FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
When employees and property managers turn up to work each day, the last thing on their minds is the condition of the drains below them. In reality, each property relies on the drainage systems working efficiently below ground to keep businesses open. Due to the significant wear and tear they face throughout the year, it’s essential to implement plans to prevent disruption for employees and customers.
There are several key indicators that a building is suffering from poor drainage, from foul smells and sinks which are slow to drain, to flooding in car parks and toilets backing up. There are also several different causes of these issues, including blockages, fat and grease build-up, and debris and silt entering gullies. If such issues are allowed to develop, they can lead to out-of-use facilities, overflowing waste, infrastructure damage and even site closure.
That’s why it’s essential to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the drainage system; doing so enables you to identify problems that have the potential to escalate and implement the necessary course of action towards resolving the issue and preventing escalations.
Sewage pumps are another ‘out of sight, out of mind’ element of the drainage system which many businesses don’t think about. Pumps are an essential piece of equipment to transport waste from the property into the main sewer line; without them, the wastewater and foul waste can’t escape. Instead, it’ll sit in a chamber, build up over time and eventually overflow, so it’s vital to ensure the pumps on your property run smoothly.
The best practice for shops, office blocks, restaurants and many other types of commercial buildings is to work with a drainage specialist to develop a Pre-Planned Maintenance (PPM) program. A plan is put in place to suit your business, whether during holiday periods, after hours or when manufacturing has stopped. Your plan could include maintenance services such as CCTV drain surveys, pipework descaling, pump station services, and emptying the grease traps in your kitchens. All of which help keep your property free from unexpected blockages and the knock-on effect they can have on your employees and customers.
Metro Rod has over 40 years of experience working with the FM sector, so we understand the impact a blocked drain or failed pump can have. With over 500 engineers in our network, the engineer attending your site is always local, from within one hour’s drive. We ensure all our engineers are Enhanced DBS checked and carry photo ID badges, and they also undergo regular in-depth training to ensure the best person for the job is attending the property. Not only will you have qualified, highly trained engineers on-site, but you’ll also be able to see the progress on each job through our customer portal, Connect. Connect puts live job updates, photos, job descriptions, and invoicing information at your fingertips.
Don’t wait for a problem to take hold before investing in drainage support. For more information on preventing disruption from drains and sewage pumps, please get in touch. We’re always happy to arrange a free site visit and a no-obligation quote.
