Category: Plumbing

Rust is a bad look for any business, whether it’s in an employee or customer bathroom. It makes your bathroom look unclean, and can make a potential buyer or renter think twice before wanting to invest in your commercial property. While most rust stains can be prevented with proper maintenance, if you are the new tenant to a facility with rust, there are several ways you can get rid of it fast. 

 

Below are four different DIY methods for removing rust that can be used at your commercial facility. If you have the time and put in a little elbow grease, these remedies can remove smaller rust stains from bathroom fixtures with ease. 

 

Vinegar

Vinegar is a great cleaner for smaller rust spots and water stains. It works best for chrome-coated fixtures by letting the vinegar sit for a few minutes and then scrubbing gently with a cloth or toothbrush. 

 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a favorite DIY home cleaner and can be equally useful at commercial facilities. By mixing baking soda and water, you can create a simple cleaning solution that gets rid of rust fast. Scrub it into the spots with a toothbrush and watch the rust slowly come off. 

 

Steel Wool or Aluminum Foil

Sometimes a more abrasive solution must be used to get rid of extensive rust. If that is the case, you can use steel wool or a ball of aluminum foil to remove the rust. Soak the wool or foil in water and apply baking soda to the area before scrubbing. The combination of these methods can remove rust without scratching your fixtures. 

 

Acidic cleaners

For tough rust, a store-bought acidic cleaner can help remove rust from fixtures, but be careful. A strong acidic cleaner may cause corrosion to the metal, replacing one problem for the next. Use acidic cleaners sparingly, and do a test spot before spraying them on all your fixtures. 

 

If nothing else works, call MaintenX!

If you have extensive rust and need to fully replace your bathroom fixtures, call MaintenX for help. We can help you find affordable, energy-efficient commercial restroom fixtures and install them quickly so you can get back to business. It’s our goal to make your bathroom project or remodel as fast and painless as possible. Contact us today to learn how we do it!

At MaintenX, we have a special appreciation for plumbers. They are the backbone of our services and the backbone of businesses around the United States. Without trusted maintenance technicians, our businesses and commercial buildings would fall apart almost instantly. It is because of the hard work of our plumbers that America is still a great place to do business. 

 

However, if you’re not familiar with the plumbing trade, there is plenty to learn and appreciate about these technicians. Here are # things you didn’t know about plumbers that may make you appreciate them even more: 

 

None of our daily routines would be possible without plumbers. 

We often take for granted how well our home and facility’s plumbing systems work. However, you are the beneficiary of their hard work every day when you shower, brush your teeth, clean the dishes, or water your business’ landscaping. Without a trusted plumber by your side, your business would operate entirely differently. 

 

Commercial kitchen waste can be worse than bathroom waste. 

You may think the worst part about being a plumber would be dealing with a backed-up sewage tank. However, many plumbers report working in commercial kitchens — where grease often gets put down the sink drain — is much worse. It not only causes way more long-term problems but can smell just as bad as restroom waste when it’s been sitting in the pipes for weeks at a time. 

 

Plumbing can be dangerous.

Most people recognize electrical and roofing technician work as dangerous, but many don’t realize that plumbing work can be equally risky. Pressurized systems in commercial facilities can exert hundreds of pounds of force, and if a part of the system breaks, plumbers are in that line of fire. They also deal with hazardous substances that go in and out of sewage tanks, which means the utmost care to safety and sanitization is needed. Experience and proper training are critical for any type of plumbing work. 

 

Plumbers make a great living. 

Most people believe that a technical college education isn’t as valuable as a four-year college degree. But, the median base salary for an American plumber is $58,858, with top plumbers making upward of $75,000 annually. This also doesn’t include bonuses, overtime, and potential for highly motivated technicians to open their own business, nor does it include the educational savings of only having to pay for a two-year local education instead of a four-year university degree. If you are looking for a new career path with plenty of room for growth, plumbing may be right for you. 

If you’re interested in advancing your plumbing career with MaintenX, visit our Careers page to find open positions in a city near you.

A frozen pipe causes much more trouble than not being able to use a faucet in the morning. Frozen pipes are a leading cause of winter property damage according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, leading to an average of $5,000 or more in property damage when they burst. If you don’t want to shell out that kind of cash for an office repair, there are steps you can take to prevent pipe freezing at the office. 

 

Add insulation

The pipes most likely to freeze are those under the facility, and those near un-heated parts of the building such as storage sheds and near parking garages. If you neglect to insulate these pipes, they will most likely freeze and suffer from corrosion before they burst. The best way to prevent this is by installing pipe insulation or adding it to problem areas of your facility. 

 

Seal cracks near piping installations. 

