Commercial Plumbing Primer

No commercial building is going to function properly without a well-designed, well-maintained plumbing system. Good commercial plumbing contractors can look at the big picture of a commercial building to see how it functions and then design and install plumbing that suits the needs of how that building operates. In this article, you’ll get familiar with some of the basics of commercial plumbing, so you are on the same page as your commercial plumbers once a project gets started.

 

As a leader among commercial plumbing contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region, Varney is ready to serve you and your organization right away. Reach out today to learn more about what Varney has to offer.

 

Perform Backflow Testing

Plumbing systems use backflow devices to keep water from going the wrong way in pipes and contaminating the original water source. Backflow testing is an important function for commercial businesses because it is required by law to be performed periodically. The timeline for how often backflow devices need to be tested varies from place to place and depends on the type of device in question. Working with an experienced commercial plumber is the best way to check this important task off of your to-do list.

 

Prompt Sump Pump Repair

When a sump pump is working properly, it operates in the background, and you don’t think much about it. As moisture moves into the air, the pump kicks on automatically and pumps it out to dry up the space. Unfortunately, problems can occur with sump pumps that will require professional repair. For businesses that have sump pumps in place to keep basement spaces dry, calling a commercial plumber is the right first step when problems are noticed with the pump system.

 

Grease Trap Cleaning Experts

In the food service industry, grease traps play a vital role in the plumbing system. A clean grease trap is a great way to grab grease before it is carried out along with the wastewater, but these traps naturally get backed up and clog over time. Having your grease traps professionally cleaned by a commercial plumber is the easiest way to make sure you don’t run into a sudden plumbing crisis that causes you to shut down your business while it is fixed.

 

 

Commercial Boilers – Installation and Repair

An important job commercial plumbers are tasked with handling is the installation and repair of boilers in buildings that use them. Commercial or industrial buildings often still use boilers for heating power, and it’s important to have the boiler installed properly from the start to avoid costly problems down the line. Whether you need a new boiler installed, an old one replaced, or some minor repairs performed, commercial plumbing contractors are the right people to call.

 

Expansion Tank Installation

Not all commercial water heating systems have expansion tanks in place, but adding one is a great way to get more reliable, safer performance from your system. An experienced commercial plumber will be able to analyze your current system and determine how an expansion tank can be used to improve performance and avoid problems down the line.

 

For more information on any of these or other services offered by commercial plumbing contractors, get in touch with the team at Varney today.

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Commercial Plumbers Can Save You Thousands

low water pressureAs a business with plenty of expenses clogging up your bottom line, you probably don’t think of hiring a plumber as something you do to save money. It’s just another expense after all, right? Not so fast. When used properly, commercial plumbers can save you money in the long run, especially when it comes to avoiding problems with pipe corrosion. Check out the rest of this article for more information on how pipe corrosion can turn into a major expense, and how a good commercial plumber can help you steer clear of that outcome.

When a trustworthy commercial plumber is required anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic region, call on Varney to do the job. As a leader in commercial plumbing and electrical work, Varney has the equipment and employees to rise to the occasion on even the toughest of jobs.

Know the Enemy

While there are various possibilities for how commercial plumbing systems can fail, corrosion is an issue that rises to the top of that list. Mixing steel pipe and water is a sure recipe for ongoing corrosion, which is typically referred to as rust. If the pipes that serve your buildings or property are rusting, failure could be just around the corner.

It’s important for commercial property owners and managers to understand the very real threat that is posed by corrosion in their pipes. If rusty pipes lead to a major water system failure, a huge expense could be just around the corner. Instead of dealing with that shocking expense, working with a commercial plumber like Varney is a great way to stay ahead of the game and cut down on costs.

A Gradual Process

If there is good news to be noted related to corrosion in commercial plumbing, it’s this – major corrosion problems don’t happen overnight. It is going to take a significant period of time for corrosion to reach the level of causing a serious failure. So, that means that proper maintenance and monitoring can help to avoid a big issue, as repairs can be performed along the way on any small spots that seem to be at risk. Investing in ongoing testing and other maintenance procedures is something that should be on the to-do list for any commercial operation.

