Common plumbing emergencies and how to respond

Cleaning companies and maintenance managers often have to deal with emergency on-site situations, and knowing what to do to act fast can save customers and building owners valuable time and money. Plumbing concerns can become a costly repair when an emergency arises and is not addressed effectively.

Here are a few tips for janitorial and maintenance staff who are faced with common plumbing emergencies:

• Conduct regular assessments of your plumbing and make repairs or updates as needed to help better allocate your resources.
• If a leak occurs, turn your water off to prevent any further damage and mitigate work stoppage while you tackle the situation. Know where the shutoff is and train your staff on your protocols so you can be prepared if this occurs.
• If you are experiencing low water pressure in your building, it could be caused by a clogged filter or damaged pipes in the system. Calling a professional can help you diagnose the issue and fix it quickly and efficiently. Until then, you can try turning on all the faucets in your building at the same time to see if that increases the water pressure. If it does, then you know the problem is with one specific faucet.
• Clogged drains or toilets can also cause plumbing emergencies, and they may be treatable with a plunger, but a professional may need to be called if that method isn’t effective.
• Leaky faucets can also be an issue, and it could be a simple fix like a washer or gasket replacement, often a simple job that can be completed in-house.
• Keep supplies nearby to contain the leak with well-paced and organized supply closets that stay stocked with equipment like mops and buckets.
• Remove any electrical equipment or materials that can be damaged by water, and seal off the area to maintain a safe environment for staff and guests.
• When the weather turns cooler, take steps to protect your pipes from freezing in the winter.
• If you smell gas, open windows and add any ventilation you can. Turn the gas off, disconnect anything electrical, and contact emergency services or your gas provider for professional protocols.
• Document the event thoroughly in case a warranty or insurance claim is necessary.

Plumbing issues can cause work interruption or stoppage and expensive repairs, so staying proactive and knowing how to best handle an issue means potentially mitigating further damage to your building and your business.

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