Any crack in the interior or exterior of your building will cause cold air to leak in and heated air to leak out. This can lead to pipe freezing inside while your office space is closed, as well as higher electricity costs during the winter. Call your MaintenX technician to help seal any cracks in walls, windows, and doors before winter. 

 

Keep temperatures above 60 even when the facility is closed.

It’s tempting to turn off the heat overnight, but this can cause problems with your plumbing that are much more expensive than the electric bill. While we do recommend setting your thermostat to a lower temperature when your business is closed, don’t let the temperature dip below 60 or your internal pipes could easily freeze. 

 

As a last resort, allow water to run through your system

While it may increase your water bill in the winter, allowing a small trickle of water to run through your system at night can help prevent pipe freezing in problem areas. We don’t recommend using this strategy unless your plumber recommends it, however, There are more efficient ways to prevent pipe freezing that don’t waste your money or resources. 

 

These simple remedies can help you avoid the expensive costs of replacing a burst pipe. For more information about winterizing your facility, contact MaintenX today. 

If you’ve worked at one facility for long enough, eventually you will experience a plumbing backup at your facility. While MaintenX tries to prevent these with hydro jetting services and regular maintenance services for your pipes, older buildings often experience plumbing issues as the pipes corrode over time. 

 

One of the most common causes of plumbing backups is the intrusion of tree roots in the main sewage lines. Contrary to popular belief, the tree roots don’t break the pipe itself. Rather, they are drawn to existing leaks due to moisture seeping out of the pipes, and will begin to move into the pipe break in order to absorb the water and nutrients. That means if you have a tree root problem in your pipes, you likely have corrosion problems in general that need to be addressed. 

 

How To Know If You Have Roots In Your System

 

The most common symptom of tree root invasion into pipes is plumbing backups or drains that are slowing down. While this is similar to any other kind of backup, you’ll be able to tell it’s a tree root if you can’t remove the blockage with a snake. 

 

The Solution

 

• Cut roots from inside the sewer line – MaintenX can remove the roots using a snake-like machine that cuts the roots from the inside and makes them easy to flush out during your next hydro-jetting service. While this will temporarily solve the issue, it may recur if your piping is severely damaged because of the growth.

 

• Use rock salt or other root-killing agents – Some tree roots can be eradicated with chemical means, similar to how drain cleaning chemicals dissolve hair and food in your drains at home. However, like drain cleaning solvents, these can cause corrosion and damage your piping further. 

 

• Schedule a hydro jet cleaning – Smaller roots and organic material can be removed with a hydro-jetting service. This powerful spray of water will break the roots apart and flush them similar to the root cutting service. However, if your pipes are damaged, this can be risky. The hydro-jet cleaning can further open leaks in the pipes and cause long-term damage. 

 

• Remove and replace the damaged pipe – The best and most permanent solution is to replace the damaged pipe entirely. This eliminates the possibility of a recurring backup, and offers you the opportunity to upgrade. You can also use this opportunity to insulate your piping to prevent tree root breaks in the future.  

 

Tree roots are a hassle, but they don’t have to be long-term ones. With MaintenX by your side, you can easily remove tree roots at an affordable price. Call us for more information! 

Water leaks are a major hassle for commercial facility managers. They can cause damage quickly and often end in expensive repairs. However, nothing is worse than a leak that is occurring within the walls of your facility. These are incredibly hard to catch and will result in drywall rot, roofing damage, and mold if you’re not careful. 

 

Sometimes internal water leaks are easy to catch — but it’s often when they’ve caused other damage to your facility. If you want to catch them early, here’s what to do:

 

Look for wall or floor discoloration.

This is the most obvious, and unfortunately the worst sign of an internal water leak. If the leak has gotten to the point where it is visibly causing discoloration or even puddles, that means a major pipe has been damaged and replacement of both the piping and the wall or flooring will likely be necessary. While this is an inconvenience, it can be repaired with the MaintenX plumbing and renovations team. 

 

Feel for changes in texture. 

If water is leaking within your walls, the texture of drywall and other materials is likely to change. You may notice that the wall is bubbling or puckering in certain places, or that it feels softer than areas adjacent to it. If so, the leak is likely nearby. 

 

Be wary of musty smells.

If you smell something musty or generally off but can’t find the source, a water leak may be the culprit. As the water absorbs into the wall, it doesn’t have a chance to dry out. Instead it will develop a mildewy odor which can signal you to a leak within the wall. While the musty odor may not be caused by water damage, it’s best to contact your plumber to confirm, so that a small leak doesn’t turn into a major disaster. 

 

Watch your water bill. 

Do you suspect there is a leak in your facility due to an unusually high water bill? This is often the case for smaller leaks, where physical signs aren’t apparent but you’re paying significantly more for water than you typically do. Even small leaks can waste gallons of water a day. If you’re suspicious, go ahead and call your MaintenX plumber. If it’s not a water leak, there is likely something else we can do to help get your water bill back to normal. 