Many Possibilities

When searching for corrosion problems, there are many signs that may be revealed which speak to a larger rust issue throughout the system. Here are just a few of the possibilities –

  • Leaky connections. When water is seen leaking from a threaded connection where one pipe meets another, that could be an indication that corrosion is taking place inside the pipe.
  • Broken pipe. This is a rather obvious sign that should not be ignored – if a pipe breaks due to corrosion, it’s likely that rust problems exist throughout much of the rest of the system.
  • Lacking insulation. Proper pipe insulation can help to keep pipes dry and free from rust. When insulation is not in place in some areas, or when it is severely lacking, it’s important to investigate to see if corrosion issues are developing.

To work with a qualified commercial plumber that can help you save thousands of dollars – or more – in the long run, reach out to Varney today.

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What Are the Different Types of Water Heater Setups in an Office?

When working in an office, it’s easy to forget about everything that goes on behind the scenes to keep the building working properly. For example, when you turn on the faucet for some hot water, you expect warm water to start flowing within a matter of moments. But what if it doesn’t? There are different types of water heater setups in office buildings, so let’s take a look at the basics in this article.

 

Of course, to deal with any kind of water heater problem in your office, calling in a commercial plumber like Varney Inc. is your best bet. Varney brings years of experience, a professional team to every job.

 

Start with the Power Source

It obviously requires energy to warm up water to an appropriate temperature to serve an office building. The various types of water heater setups in an office can be powered in different ways, including the following options –

 

  • Gas water heaters. The natural gas or propane that serves a building can be used to warm up the water supply. Natural gas is commonly used for residential water heaters, and it can be used in commercial applications, as well.
  • Electric water heaters. In some buildings, it will be the electrical power supply, rather than the gas line, that is used to heat up the water.
  • Oil-fired water heaters. Finally, some commercial facilities are served by oil-heated units instead of gas or electric.

 

The source of energy that is used by your existing water heater will largely determine your options for what kind of repair or replacement can be completed. Working with a commercial plumber like Varney will help you sort through the options and determine the best course of action.

 

On-Hold or On-Demand?

One of the biggest differences in various water heater systems is whether the system creates hot water and holds it until it’s used, or if the system creates that hot water on demand. The first option is known as a storage tank water heater, or just a tank water heater. As the name suggests, water is warmed and held in a large tank until someone turns a faucet to access the supply.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, a tankless water heater creates hot water on demand. When a hot water faucet is turned open, the system will jump into action and quickly heat the water that is flowing toward the tap. Tankless water heaters can be either gas or electric, and they are often more efficient since they only heat up water when it is needed.

 

The Right Capacity

If purchasing a new commercial water heater, perhaps the most important point of all is capacity. The heater needs to serve your entire building properly, so it can’t be undersized or underpowered for the job at hand. It’s important to consider not only the size of the building that is being served but also the amount of hot water that building is expected to use on an average day. The experts at Varney can help with any commercial plumbing challenge, so contact the team today for assistance.

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Low Water Pressure Causing You Problems?

Are you experiencing low water pressure in your building? Whether you own an apartment complex and your tenants are complaining or an office building that doesn’t get enough water pressure to the upper floors, or a large facility, you might need a commercial plumbing repair. Plumbing systems for large buildings are extensive. It can be difficult to locate the problem, which is why you call in the experienced professionals. 

 

Possible Causes of Low Water Pressure in a Commercial Building

There are a few potential reasons you could have low water pressure in a commercial plumbing system, such as:

 

  • A leak. The most common cause is usually a leaky pipe somewhere in the building. If the plumbing system is completely interconnected, just one leaky pipe can throw off the water pressure for the entire building. A leak may be minor or it may be serious, but the bottom line when it comes to a leak is this: the sooner you find it and repair it the better. Water damage can be a huge problem in a large building with multiple floors. One leaky pipe on a top floor can cause water damage on multiple levels of the building. 
  • A clog. A clog can also cause low water pressure. When the water can’t flow properly through the pipes because there’s a blocked pipe or a partial blockage somewhere in the system, water pressure can suffer. A clog may not seem as serious as a leak, but if it gets backed up badly enough, drains could start overflowing and cause water damage. It’s important to find the problem and fix the issue before things get worse. 
  • Pressure valve issues. Commercial plumbing systems have water pressure valves that can be opened and closed to control the pressure. Unless the pressure valve was recently adjusted, it could be a faulty valve that needs to be replaced. 
  • Increased water usage. Did new tenants just move into your building? Did a new office suite open up on a different floor? Is there new machinery being used? Changes in occupancy or use of a building can affect the water pressure. Adjustments will need to be made to account for the additional water usage in the building. 

