As a business owner, plumbing problems are the last thing you want to deal with. They’re disruptive, often expensive, and can damage your reputation if they affect customers or staff. Whether you run a restaurant, manage an office building, or operate a retail store, keeping your plumbing in top shape is essential to daily operations. Consider working with a Didsbury plumber for professional maintenance and upkeep.
Here are the top 5 commercial plumbing problems we see most often — and how you can prevent them before they impact your business.
- Clogged Drains
The problem:
In commercial spaces with high foot traffic — like restaurants, salons, and office buildings — drains can easily become clogged with grease, food waste, hair, soap scum, or foreign objects. Left unchecked, these clogs can lead to slow drainage, backups, or even flooding.
How to avoid it:
- Install strainers and grease traps where appropriate
- Schedule regular drain cleaning
- Educate staff on what should and shouldn’t go down the drain
- Consider hydro jetting for high-use lines
2. Running or Leaking Toilets
The problem:
Toilets in commercial restrooms get used far more frequently than residential ones. Components like flappers and flush valves wear out quickly. A running or leaking toilet wastes water and can add hundreds of dollars to your utility bill.
How to avoid it:
- Conduct routine inspections of all restroom fixtures
- Replace worn parts proactively
- Install commercial-grade toilets built for high traffic
- Listen for running water — it’s often the first sign something’s wrong
3. Broken or Aging Fixtures
The problem:
Faucets, toilets, and other fixtures wear out over time. In commercial settings, corrosion, rust, or constant use can lead to leaks or failure — often at the worst possible time.
How to avoid it:
- Replace fixtures that are more than 10–15 years old
- Invest in heavy-duty commercial-grade materials
- Consider touchless or sensor-based upgrades to reduce wear and improve hygiene
4. Water Heater Failure
The problem:
Hot water is critical in many industries — from hospitality to healthcare. When your water heater breaks down, it can bring your operations to a halt. Commercial systems often fail from lack of maintenance or sediment buildup in Calgary’s hard water.
How to avoid it:
- Schedule annual inspections and flushing of the tank
- Monitor for signs like fluctuating water temperature or strange noises
- Replace older units before they fail — especially if they’re over 10 years old
- Consider tankless systems for consistent hot water and energy savings
5. Undetected Leaks
The problem:
Small leaks in walls, ceilings, or underground lines often go unnoticed until they cause serious damage. Mold, water stains, structural issues, and high water bills can all be signs of an undetected leak.
How to avoid it:
- Have a plumber inspect your system annually, especially in older buildings
- Monitor your water bills for unexplained increases
- Install leak detection sensors in key areas like basements and utility rooms
- Don’t ignore damp smells or discoloration — they’re often early warnings
Take a Proactive Approach to Plumbing
Waiting for a plumbing issue to cause damage before taking action can cost you thousands in repairs and lost revenue. The better approach? Prevent problems before they start with routine maintenance and a trusted commercial plumbing partner.
