Studies conducted in a variety of facilities, including schools, office buildings and sports and convention centers, have reviled similar custodial/maintenance challenges. In fact, the facilities all shared five common plumbing problems.

According to Waterless Co., these five most common plumbing problems are:

Leaky Faucets

A leaky faucet can typically be repaired by replacing the washer. However, if left unrepaired, it can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. And if a hot-water faucet is leaking, it can increase utility bills significantly.

Clogged Drains

In commercial facilities, the most commonly clogged drains are kitchen sinks. To prevent clogs in kitchen sinks, avoid pouring greasy substances down the drain and install a garbage disposal. Usually a clogged drain can be cleared with a plunger, but if not, a sewer snake will be needed to break the clog.

"Silent" Toilet Leaks

"Silent" toilet leaks occur when water does not appear to be running but is being released. To find a silent leak, apply coloring to the toilet's tank. If the color is noticed in the bowl within 15 minutes, then a leak is present. In most cases, a plumber will need to be called. Silent toilet leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each year.

Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets can usually be fixed with a plunger. However, when plunging the toilet is not enough, a drain auger or sewer snake will be necessary.

Sewer Odors
Below a floor drain is a U-shaped pipe. As long as it is filled with water, it blocks sewer odors from being released into the restroom. However, these often dry up, releasing sewer odors. This can be prevented by pouring small amounts of specially made liquid odor block down floor drains every few month.