 

There could be other plumbing issues at play or more than one of the above situations going on at once. It is always best to call a commercial plumber for building issues because any and all repairs must be up to code. 

 

Varney Inc: Commercial Plumbing You Can Rely On

If your building has low water pressure, don’t hesitate. Call Varney Inc. right away to prevent serious water damage to your building. Varney is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency repairs. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured commercial plumbing service with more than 60 years of experience in the business. 

 

Call (540) 343-0155 or contact us today. Varney is always standing by to handle your commercial plumbing problems. 

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7 Signs of Pipe Corrosion

Corroded pipes are a plumbing problem that can lead to more serious problems. Pipe corrosion occurs when old metal pipes get rusted on the inside from years of water flow. The metal begins to break down and will eventually leak or even burst. A burst pipe can cause serious water damage, and a chronic leaky pipe could be causing damage you’re not even aware of.

Would you rather prevent water damage from corroded pipes before it occurs? Look for these 7 signs of pipe corrosion from experienced commercial plumbers who have seen them many times before.

  1. Discolored water. When you first turn on the water in the morning, is it brown, blue, or green? Water that has been sitting in corroded pipes all night will take on the color of the corrosion. Steel or iron pipes produce brown water and copper pipes produce blue-green water.
  2. Water has a smell. Does the water smell unusual? If it smells metallic, like iron or copper, your pipes are probably corroded and transferring metal to the water as it passes through.
  3. Water tastes unusual. If you’re brave enough to taste the water. Water from corroded copper pipes will taste metallic and water from lead pipes may taste sweet. Lead pipes should definitely be replaced.
  4. Poor water pressure. Is the water barely trickling out of faucets and elsewhere? Do you struggle to get enough water pressure to do basic tasks? This is a sign of corroded pipes that have built up enough corrosion and other particles to become partly clogged, leading to low water pressure.
  5. One cause of leaky pipes is corrosion. If you have a chronic water leak somewhere that seems impossible to repair, your pipes may be corroded enough that there are holes. A serious leak with a lot of water could be due to a pipe that is so corroded that it has burst.
  6. Unusual noises from the plumbing. Plumbing should be relatively quiet. Normal sounds include flowing water or trickling water. Loud noises like clanks, bangs, moans, gurgles, or any other unusual sounds are indicative of a problem, which could be corroded pipes.
  7. Temperature fluctuations. Does the water seem to go quickly from warm to hot and back again? Hot water plumbing tends to corrode sooner than cold water plumbing. The corrosion builds up in the antiscald mechanisms in sinks and allows the temperature to fluctuate more drastically.

Save Your Building Now from Potential Damage Due to Corroded Pipes

If the plumbing in your building is showing any of the above signs, you may likely have some corroded pipes. Preventing water damage from leaky or burst pipes can save you thousands of dollars in damages, so it would be in your best interest to contact commercial plumbers right away. An old building with metal pipes should have the plumbing inspected and possibly replaced.

Varney Inc. Commercial plumbers in Roanoke, VA can inspect, repair, and replace your plumbing if you suspect you have corroded pipes. Call (540) 343-0155 today to schedule an appointment or request service.

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Low Water Pressure? Here’s Why you Should Take It Seriously

low water pressureAre you experiencing low water pressure in some or all areas of your building? If so, this is not a problem to take lightly. Don’t expect it to correct itself; in fact, it will likely only get worse with time. The sooner the problem is addressed, the more likely you are to avoid serious consequences like water damage and worse. At the first sign of low water pressure, call for commercial plumbing repair in Roanoke, VA.

Causes of Low Water Pressure in Commercial Plumbing Systems

There are a few different potential causes for the lack of water pressure in a commercial building: 

Leaks

If any part of the plumbing system is damaged to the point of leaking, it can affect the water pressure for the entire building. As water leaks out of a pipe somewhere in the system, not all of the water gets to the source of the call for water, whether it’s a faucet, toilet, or showerhead. A commercial plumbing service can diagnose a leak, locate it, and repair it. 

