In a restaurant, the plumbing is the system with the most ability to negatively impact food quality and customer experience, says Ravago Group Properties. That is because plumbing systems are at the center of a restaurant’s kitchen operations and also play a role in the quality of its toilet facilities.
At the same time, restaurant plumbing systems experience heavy use almost throughout the day and endure several cases of abuse from customers and staff alike. For these reasons, plumbing maintenance is vital for the smooth running and profitability of a restaurant.
As a restaurant operator, it is vital that you know the common problems that can happen in your plumbing. By understanding these issues, monitoring them actively, and dealing with problems quickly, you can protect your restaurant from avoidable plumbing emergencies.
What are the common plumbing issues that happen in restaurants, and how can you prevent them?
6 common restaurant plumbing issues and what to do about them
Clogged drains
Clogged drains are the most common plumbing problem in restaurants. Causes include a buildup of FOG (fats, oil, and grease) in the pipes, dumping food scraps down prep sinks, and pouring coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, and paper products into the drains.
To prevent drain clogs, your staff must keep forbidden items out of the drains. They must be educated on the routine steps for daily drain maintenance. The restaurant also needs to have established procedures for ensuring that these rules are kept. Quality sink strainers also help to keep food particles out of the drain lines.
Grease trap problems
Restaurants are required to have at least one grease trap on their premises. Grease traps help protect both private and public sewer systems from damage. However, grease traps can become a problem if they are poorly maintained. A clogged, cracked, or overflowing grease trap that needs cleaning can cause problems like bad odors inside your restaurant.
To stop grease trap issues, clean the device as soon as it is filled to 25% of its volume or every 4-6 weeks (whichever comes first). Do not let hot water enter the grease trap; it will interfere with its property function. Chemical degreasers don’t solve grease trap problems. They complicate the issues and postpone the effects of the problem.
Restroom issues
Nothing harms a restaurant’s reputation like problems in the toilet. The most common restroom issues in restaurants are toilets that won’t flush, toilets that run continuously, or toilets that are partially clogged, and so don’t rain effectively. Leaky or broken faucets and sinks are also a common problem in restaurant toilets.
Many of these are caused by customers. Installing signage to educate customers on what not to flush into the toilet may help. Instead of paper towels, which clog your toilets, install hand dryers. Hourly restroom inspections let you catch problems before they become major issues. Schedule professional hydro jetting for your restaurant.
Blocked floor drains
This is another common problem. A blocked floor drain can pose serious safety issues in your restaurant. If it results in health code violations, you may incur costly fines. Most floor drain clogs are the result of your staff sweeping food debris and FOG (fats, oil, and grease) into the drains.
Proper handling of FOG can help prevent this problem. Installing non-removable screens on drains will help keep food scraps out. It should be normal procedure to wipe dishes before washing them. Running hot water with dish soap into the drain every night can prevent blockage. It is also vital to schedule professional maintenance.
Bar sink drainage problems
Bar sinks have unique problems that are different from the problems of standard kitchen drains. Problems in bar sink drains are mostly due to sugar residues and yeast deposits inside the pipes. These create a sticky buildup, a unique type of sludge that is hard to clean. They also cause persistent odor problems.
Preventing these problems begins with installing a fine mesh in the sink to catch garnishes and debris. Running hot water through the drain several times a day can also help. To stop fruit flies from breeding inside the drainage pipes and infesting the bar, regular drain cleaning is important.
Water heater malfunctions
A functional water heater is the heart and soul of your kitchen operations. Hot water is constantly needed for food prep, dishwashing, and other tasks. Water heater problems can lead to costly downtimes that affect the restaurant’s reputation and profits. Most water heater issues are caused by poor maintenance.
To prevent water heater issues in your restaurant, you should know the telltale signs of impending water heater malfunctions. To avoid unpleasant surprises from the water heater, the appliance should be maintained regularly and by a professional. The maintenance schedule should include at least two inspections every year.
To conclude, the common thread that runs through all of the plumbing issues discussed above is proper maintenance. Plumbing systems that are well-maintained function as an ally rather than as an adversary to your restaurant business. Proper maintenance begins with hiring the right professional to do the job.