a commercial building with a plumbing issue.

Commercial plumbing issues in a commercial building can disrupt business operations, leading to costly downtime. Knoxville, TN businesses often face recurring problems such as clogged drains, fluctuating water pressure, and pipe leaks.

At Tennessee Standard Plumbing, we provide expert solutions to keep your commercial plumbing running smoothly. If you’re dealing with plumbing challenges, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

1. Unclogging Clogged Toilets and Drains

Clogged toilets and drains are common in commercial settings, often caused by improper disposal of paper towels, grease, or food scraps. In restaurants, grease buildup is a frequent issue. Advanced tools like hydro-jetting clear tough blockages while being safe for your pipes.

a photo of a commercial building Regular maintenance, such as professional drain cleaning, can prevent up to 90% of plumbing disasters. Installing drain strainers and educating staff about proper disposal can further reduce clogs. Hiring experienced commercial plumbers can ensure that these issues are addressed efficiently and effectively, minimizing downtime for your business.

2. Fixing Leaky Pipes

Leaky or burst pipes in commercial properties can cause significant damage and lead to higher water bills. At Tennessee Standard Plumbing, we use trenchless pipe repair methods to minimize damage during repairs. Leak-detection tools allow us to pinpoint problems quickly and take action before they escalate. Early leak repairs can save businesses from expensive water bills and extensive property damage.

3. Water Heater Maintenance and Repair

Water heater issues are disruptive, especially in businesses that rely on hot water. Common problems include fluctuating temperatures, sediment buildup, and inefficient heating. Regular maintenance like flushing the tank and checking for mineral buildup helps maintain efficiency.

Our same-day emergency water heater repair services minimize downtime and extend the life of your equipment. Our comprehensive commercial plumbing services include regular water heater maintenance to ensure your business operations run smoothly.

4. Faucet and Sink Repairs

A leaky faucet and broken sinks are not just inconvenient—they waste water and increase utility costs. At Tennessee Standard Plumbing, we use high-quality replacement parts to ensure lasting repairs. Installing touchless faucets in commercial spaces can reduce wear and tear, enhance hygiene, and conserve water. These simple upgrades improve comfort and reduce maintenance costs.

5. Preventing Back Pressure Problems

Backflow issues in a commercial plumbing system can contaminate your water supply, putting your business and customers at risk. We install certified backflow prevention devices according to local regulations, keeping your water supply safe. IoT-enabled monitoring systems can detect contaminants in real-time, offering an additional layer of protection.

What Causes Commercial Plumbing Problems in Knoxville?

Several factors contribute to problems in commercial plumbing systems in Knoxville, with many linked to the age of the building and the demands placed on plumbing systems.

The Age of Your Building and Plumbing System

Older commercial buildings often have outdated plumbing that struggles to meet modern needs. Corrosion, clogs, and aging infrastructure can result in plumbing failures. For instance, a restaurant with undersized pipes may frequently experience clogs due to the large amount of grease waste. Upgrading outdated systems and performing regular inspections can help avoid these issues.

Water Quality and Its Impact on Plumbing

Knoxville’s water quality can also affect plumbing. Hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium, causes mineral buildup in pipes and fixtures. Over time, this buildup can block water flow and reduce pressure. Installing water softeners and performing regular descaling can help maintain plumbing efficiency and prevent damage.

Seasonal Plumbing Problems

With Knoxville’s seasonal weather changes, plumbing issues like frozen pipes can occur, particularly during winter. A survey showed that 16% of Texans experienced frozen and burst pipes during the winter of 2021. Freezing temperatures can cause serious disruptions in businesses. Insulating exposed pipes and scheduling annual inspections can help prevent such issues.

Proactive Plumbing Maintenance: Preventing Disruptions

Proactive plumbing maintenance, including routine maintenance, is key to preventing costly repairs and disruptions. Routine inspections and maintenance can help businesses avoid serious plumbing problems.

Regular Inspections and Plumbing Maintenance

Schedule plumbing inspections at least once a year to identify potential issues like leaks, corrosion, or pipe degradation. Early detection can prevent costly repairs. In winter, make sure exposed pipes are insulated to prevent freezing, an important lesson learned after the 2021 Texas storm.

Inspections also help ensure your plumbing complies with local codes. Hiring licensed plumbers ensures that your plumbing system is inspected and maintained by professionals with the necessary expertise.

Drain Cleaning and Grease Trap Maintenance

Regular drain cleaning can prevent grease and food waste buildup, especially in food service businesses. Hydro-jetting is an effective method for clearing tough blockages without damaging pipes. Businesses that generate grease waste should install and regularly clean grease traps to avoid backups.

Partnering with commercial plumbing companies for regular drain cleaning and grease trap maintenance can prevent backups and ensure smooth operations.

Water Heater Maintenance

Commercial water heaters need more frequent maintenance than residential units. Flushing the tank regularly helps remove sediment buildup, which improves efficiency and reduces energy costs.

Keeping the thermostat set at 120°F helps prevent scalding and bacterial growth. Early detection of issues like unusual noises or inconsistent heating can prevent sudden breakdowns. Our emergency services ensure that any sudden water heater issues are addressed promptly, minimizing downtime for your business.

Monitor and Maintain Water Pressure

Water pressure is essential to plumbing performance. Low pressure can indicate hidden leaks, while high pressure may cause pipes to burst over time. Installing pressure gauges helps monitor pressure and ensure it stays within the ideal range of 40-60 psi.

Timely adjustments can prevent long-term issues. Addressing issues like running toilets promptly can also help maintain optimal water pressure and prevent long-term problems.

Call Us for Your Plumbing Needs

Plumbing issues can halt business operations, but with proactive solutions, commercial plumbing systems can be kept running smoothly. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and maintenance keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Tennessee Standard Plumbing is here to provide reliable, expert plumbing services to Knoxville businesses. Don’t wait for an emergency—call us today for preventative plumbing solutions that save time, money, and stress.