Residences and houses have a consistent maintenance schedule, which includes timely drain cleaning. This helps keep the property clean and stench-free as well as hygienic.
When it comes to commercial buildings, the same logic applies. Most metropolitan cities are home to hundreds of high-rise office spaces, where it is all the more important to maintain drains. Why? There are a few reasons.
Appearance
Tall buildings have a cobweb of pipelines in place and leakage or a clogged drain can be very chaotic. Not to mention, the foul smell and any outward damage caused can risk the reputation of the commercial complex and affect the routine functioning of businesses every day.
Flooding
Storm drains collect rainwater and prevent flooding around office buildings. This is especially the case in humid cities as well as places where there is heavy snowfall. Malfunctioning storm drains can cause water to penetrate the interiors, damaging expensive appliances and furniture. The build-up of sludge and malodour is particularly distasteful and detrimental.
When water from clogged drains rises outside, it can erode pavements and exude into parking lots, ruining tyres and distressing pedestrians and drivers.
Compromised Hygiene
Sludge build-up is also pernicious to the health and wellbeing of inhabitants. Sludge is composed of dirt, waste that accumulates from lavatories and water mineral deposits. When drains are not cleaned regularly, the bacteria and toxic chemicals formed in the sludge could cause a number of ailments and infections to spread. This is a biohazard in commercial properties, even more so for buildings that are involved in food processing or packaging.
Blockage
Blocked drains are the precursors to blocked pipes. When a drain is not maintained regularly, it lines up pipes with waste that does not ultimately reach the drains. In institutions that are involved with food preparation, FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) accrue in the pipes. As pipes get filled with such materials, the pressure inside builds up. Blockages, thus, can result in small leaks to bigger disasters that can be a threat to the property and the people inside.
With several ill effects associated with irregular drain maintenance, how do you pinpoint when a drain cleaning is due? The following are good signs:
- Sinks, drains and other outlets may emanate a stench, similar to that of sulphur
- Water bubbles inside sinks or there is a prolonged period of time before water drains
- Rippling/ gurgling sounds heard from the plugs after water is drained
- When flushed, toilets fill up to the brim, or, even overflow
Commercial properties need to pay attention to drain problems as they are areas that are used by the public, en masse. Moreover, poorly maintained office buildings depreciate in value and cause distress amongst the dwellers.
To prevent drain maintenance from becoming a major concern, it is wise to schedule regular cleaning. In general, once, over every 18- to 22-month-period, is recommended. However, more cautious building owners may schedule cleaning once or twice over a year.
If you are unsure as to how often your drain must be maintained or have a specific issue that must be addressed, speak with an agent from a trusted drain-maintenance company, such as Draincom.
