10 Most Common Commercial Drainage Issues

Commercial properties often face drainage issues that can disrupt operations and lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. Here are some of the most common drainage problems encountered in commercial settings.

Restaurants and food service establishments frequently experience drain blockages due to the high volume of food waste and grease that enters their commercial plumbing systems. When not properly disposed of, these substances can accumulate in pipes, causing clogs and poor drainage. Over time, this can lead to more severe issues in the building’s plumbing system.

• Causes: Improper disposal of food scraps, pouring grease down the drain, insufficient grease trap maintenance.
• Consequences: Slow drains, foul odours, backups, overflowing sinks, costly plumbing repairs.
• Troubleshooting:
  • Boiling Water: Carefully pour boiling water down the drain to melt solidified grease (use caution!).
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help break down grease.
  • Plunger: A plunger can sometimes dislodge minor blockages. If these methods fail, call a plumber.
• Prevention:
  • Install and Maintain Grease Traps: Ensure grease traps are properly sized and regularly cleaned.
  • Train Staff: Educate employees on proper food waste and grease disposal.
  • Regular Drain Cleaning: Schedule professional drain cleaning to prevent buildup

Public restrooms in commercial properties like shopping centres, malls, and hospitals are prone to toilet blockages. Unlike in residential settings, people are often less careful about what they flush in public toilets, leading to clogs caused by excessive toilet paper, sanitary products, and other non-flushable items.

• Causes: Excessive toilet paper, flushing inappropriate items (sanitary products, paper towels), low-flow toilets.
• Consequences: Overflowing toilets, unsanitary conditions, business disruptions.
• Troubleshooting:
  • Plunger: A toilet plunger is the first line of defence.
  • Toilet Auger: A toilet auger can reach deeper clogs.
• Prevention:
  • Signage: Place clear signs requesting proper toilet usage.
  • Regular Maintenance: Inspect and clean toilets regularly.
  • Consider Toilet Upgrades: High-efficiency toilets can be less prone to clogging.

Older commercial properties may have outdated or deteriorating plumbing systems. Over time, pipes can become worn, cracked, or misaligned, making them more susceptible to blockages and leaks. Regular maintenance and timely upgrades are crucial to prevent these issues.

• Causes: Tree roots growing towards underground pipes, seeking moisture.
• Consequences: Cracked pipes, blockages, leaks, expensive repairs.
• Troubleshooting: Call a professional plumber for camera inspection and root removal.
• Prevention:
  • Regular Inspections: Inspect sewer lines for root intrusion.
  • Root Barriers: Install root barriers around pipes.
  • Careful Landscaping: Plant trees away from sewer lines.

Commercial buildings can experience burst pipes or pipe damage, which can be hazardous and expensive to repair. Even minor leaks can lead to water contamination, low water pressure, and potential building damage if not addressed promptly.

• Causes: Freezing temperatures, high water pressure, corrosion, aging infrastructure.
• Consequences: Water damage, flooding, mould growth, business closure.
• Troubleshooting:
  • Shut off Water Supply: Immediately locate and shut off the main water valve.
  • Call a Plumber: Contact a licensed plumber for emergency repairs.
• Prevention:
  • Regular Pipe Inspections: Check for signs of corrosion or weakness.
  • Insulate Pipes: Protect exposed pipes from freezing temperatures.
  • Pressure Regulation: Install a pressure regulator to prevent excessive water pressure.

In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate in pipes over time, reducing water flow and eventually causing blockages. This is particularly problematic for businesses with high water usage, such as laundromats or car washes.

• Causes: High mineral content in water supply.
• Consequences: Reduced water flow, lower water pressure, clogged pipes, appliance damage.
• Troubleshooting:
  • Water Softener: Install a water softener to reduce mineral content.
  • Pipe Cleaning: Professional pipe cleaning can remove mineral buildup.
• Prevention:
  • Water Testing: Test your water for mineral content.
  • Regular Flushing: Periodically flush pipes with a vinegar solution.