 

Don’t take these signs of water leaks lightly — the sooner you call us, the easier your repair process will be. For more questions about commercial plumbing, contact us. 

Rats! There is nothing worse than having a toilet overflow at the office and no idea how to stop it. At home, this is just a hassle, but at a place of business, it can permanently damage your reputation with employees and customers. If you’re in the midst of a toilet overflow, the most important thing to do is to stop it fast. 

 

If you have an overflowing toilet and are looking for help to stop it, here’s what you need to do immediately: 

 

• Remove the toilet lid and set it somewhere safe.

 

• Press the flapper (the rubber piece at the bottom) into the center of the tank to prevent more water from entering the toilet bowl. The water inside the tank is sanitary, so you don’t have to worry about washing your hands immediately after. This will hopefully stop the water from overflowing (or at least stop it from overflowing further).

 

• Lift the float that operates the tank fill valve. This will allow the excess water to drain and hopefully, this will alleviate the problem until the plumber arrives. Once the water is drained you should be able to get go of the float and flush as normal. 

 

• If the water doesn’t start to go down, you may have to shut off the water supply to that toilet so it doesn’t overflow. It should be located near the floor. To turn off the water supply, turn the valve clockwise. If you can’t reach it, get someone to hold the tank valve float while you turn it. 

 

• If you believe a blockage caused the overflow, try plunging the toilet to get the water level back to normal. However, if multiple drains are experiencing issues or if the toilet is draining from one drain to another, it’s time to call your MaintenX plumber. 

 

While you wait for your MaintenX technician to arrive, it’s important to not use any other sink or toilet as you may cause further overflows. Our team should arrive in a matter of minutes or hours to resolve the issue depending on the time of day. However, even a temporary facility closure is worth it to ensure your employees and customers are safe. 

 

If you experience plumbing issues now or in the future, contact your local MaintenX plumbers!

It’s normal for your facility’s massive plumbing system to make noise from time to time. Your pipes are under a great deal of stress, especially in larger facilities, and you can expect the occasional gurgling or rushing noise from your bathrooms and commercial kitchen. However, sometimes the noises in your pipes are indicative of something serious going on below the surface. 

 

If you notice any of these four sounds coming from your pipes, it may be time to call a plumber. Be on the lookout, and let your MaintenX plumber know during your next check-up if any sounds start to arise out of the blue or more than once. 

 

Gurgling – blocked or sluggish sewage lines

Toilets will often gurgle right after flushing, but if you notice this noise before you flush, or if you hear it near a sink, it could mean your pipes are getting clogged. Luckily, this can easily be fixed with a snaking or hydro jet cleaning service. 

 

Dripping water – Internal pipe leak

Most people notice a dripping faucet and know it’s time to call a plumber. However, you may not always see the leak before it becomes problematic for your facility. If you hear a dripping noise but can’t locate the source, contact MaintenX for an onsite consultation. You may have a leaking pipe internally that’s causing water damage from within the walls. 

 

Banging or clanking near the hot water heater – Mineral deposit buildup

Hot water heaters occasionally make noise as they get older due to mineral deposit buildup moving around inside the tank. It may not be serious, but you should always contact your MaintenX plumber if you hear any loud noises coming from the hot water heater. You don’t want to neglect hot water heater care and have a major leak on your hands eventually. 

 

Hissing – leak outside the building 

If you hear a hissing noise coming from your pipes, it means that a leak is likely causing water to rush out of the system. Typically you would notice this leak, but if you can’t locate the source, check outside. You may be experiencing a leak outside the building that is wasting water by the minute. Even if you’re unsure of the cause, give MaintenX a call to ensure your pipes are in tip-top shape. 

 

MaintenX can help you solve any plumbing issue at your commercial facility. For more information or to schedule your next consultation, contact us. 

Sewage is the one thing that no facility manager wants to deal with on a workday. With any luck, you are working with a top-notch MaintenX team that performs regular preventative care services on your plumbing system. However, if you’re coming to us for the first time due to a plumbing issue, we are excited to get you back on track and hopefully avoid future sewage issues in the future. 

 

If you are suspicious of a clogged sewer line, these warning signs can help you diagnose and determine whether the issue is worth a service call. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your MaintenX team immediately: 

 

Multiple drains are slow.

If you have one drain at your facility that is slow, you more than likely have a simple clog near the surface. It could be hair, grease, or food in the case of a commercial kitchen. However, if multiple drains throughout the facility are slow or backing up, it is likely an issue with the main sewer line. 

 

Wastewater is backing up in one drain when another is in use. 

If water is backing up into the office sink every time you use the bathroom, there is likely a deeper issue going on. This could be a sign that your system is clogged, or that it has a break and is not draining properly. Either way, it’s important to notify your MaintenX team of the issue before it gets worse. 