Clogs

A clog in a pipe anywhere in the plumbing system can cause a lack of water pressure. The blockage prevents the water from getting where it needs to go, and that can affect water pressure throughout a building. Locating a clog and clearing it will require a commercial plumbing service. 

Pump problems

A more complicated problem that can cause low water pressure is a pump malfunction. In a large commercial building, a pump is required to increase water pressure and ensure that enough water gets where it needs to go. Just like any machine, pumps can wear out and fail to operate properly. You’ll need to call a commercial plumber for pump repair. Another potential problem could be that your pump is simply not powerful enough to handle the size of the building. It may be necessary to upgrade to a new pump. 

Obstructed valves

The water valves to the building may not be fully opened. A valve could also be damaged. The main water valves where the water enters the building from the municipal source play a large part in the overall water pressure for the building. Have a professional plumbing service inspect your valves for proper function and water flow. 

Water Pressure Problems Won’t Fix Themselves

Don’t ignore low water pressure in your building. It is most likely a sign of a potentially serious problem in your plumbing system. A leaky pipe can cause serious water damage to your building in no time at all. Clogs in the plumbing system lead to leaks when not addressed. A malfunctioning pump could cause there to be no water at all in parts or all of your building, leading to temporary shutdowns and halted productivity. Water valves control the water source for the entire building and should only be handled by professionals. 

Problems with Water Pressure? Call Varney Inc. Commercial Plumbing Repair, Roanoke VA

Low water pressure should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid expensive damages and loss of productivity for your business. Call Varney Inc. commercial plumbing repair in Roanoke, VA at the first sign of a lack of adequate water pressure. Varney responds quickly to repair your plumbing issues and help you avoid serious damage to your building. Call today: (540) 343-0155.

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Plumbing Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Plumbing graphic

If you’ve ever had to call a plumber for an emergency visit to your business, you know that’s an experience you would like to avoid. The inconvenience, potential loss of productivity, and overall unpleasantness can be frustrating, to say the least. But, there are some simple things you can do to help prevent plumbing problems in your business. Try these maintenance tips and tricks and you can lower the chances that you will need a plumbing service in Virginia.

  1. Look for signs of trouble. Be aware of the warning signs of plumbing problems: leaky faucets, water under cabinets, water spots in ceilings or walls, or rocking toilets. Being vigilant about checking for these signs can help you detect an issue earlier, which can potentially save you time and money in the long run.
  2. Don’t wait to have minor problems repaired. If you do see any of these signs, address them immediately. A leak can not only cost you money by increasing your monthly water bill, but it can get worse over time and cause major, even structural, damage to your building if left unchecked. Call for an elite commercial plumbing service in Virginia, such as Varney, Inc., before the problem worsens.
  3. Keep your bathroom drains unclogged. Another thing to check regularly is the speed at which water drains from your sinks. If you notice the water taking longer to drain, try pouring a solution of vinegar and water down the drain. If it’s a small clog, chances are this solution will loosen it up and you’ll be all set. However, if it continues to run slowly, you likely have a more serious issue. Call Varney for an inspection and solution.
  4. Know your building. Locate the shut off valve for your building’s water supply as well as the sewer valve. Figure out how to turn off the water to sinks, toilets, and other fixtures that use water such as water fountains. Major water leaks can be stopped before they cause serious damage as long as you know what to do.
  5. Protect your drains. If you are a business that services the public, toilet clogs can be a difficult problem to avoid. There are those who will flush items that should not be flushed (such as sanitary napkins or hygiene products), which can cause backups, clogs, and pipe damage. Consider hanging usage signs in publicly-accessible bathrooms, and make waste bins as easily-accessible as possible to avoid unwanted items in your toilets.
  6. Prepare for cold weather. Frozen pipes can be a big problem. But they can be prevented and easily handled without causing busted pipes. If a pipe does freeze, turn off the water to your building, open a faucet, and try to thaw the pipe starting at the end closest to the tap. After the pipe thaws, check carefully for any cracks or leaks. Then call Varney to examine your pipes and ensure that the plumbing in your business is in proper working order.

If a Plumbing Emergency Arises, Varney Inc. Provides Reliable Plumbing Service in Virginia and Beyond

When these maintenance tips are not enough, Varney can help. A reliable plumbing service in Virginia, Varney can handle any plumbing problem you may have. Call (800)456-1399 or (540)343-0155 for prompt service.

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