Troubleshooting Common Restaurant Plumbing Issues
Maintaining a smooth running restaurant involves countless moving parts. But none are more critical — and often more taken for granted — than proper plumbing. From a leaky faucet to a clogged drain, plumbing issues can quickly escalate into major problems that could shut down your entire operation.
While not all commercial plumbing issues can be prevented, there are some common problems that restaurant owners and managers can troubleshoot on their own.
Common Restaurant Commercial Plumbing Issues and Solutions
Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets are more than just an annoyance; they can contribute to significant water waste and inflate utility bills if not addressed promptly. The most common cause is wear and tear on the internal washers. By shutting off the water supply and disassembling the faucet, these washers can be easily replaced. It's also a good opportunity to clean any mineral buildup within the faucet assembly, ensuring smooth operation and extended fixture life. Always remember to check the manufacturer's manual for specific instructions pertaining to your faucet model.
Slow or Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a common issue in restaurants due to the high volume of food waste and debris that goes down them. Prevention is key – avoid putting grease, oil, and food scraps down the drain as much as possible. If you do encounter a clog, try using a plunger or a commercial drain cleaner. For more stubborn clogs, a plumber's snake may do the trick. If these methods fail, it's best to call a professional commercial plumber.
Running Toilets
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, leading to costly utility bills and water shortages. The most common cause is a faulty flapper valve that fails to seal properly, allowing water to continuously leak from the tank into the bowl. This can often be solved by replacing the flapper valve or adjusting the chain that connects it to the flush handle. If these solutions don't work, it may be time to call in a professional plumber for further diagnosis and repairs.
Water Heater Issues
Hot water is essential for cooking, cleaning, and providing a comfortable dining experience for customers. If your restaurant's water heater is not functioning properly, it can cause major disruptions to your operations. Some common issues with water heaters include a lack of hot water, unusual noises, and leaks. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues, as well as prompt repairs when they arise.
Grease Trap Problems
Grease traps are essential for preventing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from clogging up your restaurant's plumbing system. However, if they are not regularly cleaned and maintained, they can become a major issue. Signs of a problematic grease trap include unpleasant odors, slow drains, and even backups in the kitchen sink. It's important to have your grease trap professionally cleaned on a regular basis to avoid these issues and keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Navigating Through Solutions
Regular Maintenance Tips
Prevention is indeed better than cure. Regular drain cleanings, faucet inspections, flushing of water heaters, and greasetrap maintenance should be as habitual as seasoning your dishes.
Drain Health Habits
- Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down drains
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule for all drains
- Inform staff of proper FOG disposal and no-no's for the sink
Faucet Focus
- Train staff to report and fix leaks immediately
- Invest in high-quality, durable faucets
Water Heaters
- Flush the heater regularly to prevent sediment buildup
- Keep an eye out for rust or leaks in the water heater closet
Toilet Trouble-shooting
- Properly maintain and repair toilet tank components, especially flappers and valves
Grease Trap Good Practices
- Schedule frequent pump-outs as per the size and usage of your trap
- Implement a trap-cleaning routine
Professional Plumbing Services
While in-house maintenance is a good start, having a reliable professional plumbing service on speed dial ensures swift resolution for issues beyond your team's expertise. Such services can also provide routine maintenance plans to prevent the resurgence of problems.
Selecting a Quality Service
- Research commercial plumbers near me and vet local service providers in your area
- Read customer reviews and request referrals
- Inquire about ongoing service agreements and emergency response offerings
Keep Your Restaurant Running Smoothly
Maintaining functioning plumbing is crucial for the success of any restaurant. Restaurants in particular, with high usage and volume of waste, should make it a priority to implement regular maintenance practices and have a reliable professional plumbing service on call. Prevention and maintenance are key to minimizing disruptions and keeping your doors open for business. While it's not typically on the top of the list for restaurant owners and managers, investing time and resources into proper plumbing care will save you money, time, and headaches in the long run.
Hurley Plumbing has been is a leading restaurant commercial plumbing company serving Hampden County, MA. Their team of expert technicians offers top-notch services including drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, grease trap maintenance, and more. Contact them today for all your restaurant plumbing needs! Schedule service online or contact Hurley Plumbing at (413) 737-5844
