Plumbing problems can disrupt a business by putting toilets, washrooms or kitchens out of use, causing water damage to stock or equipment, and in some cases forcing part or all of the premises to close. Even a small fault can have a bigger impact when staff and customers rely on the facilities every day.
The effect often depends on the type of business and how many people use the building. Thinking about the risks in advance can help you respond more calmly if something goes wrong.
Toilets and Washrooms Out of Use
Businesses that employ staff have legal duties around welfare facilities. HSE says suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences must be provided at readily accessible places, along with washing facilities. If toilets or basins are out of action, this may affect whether staff can keep working normally.
For premises open to the public, such as shops, cafés and gyms, losing customer toilets can also affect trade and the experience of visitors.
Kitchens and Food Areas
In businesses that prepare or serve food, plumbing problems can affect hand washing, cleaning and drainage. A blocked kitchen drain, a leak in a food area or a loss of hot or cold water may mean parts of the kitchen cannot be used safely until the problem is resolved.
The exact impact depends on the business and the problem, so it is worth considering what would happen if water or drainage in key areas stopped working.
Water Damage and Closures
Leaks and overflows can damage stock, equipment, ceilings and flooring, sometimes in areas that are not visited every day, such as stores or plant rooms. In shared buildings, water can spread to neighbouring units.
A serious leak may mean an area needs closing while the water is stopped, the cause is repaired and the space is dried out. Checking your business insurance can help you understand what is covered if this happens.
Planning to Reduce Disruption
Knowing where the stopcock and isolating valves are, and making sure key staff can reach them, can help limit damage if a leak happens. Keeping a record of plumbing problems and repairs can help spot repeat issues.
Planned work, such as repairs or alterations, can often be arranged outside the busiest times. Dealing with small faults early may also reduce the chance of a larger problem at a difficult moment, though it will not prevent every issue.
If you are planning changes rather than repairs, our plumbing installation page explains how new pipework and fixtures are planned. Our page on commercial plumbing in Poole explains how plumbing for business premises is assessed and repaired.
If plumbing problems are affecting your business premises in Poole, a plumber can assess the issue and explain how it can be put right with as little disruption as possible.