Flooding is a major risk for commercial properties. It can cause extensive damage to buildings, equipment and inventory and lead to business disruptions. In extreme cases, flooding can cause injuries and death. Commercial property owners, managers and tenants should follow these steps to mitigate flooding risks for their businesses.
Difference between storm and sanitary drains
Storm drains are designed to handle rainwater. They typically have large pipes located underground and divert rainwater into the public sewer system. Sanitary drains, on the other hand, carry wastewater from sinks, toilets and other fixtures. They have smaller pipes located inside buildings.
It’s critical to maintain both storm and sanitary drains to prevent flooding. Storm drains that aren’t properly maintained can overflow during heavy rains. Sanitary drains that aren’t properly maintained can become clogged, which can also lead to flooding.
The importance of regular inspections
A professional plumber should inspect commercial storm and sanitary drains regularly. These inspections can identify potential problems before they escalate. For example, an inspection with a sewer camera may reveal that a sanitary drain is clogged with debris. A plumber can conduct a sanitary drain cleaning before it causes flooding.
Clearing debris and blockages
Debris and blockages are a significant risk for storm and sanitary drains. Debris can enter the drains from a variety of sources, including leaves, branches and even trash. Blockages can also be caused by grease, hair and other materials. That’s why it’s essential to book professional storm and sanitary drain cleaning every 18 to 22 months to prevent flooding from clogs.
Other essential steps
In addition to regular inspections and cleaning, there are other preventative steps you can take to safeguard storm and sanitary drains in commercial properties:
· Educate employees and tenants about the importance of sanitary and storm drain maintenance
· Have contact information for emergency plumbing services readily available
· Use screens or guards to prevent debris from entering the drains
Who needs drain cleaning services?
Storm and sanitary drain cleaning and maintenance services are vital to a wide range of businesses, including government buildings, schools, hotels, restaurants, warehouses, churches, retail spaces, hospitals and clinics.
Sanitary and storm drain cleaning and maintenance in Calgary
At The Drain Doctor™, we can help you safeguard your commercial building against flooding. We use state-of-the-art plumbing equipment and techniques for sanitary and storm drain cleaning. We also offer preventive maintenance services to keep your drains in good working order and have 24/7 emergency services in the event of flooding in your commercial building. Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services in Calgary.