Signs of Plumbing Issues in Older Commercial Properties
Properties built in earlier times tend to have unique features and historical significance. But beneath the charm, historical buildings hide potential troubles in their walls and floor structures. One of the most common (and costly) problems in older commercial properties? You guessed it: plumbing issues.
Experienced investors, business owners, and property managers who identify these signs in advance avoid massive expenses and severe headaches. We need to understand the signs that plumbing needs attention, their specific meanings, and appropriate response times. In this blog, we will discuss all these issues.
Why Plumbing Issues Are Common In Older Commercial Properties
All buildings have plumbing systems that function similarly to veins in the human body. They are crucial infrastructure yet easily overlooked.
In older commercial properties, the plumbing system may be decades old. Old pipes constructed from unsafe or non-durable substances, such as galvanized steel or clay, still exist.
The systems lack the capacity to operate effectively under present and advanced water use methods and technical requirements. Continuous deterioration between pipes results in leaks, blockages, and complete system failures.
Buildings leak a total of 1 trillion gallons of water each year because of aging plumbing systems, reports the EPA. The negative impact on the environment and business profitability goes hand in hand when it comes to outdated plumbing systems.
Now, let’s look at some signs of trouble with your plumbing system.
Unexplained Water Stains Or Damp Spots
Brown spots on your ceilings and water damage on your walls should raise your suspicions.
The damaged appearance of a leaking pipe indicates rot and mold progression, which spreads behind the walls.
Neglecting leaking commercial properties may pose health problems for office workers and tenants and could result in legal consequences.
Slow Drains And Frequent Backups
The issue of a sluggish drain appears unimportant at first glance. However, a building with older pipes demonstrates these symptoms because decades of accumulated debris, grease, or tree roots block the pipes.
Multiple drains slowly emptied because of organic obstructions within the main sewer line. Don’t ignore this. Failure to maintain backups will result in water damage that requires costly repair services.
Unusual Sounds In The Pipes
Does the water flowing through the pipe generate odd noises such as banging, gurgling, or whistling?
Aerated pipes combined with deficient water pressure or shakiness in aging pipe fittings can signal a problem.
In older commercial properties, these sounds often point to deeper issues like water hammer, which can damage pipes over time.
Visible Corrosion Or Rust
Walk through all the rooms inside the building. Stocking puddles containing green and white alongside rust-colored deposits on surface pipes indicate hazardous corrosion problems.
When corrosion occurs, pipes become weaker, creating risks of pipe failures such as leaks or bursts. Once corrosion has set in, it continues to escalate.
Unusually High Water Bills
Water bill spikes will typically reveal underground leaks as the main problem. Large commercial facilities often fall victim to hidden plumbing problems that stay undetected for a long time.
Water audits conducted at regular intervals help organizations find such problems during their early stages. Most commercial property owners find it astonishing to learn about the substantial financial loss due to pipe leakages.
Water Discoloration
You open the water taps, and brown, yellow, or cloudy-colored water begins flowing out.
This usually means rust or sediment is released from corroded pipes in older commercial properties. Running a business that serves food or drinks is troublesome when you experience water discoloration, as this may violate health and safety codes.
Mold Or Mildew Smells
When you detect an earthy odor in areas close to kitchens or bathrooms, it typically indicates mold from an unknown, slow-dripping water leak.
Mold presence goes beyond causing an unpleasant smell since it constitutes a genuine health danger. The CDC asserts that mold exposure leads to respiratory issues, specifically affecting people with asthma or weak immune systems.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
The key action is not to freak out, yet it is essential to take necessary precautions.
Here’s what you should do:
- Schedule a commercial plumbing inspection.
- Document all signs and symptoms.
- Get quotes from licensed professionals.
- Identifying the need for assessment because your current system is behind modern standards.
You can save thousands of dollars on a replacement by addressing plumbing issues earlier and spending a paltry sum on repairs. Enterprise-wide plumbing maintenance must occur to avoid potential problems.
Preventing Plumbing Issues Before They Start
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections.
- Install smart leak detectors.
- Replace outdated piping.
- Teach residents and staff members about appropriate and inappropriate items for drainage.
The maintenance process is like regular automotive upkeep because you do not let your engine reach its breaking point.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing issues in older commercial properties aren’t just a nuisance but a liability.
The combination of concealed leakage and complete pipe ruptures causes operational disruption, property destruction, and financial loss to businesses. Recognizing plumbing warning signs during their early stages is crucial, followed by quick and appropriate actions.
Commercial property managers of older buildings must not postpone inspections until their ceilings crash or their basements start flooding. Take plumbing seriously. Your building, together with your financial budget, will both appreciate preventive action.
Your concern about the damage to the secret water system in your vintage building is valid.
At Elite Commercial Inspections, we specialize in inspecting older commercial properties from top to bottom. Our experienced team possesses the skills to detect early indicators that turn into catastrophic situations.
Not understanding the hidden issues in your property will significantly harm your precious asset and yourself. Don’t let it be like that.
We offer fast and reliable engineering reports that are clear enough for anyone to understand. Book your inspection appointment to receive precise answers regarding your property’s condition.
