The Ultimate Commercial Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

August 7, 2023

Using a commercial plumbing maintenance checklist makes routine maintenance easier and more effective. Checklists include both important tasks and small ones that may otherwise slip by.

Getting Started

Schedules and checklists are foundations for effective routine maintenance as seen in preventive and proactive maintenance plans. While a schedule helps track when a task needs to be completed, the checklist ensures details big and small are not overlooked. Checklists guide maintenance staff through established protocols and can be started at any stage, from new construction design to historical building oversight.

From the Ground Up

New construction and retrofitting projects should incorporate design elements to minimize future maintenance headaches. While not part of a commercial plumbing checklist, designing with the following questions in mind can vastly improve how well the checklist can be completed.

• Can staff easily and safely reach valves or access piping runs?
• Are fixtures and equipment repairable? How easy will it be to find parts?
• Are the right fittings and elbows used to minimize clogs or pressure issues?
• Are piping lines or drain areas sloped properly to encourage proper flow?

Checklist Basics

No matter the type of facility, there are fundamental items that should be included in every plumbing maintenance checklist.

Looking for Trouble

Part of a commercial plumbing maintenance checklist should focus on identifying leaks early.

• Inspect areas and any piping insulation for signs of water damage. This is a sign of a potential leak or an issue with condensation.
• Listen for sounds that indicate water flow where there should not be any, such as continuous running or drips.
• Drains and traps should be free of debris, and clogs in the line cleared. This not only helps with water flow but reduces bacterial growth and odors.

Round and Round

Valves and fixtures need to be tested to ensure they function smoothly. They control flow but are also potential points for leaks.

• Test valves to identify any that need repair or replacement. Worn-out, rusted, or otherwise damaged components increase the likelihood of leaks and blowouts.
• The ability to block flow for downstream maintenance work or to safeguard occupants and property is essential. Opening and closing valves should produce the expected water flow characteristics, especially any shutoff valves or other safety devices.
• Verify that meters and backflow devices function properly. Meters monitor flow and provide data that maintenance and operations staff analyze to determine where maintenance or upgrades are necessary or desired.

Too Hot to Handle

Besides occupant satisfaction, water temperatures, and pressures are important focus areas in commercial plumbing maintenance checklists for safety reasons. High temperatures and pressures create hazards that can easily be avoided.

• Check the water temperature at the heating source and at each fixture where hot water is used. High temperatures increase the risk of scalds and burn to occupants and staff and increase corrosion within the pipes.
• Check water pressures are within a safe range. Too much or too little, plumbing becomes more likely to fail or experience insufficient flow rates. High pressures may cause leaks, especially along corroded lines or joints.

Routine plumbing maintenance keeps systems running smoothly by reducing the frequency and cost of repairs, extending the life cycle of current equipment, and catching potential problems before they progress. Checklists make it easier to track what needs to be done now and what has been done previously. Plumbing professionals at Therma are a great resource for tailoring a commercial plumbing maintenance checklist to meet your facility’s needs.