major issues ahead as well. We are your local Australian commercial plumbing partner.