Tree roots can infiltrate and damage underground pipes, causing blockages and leaks in commercial property drainage systems.

• Causes: Tree roots growing towards underground pipes, seeking moisture.
• Consequences: Cracked pipes, blockages, leaks, expensive repairs.
• Troubleshooting: Call a professional plumber for camera inspection and root removal.
• Prevention:
  • Regular Inspections: Inspect sewer lines for root intrusion.
  • Root Barriers: Install root barriers around pipes.
  • Careful Landscaping: Plant trees away from sewer lines.

If the ground around a commercial property isn’t properly graded to direct water away from buildings, it can lead to drainage issues and potential water damage.

• Causes: Incorrect landscaping, lack of proper sloping around the building.
• Consequences: Foundation damage, basement flooding, erosion, structural instability.
• Troubleshooting/Prevention:
  • Grading Correction: Ensure proper sloping (at least a 5% grade) to direct water away from the building.
  • French Drains/Swales: Install drainage systems to redirect water flow

Inadequate or malfunctioning drainage systems, including blocked or damaged drainpipes and poorly designed surface drains, can impede water flow and contribute to water buildup and erosion.

• Causes: Poorly designed systems, inadequate capacity, damaged or blocked pipes, collapsed drains.
• Consequences: Inefficient drainage, backups, flooding, property damage.
• Troubleshooting/Prevention:
  • Professional Inspection: Have a plumber inspect the entire drainage system.
  • Regular Maintenance: Clean and clear drains, repair or replace damaged components.
  • System Upgrades: Improve the capacity or design of the system if necessary.

Neglected gutters and downpipes can become clogged with leaves, debris, and sediment, especially during heavy rainfall. This can lead to overflow and water damage to the building’s exterior and foundation.

• Causes: Leaves, debris, and sediment buildup in gutters and downspouts.
• Consequences: Overflow, water damage to the building’s exterior, roof damage, foundation problems.
• Troubleshooting/Prevention:
  • Regular Cleaning: Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, more frequently in heavily wooded areas.
  • Gutter Guards: Install gutter guards to prevent blocked gutters.
  • Downspout Extensions: Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

High-traffic areas and heavy machinery can compact the soil around commercial properties, reducing its ability to absorb water. This can result in surface runoff and drainage issues.

• Causes: High-traffic areas, heavy machinery, construction activities.
• Consequences: Reduced water absorption, increased runoff, pooling water, erosion.
• Troubleshooting/Prevention:
  • Aeration: Aerate compacted soil to improve water infiltration.
  • Amend Soil: Improve soil quality with organic matter to enhance drainage.
  • Minimise Traffic: Limit heavy traffic over vulnerable areas.

The frequency of drain cleaning for commercial properties depends on several factors, but generally, more frequent cleanings are recommended compared to residential properties due to higher usage and more diverse waste. Here are the key recommendations:

• Every 3 to 6 months: This is advisable for most commercial properties, especially those with high usage and diverse waste.
• Every 6 months: A good practice for many commercial drain systems.
• Monthly: Some experts recommend monthly cleanings to prevent buildup and allow for regular inspections.

• Food processing or businesses with heavily used grease traps: Schedule maintenance cleaning once a year.
• Businesses with heavily trafficked bathrooms (e.g., airports, shopping centres): Consider annual drain cleaning.

Properties that handle large volumes of waste or specific types of materials (e.g., grease in restaurants) may require more frequent cleanings.

• Most plumbing experts suggest scheduling professional drain cleaning at least once a year for general maintenance.
• For businesses not involved in food service or with high-traffic bathrooms, cleaning every 18-22 months may be sufficient.

• Conduct regular water flushes to clear away waste material.
• Consider using drain jetting services for thorough cleaning.
• Implement preventive measures like using drain traps and running hot water through kitchen drains at the end of each shift.

Remember, these are general guidelines. It’s best to consult with a professional plumber who can assess your specific needs and provide a tailored maintenance schedule for your commercial property.