Sydney has a great climate for small businesses. However, some entrepreneurs that want to start a small business may need to rent out commercial space to set up shop. If you own a commercial building, it is your responsibility to keep it in top-notched condition by having commercial plumbing in Sydney regularly check your plumbing system. One of the worst things that can affect your commercial building is sewer water contamination.
Sewer water should flow freely into the sewer systems underground. However, an unpleasant occurrence of sewage water flowing back into your commercial establishment is a nightmare waiting to happen.
Water should flow through small pipes into your commercial property leading to bigger pipes underground that eventually lead to the wastewater treatment facilities of your area. Every day, millions and millions of gallons of water reach wastewater treatment facilities to decompose bacteria in water then discharged into the environment.
An unfortunate incident, such as a blockage in the sewer system, can cause wastewater to back up through toilets and drains at the lowest part of your building. This can cause a dent in your revenue, especially if your tenants will complain and ask for monetary compensation.
As the old mantra goes, prevention is still better than cure. But to be able to prevent such mishaps from happening, you need to understand first what causes sewer water to back up. A blockage is the main reason for sewage backup. Kitchen grease, disposable diapers and sanitary napkins can cause build-up and result in blockage.
Ideally, water and other soluble components are the only things that belong in the sewer line. Grease solidifies in lower temperature and thus will cause a blockage if drains are not tended to properly. There is also that omnipresent sign in public toilets: “Do not flush sanitary napkins, et cetera” simply because it does not belong there.
Trees planted near the sewer lines can also cause a blockage. Tree roots grow out to seek more moisture outside. Tree roots that go through cracks on sewer lines cause sewer water to stagnate then back up over some time. To prevent blockage, do the opposite of these practices. Do not dispose of grease down the drain and do not flush anything solid in the toilet.
There are also other preventive measures beyond the said actions. First is to install a plumber test plug at the lowest drains in your buildings. Plumber test plugs are available in hardware stores and are much cheaper than having a repair crew fixing your sewer. Make sure that the backflow valve is installed in your lowest drain line. Have this regularly checked and maintained.
If all else fails, have your plumbing line modified to pump water to an upper-level drain. First is to be sure you know where your sewer water cleanout is. What is a cleanout, anyway? A cleanout is a pipe usually located near your property line. This rises from your sewer line to about four inches above the ground level and is capped over.
If ever you cannot locate a cleanout pipe in your building, trusted commercial plumbing in Sydney expert can locate and raise it for your awareness. When the cleanout becomes accessible and maintained in tip-top shape, you will no longer have problems with sewer water backups.
To keep all your bases covered against sewer water backups, make sure that your building’s insurance policy covers sewer water backups. If you are not covered, have your insurance agent inform you about costs and coverage options.
The Department of Public Works is also involved in this situation. Get yourself involved in their programs to educate your tenants about regular maintenance plus investigative practices to prevent sewer water blockages.