 

Your sink smells funny, even when it’s clean. 

Commercial kitchen sinks and office sinks can start to develop an odor over time, especially if they are in heavy use between cleanings. However, if you start to notice a rotten smell coming from your sink at all times, it may be time to call the plumber. Your sewage may be backing up which is not only nasty, but can lead to expensive plumbing repairs if left unchecked. 

 

You hear a gurgling noise coming from the bathroom or kitchen.

Gurgling noises are never a good sign within a commercial facility. If you hear one coming from a drain such as a bathroom toilet or kitchen sink, call your plumber immediately. This is likely a sign that your plumbing will soon back up, which is something you don’t want to take lightly. 

 

Luckily, With MaintenX by your side, you never have to worry about plumbing disasters. We provide preventative care services including regular inspections and hydro jet cleaning to ensure your plumbing is in tip-top shape. And, if you do ever have a sewage leak or backflow, we are available 24/7 for your plumbing emergencies. Nobody has better plumbing service than your MaintenX team! 

At one point during your facility management career, you are likely to come across a plumbing emergency for your facility. Whether it is a minor leak or a disaster that warrants a shutdown, as the leader of your maintenance team you want to be prepared for the unexpected. Plumbing emergencies not only compromise employee health but can be incredibly costly if not handled correctly. Below are five things you need to do as soon as you notice a plumbing problem at your facility: 

 

Turn off the water immediately. 

The first thing to do in a plumbing emergency is turn off the water source as soon as possible. This will stop the damage from spreading, or at least minimize the leak or pipe burst from causing extreme issues. While it may cause some short-term inconvenience, you’ll be glad you did this when your entire floor isn’t flooded. 

 

Call your plumber.

Once the water is turned off to prevent further issues, the next step is to call your MaintenX plumber. You shouldn’t wait to see if you can identify the issue or fix it yourself. In all likelihood, you’ll need to call your plumber no matter what, and the more time you wait, the longer you’ll be without water or restroom facilities. Call your plumber within minutes of realizing the emergency to ensure you get the fastest service. 

 

Turn off the water heater. 

Once the main line is off, you’ll also need to turn off the water heater to prevent overheating. The heater may even be the source of the issue, so it’s important to reach it or notify your plumber if you’re unable to do so as soon as they arrive. 

 

Call the city to determine if there’s an issue with the main lines.

Sometimes plumbing issues are caused by the city’s main water lines rather than the system within the facility itself. If you have not been notified of an issue yet, contact the city to determine if they are aware of any issues. They may cover the costs or even send their own plumber out to fix the issue. 

 

Backtrack to determine the cause of the issue. 

During a plumbing emergency, often information is difficult for the plumber to obtain. Facility managers can get flustered in the heat of the moment, but you need to provide as much background information as possible in order to help them diagnose the issue. Talk to employees and determine any prior plumbing issues that may have led to the emergency. With this information, you can help your plumber fix the issue sooner. 

 

MaintenX will always be there for your plumbing emergencies and preventative care service. To learn more about ways to prevent plumbing emergencies at your facilities, contact us today!

The plumbing system is one of the most important parts of any commercial facility. It provides the sanitization needed for bathrooms, kitchens, and other parts of the facility and maintains the high standard of cleanliness that commercial facilities must uphold. Because these systems are so vital to the daily operations of your business, it is necessary to keep them adequately maintained. 

 

What should I expect from my MaintenX plumbing specialists?

MaintenX specializes in preventative maintenance for plumbing systems as well as emergency repair. We typically recommend preventative services every six months to a year to check insulation, prevent leaks, clean out piping, and replace worn parts as necessary. These preventative steps can help your facility’s plumbing run more efficiently and stop pipes from bursting from wear and tear. 

 

What To NOT Expect From Your Plumbing Services

At MaintenX we strive to provide the best possible preventative care so you rarely have to worry about plumbing problems. However, even the best preventative maintenance cannot stop all emergencies from happening, and cannot extend a systems’ service life beyond its capacity. It’s important to keep in mind your systems’ incredible workload and limitations when planning for preventative care. 

 

Despite our best efforts, plumbing emergencies can and do happen and piping will have to be replaced as it begins to break down. We also have many clients who believe that measures such as plumbing insulation and hydro jet cleaning are not necessary for their system to work properly. We highly recommend these services for commercial buildings. Without them, your facility will suffer as a whole.

 

How to Keep Your Plumbing System in Tip-Top Shape

The best thing you can do to lower your plumbing costs is to invest in preventative care and cleaning services. Many clients expect their plumbing systems to run efficiently on their own, but in our experience a little bit of maintenance goes a long way. If you’d like to learn more ways you can be proactive with your plumbing, contact MaintenX today!