As commercial plumbers, we are consistently traveling throughout Massachusetts working with schools, businesses, hospitals, and industrial locations. As we perform maintenance, inspections, and new installations, we often hear some questions from our clients about their plumbing system. We have collected a few of these questions and put them here.
What Is A Slab Leak?
A slab is just another name for the concrete foundation that a building is built on top of. Underneath the concrete foundation, there are often a variety of plumbing system elements including water and sewer lines. A slab leak is when one of these lines breaks or deteriorates enough that there is now flowing water underneath the concrete foundation of the property. This can immediately cause structural issues for the property and is considered an emergency plumbing issue.
What Is Repiping?
As the name suggests, repiping is the process of replacing the piping of a plumbing system with new pipes. Repiping generally refers to removing and replacing all of the water lines in a property. This is done to solve issues with existing piping. In some cases, the commercial plumber will suggest using a different piping material. Repiping doesn’t solve all issues with plumbing and is really used to solve issues with leaking, corroded, or burst pipes.
Are Caustic Drain Cleaners Effective?
A caustic drain cleaner is a product made with lye and caustic potash. Because the pH of these substances is basic, they can break down clogs. However, they are not recommended by most commercial or residential plumbers as they can also cause pipe erosion. They also can harm occupants if used incorrectly. Generally, the best thing to do if pipes are clogged is to call a plumber to handle them.
At What Temperature Should Water Heaters Be Set?
Most water heater manufacturers recommend that you set their temperature to 120 degrees to avoid potential burns. Although depending on your business and industry there may be reasons to set higher.
How Often Should I Schedule A Plumbing Inspection?
Plumbing inspections can prevent damage to your plumbing system and prevent expensive repairs down the road. You should schedule a plumbing inspection before any remodeling or construction work. Aside from that, it is generally recommended that you should schedule a plumbing inspection once every two years for your commercial property.
Contact North Shore Mechanical Contractors
If you have questions about plumbing or need plumbing services for your commercial or industrial location, please contact North Shore Mechanical Contractors. We are an employee-owned business that provides inspections, maintenance, and installation services throughout Massachusetts. Contact us for more information.