Grease Traps, Backflow & More: Essential Commercial Plumbing Systems Explained

Commercial buildings are not like homes. The plumbing requirements of a restaurant, hotel, office building or retail store are much more complicated. The facilities are used by more and more people every day. The pipes are more full of water. Any plumbing dilemmas in a business atmosphere is detrimental, affecting many people and possibly the business adversely.

What Makes Commercial Plumbing Different

An analysis of the most key plumbing systems in this type of building and why they are so vital can be seen here:

• With commercial plumbing there are many more large-diameter piping systems to cope with the higher demand.

• The bigger pipe size increases the quantity of water able to flow through.

• Joining two or more hot water systems

• Use of industrial fixtures due to the fact they are stronger and have overall designed for mass daily use.

• Tightening up the health and safety codes imposed by local authorities. Making local health and safety codes more stringent.
• Drainage and waste removal systems that become more complex.

This makes commercial plumbers need to be knowledgeable. Issues in these systems can be enough to end a business if they are not resolved in a timely fashion.

Grease Traps: Critical for Food Service Businesses

Foodservice establishments are required to install a grease trap in every foodservice establishment that cooks food. This includes such institutions as restaurants, cafeterias, hotels and catering kitchens. A grease trap is a device that removes fats, oils and grease from the main sewer system.

It’s important to know that grease traps are important for the following reasons:

• Over time, grease solidifies in pipes of the sewer system.
• Buildings get sewage backup when there are blockages in the sewerage system.
• Fines for grease that goes down the public sewer system are fairly hefty.
• Grease traps must be operating correctly for health departments’ requirements!

Grease traps need to be cleaned regularly. High volume restaurants require cleaning monthly. One of the most expensive errors in the food service industry is to neglect to keep the grease trap clean.

Backflow Prevention: Protecting the Water Supply

Backflow occurs when water heads in different ways through the pipes. Rather than fresh water coming in, dirty water is returning to the public water supply. This can be a real health risk to all who come in contact with that water line.

Proper commercial plumbing maintenance will ensure that your building is not susceptible to backflow problems. Worn out backflow preventers are found by routine inspections before they fail. Lots of plumbing issues that could otherwise be a health code violation are spotted by licensed plumbers.

Backflow can be caused by:

• A sudden decrease in main water pressure.
• Clean water and waste water systems that are connected together.
• Failing or damaged backflow prevention devices.

For commercial water lines, most local codes call for backflow prevention devices. Maintain the back flow by inspection and approval with a licensed plumber once a year.

Commercial Water Heaters: Keeping Up With High Demand

Most commercial buildings require more than one water heater. Businesses need hot water all the time for a variety of needs, including dish washing and cooking. Hotels could house hundreds of individuals at a single time.

The most popular commercial water heater types are:

• Tankless commercial heaters – heat water when needed and never run out
• Storage tank heaters — store lots of hot water

Buildings with a large number of occupants can utilize very energy efficient heat pump water heaters.

Commercial water heaters should be flushed on a regular basis to eliminate sediment. They must also be pressure relief valve pressure tested annually.

Preventive Maintenance Helps Avoid Expensive Plumbing Emergencies

One of the most critical aspects of commercial plumbing system maintenance is preventive maintenance. Commercial buildings are usually on a much larger scale than residential properties, and even minor plumbing problems can cause a disruption in business. Regular maintenance can help avoid costly repairs or downtime by detecting signs of corrosion, pressures, leaks, and worn out parts. 

Regular maintenance is especially important for enterprises that do not want to suffer from unexpected shutdowns, foul odors, water pollution or flooding. Hiring commercial plumbers that are licensed means systems will be in line with local laws and run efficiently. Eventually, a planned maintenance schedule saves money, minimizes operation risk and ensures that daily business activities can be conducted smoothly.

Floor Drains and Restroom Plumbing

Commercial buildings require significant drainage systems. Water from equipment, spills and cleaning operations is collected in floor drains. Standing water is a hazard to health code and will cause slips.

Commercial restrooms also take a heavy beating every day. Regular fixtures include:

• Power saving sensor taps not only save water but convey a high measure of cleanliness.
• High capacity pressure-improved cisterns – enhanced over a longer period of time when frequently subject to abuse.
• Flushing controls on the shut switch – avoid poor flushing of the bottle.

Regular inspections of business toilets should occur even if the customer uses heavy duty equipment, so they can avoid a clogged toilet or broken and outdated tap.

Final Thoughts

Commercial plumbing systems are made up of various elements that operate together 24 hours a day. There are a number of things that need regular attention such as the grease traps, backflow preventers, water heaters and drainage systems. Failure to address any will hinder operations and will be much more expensive to rectify at a later stage. Have regular inspections at least twice per year. Proactivity will keep your business, your customers and your money safe.