Common Commercial Plumbing Problems

For business owners, plumbing problems can be anything from an annoyance to a catastrophe. Small issues can snowball into damaged commercial plumbing if left unaddressed — and once you’re dealing with a clogged toilet or backed-up sewer, your customers and employees are unlikely to notice anything else. That’s not even counting the numerous plumbing codes and regulations businesses must follow, many of which can get your business temporarily shut down if you’re found in violation.

Fortunately, the experts at Roto-Rooter are fully prepared to solve your business’s most pressing commercial plumbing problems. Here, let’s look at some of the most common plumbing issues we encounter in commercial systems, from retail stores to office buildings — plus how Roto-Rooter’s commercial plumbing experts can help you tackle them. 

Clogged Drains

Clogged or slow-moving drains and grease traps are among the most common plumbing nuisances for business owners. Drains accumulate debris and build-up regularly, especially in high-traffic areas like public bathrooms. The result: blockages that can cause backups, slow water flow, and even foul smells or pest infestations. 

How Roto-Rooter fixes this commercial plumbing problem: Roto-Rooter’s team of dedicated plumbing pros has been busting tough clogs since 1935, when our founder, Samuel Blanc, invented the first Roto-Rooter spinning-blade drain snake. Today, we use the latest versions of these powerful tools to protect your business and your customers’ experience with high-efficiency drain cleaning. And if your kitchen doesn’t already have one, proper grease trap installation can go a long way toward preventing buildup and keeping your drains clear.

Leaking or Damaged Pipes

Leaking or damaged pipes can be the silent adversaries of any commercial space. Uncontrolled leaks often lead to water damage, encourage mold growth, and inflate utility bills, all of which can negatively impact your business and property value. What’s more, they’re frequently hidden in walls and basements where they might not be noticed until they’ve inflicted real damage.

How Roto-Rooter fixes this commercial plumbing problem: Our skilled plumbers know how to prevent and mitigate damage from a complete array of common plumbing issues, including leaks you might not even realize are there. We use leak detection tools to pinpoint hidden issues and then repair or replace damaged sections of pipe to restore your system.

Sewer Odors

A foul smell wafting through your business is more than just a turn-off for your customers — it can be a sign of severe issues lurking in your plumbing. Your sewer line might be blocked or broken, and this could pose significant health risks and potentially lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

How Roto-Rooter fixes this commercial plumbing problem: Roto-Rooter excels at sniffing out the cause of sewer odors, and we know how to attack the underlying problem. Whether it’s cleaning out a blockage or repairing damaged pipes, Roto-Rooter’s team has the expertise to solve even the toughest sewer line issues.

Water Heater Problems

A malfunctioning water heater can swiftly escalate into a significant problem for any business, whether that’s a restaurant that needs hot water for cleaning dishes or a gym whose members expect hot showers. Problems can range from inconsistent temperatures and hot water supply to complete system breakdowns that leave your customers and employees chilly and unhappy.

How Roto-Rooter fixes this commercial plumbing problem: Our plumbing experts offer all levels of water heater service, from routine maintenance to complete replacements. We’ll advise you on your best options and deliver a fast, professional fix — all while minimizing impacts and disruptions to your business. That may mean repairing heating elements, flushing sediment, or installing a new unit when necessary.

Water Removal/Flood Mitigation

Dealing with unexpected water in your business? Whether it's from a leaking pipe, a rainstorm, or another source, getting it sorted quickly is key to avoiding more serious damage. Standing water can damage your floors, allow mold growth, and even weaken your building’s foundation.

How Roto-Rooter fixes this commercial plumbing problem: Roto-Rooter jumps into action with fast water removal and drying techniques, using our advanced tools to clear out moisture quickly. Lean on us to manage water and flood mitigation emergencies efficiently so your business can bounce back more quickly. Our team also provides cleanup and mold-prevention services to stop long-term damage.

Wastewater Backflow

Backflow happens when changes in pressure allow contaminated water to flow back into your business’s clean water supply. Contaminants like chemicals and sewage can mix with the water you use daily to cook, clean, or perform other business tasks. It's a serious health risk and can lead to legal issues, including fines or temporary shutdowns for your business.

How Roto-Rooter fixes this commercial plumbing problem: Roto-Rooter installs and maintains backflow prevention devices to keep contaminants out of your clean water. If backflow occurs, our team inspects, cleans, and repairs affected lines to restore safe water conditions. We also perform annual backflow testing to help businesses stay code-compliant and avoid costly shutdowns.

Let Us Help You Fix Damaged Commercial Plumbing

Roto-Rooter’s commercial plumbing specialists have seen it all, and we’re ready to bring our expertise to help solve your most perplexing plumbing problems. We can tackle your most urgent emergencies, answer all of your questions,  or provide regular commercial plumbing maintenance services that help keep your plumbing in great shape. Get your appointment scheduled now through our online tool, or call Roto-Rooter’s 24/7 service line at 800-768-6911 for emergency plumbing services.

FAQs on Commercial Plumbing Problems

What are the most common plumbing code violations businesses face?

Some of the biggest violations include improper venting, incorrect pipe slopes, missing backflow preventers, and using the wrong materials.

What does the plumbing 1-3-5 rule mean?

The 1-3-5 rule is a guideline for drainpipe slope: one-eighth inch per foot for 3–4 inch pipes, one-quarter inch per foot for smaller pipes, and no more than one-half inch per foot to prevent clogs.

Which plumbing issues come up most often in commercial buildings?

Common commercial plumbing problems include clogged toilets, leaking faucets, water heater breakdowns, and sewer line blockages. 

How are commercial plumbing problems different from residential ones?

Commercial systems are larger, serve more people, and often follow stricter codes. Problems can spread faster, affect multiple floors, and require specialized equipment or scheduling to avoid disrupting business.

What early warning signs suggest a plumbing issue in my business?

Slow drains, unusual noises, low water pressure, or sudden spikes in your water bill are red flags. Ignoring these signs can lead to major disruptions later.