It’s something that most people don’t even think about. You go into your workplace, whether it’s an office block, a shop, or a factory, and you simply expect that everything related to the plumbing will be up to standard. However, if that was the case, there wouldn’t be plumbers that specialize in commercial properties.
Yes, even the most well-thought-out and designed plumbing system can go awry from time to time, especially if it impacts more than a few radiators. As you may have guessed, with more space to cover and more heat required, as well as a louder environment, it’s often harder to spot the signs of an issue with a boiler in the workplace.
So, if you’re a manager or a shop owner, what are some of the signs that you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to your workplace boiler? Read on to find out!
Noise
Ok, so as mentioned earlier, in a busy workplace like an office, it can be hard to hear the sounds of a boiler in general, let alone if it has become louder due to an issue. However, if there are banging, clanking, or whistling sounds in the workspace that you can’t identify (and there are any of the other issues on this list), then this points to there being an issue with your boiler. You’ll then need to look into commercial plumbing as if left unchecked, that whistling can get a lot worse.
Heating
In the warmer months, when the AC is on, you’re not likely to notice an issue with the heating or notice spots where there’s irregular heating.
Interestingly, intermittent heating doesn’t necessarily point to the boiler just being damaged; it can also be a sign that the boiler itself is overheating. Thus, it’s working at a minimal capacity. If there’s a lot of heat coming off the boiler, call for help, and don’t touch it — scalding on your hands isn’t something that you want!
Drips and Leaks
Far from just being a sign that there’s an issue with a leaky pipe, any signs of a leak around a boiler should never be ignored. Why? Because as well as potentially indicating a health hazard, it can point to an issue with the valve, the seal, or the pressure relief mechanism in the boiler. So, in order to protect your workers from mold that can come with prolonged leaks, it’s important for the safety of your workplace to have any leaks examined quickly by a trained plumber.
Smells
Most boilers will have a gas component to them. So, if you or a member of your staff notice a worrying odor, such as burning, the smell of gas, or another foul scent emanating from your boiler, you’ll need to call in someone for help. This can signify a combustion issue, or a gas leak, so be sure to evacuate the workplace immediately and call the gas company and/or a plumber for immediate help.
Higher Bills
It goes without saying that the gas and heating costs for a large office are going to be higher than costs for a home. However, you’ll need to keep an eye on your company’s outgoings in this area.
If it’s gradually creeping up or has jumped sporadically, this will need to be explored, as it may indicate an issue with the water, a gas leak, or both. It may also signify that it’s time to have the boiler replaced, as a poorly maintained or older boiler is more likely to cost more to maintain.
Pressure Fluctuations
There’s a lot of pressure that goes into a boiler, as it’s needed to move the heated water around the pipes and into the radiators. If your workplace is larger, then this pressure will likely be higher.
However, if you notice that the pressure gauge on the front of the boiler is bouncing around, then it’s time to call in a plumber. Such issues could point to a complication with one of the valves, a leak, or a problem with the pressure regulator. For comparison, pressure that’s on the higher side may cause intermittent heating, whereas pressure that’s too low may cause minimal heating.
Look At The Light
Even larger boilers will have a pilot light. To ensure that yours is working properly in your workplace, it needs to have a clear and crisp blue flame. This signifies that the gas and combustion aspect of the boiler is working as it should be. If you notice that the flame looks yellow or isn’t on at all, this points to an issue with the combustion, which will require you to call out a plumber.
Prolonged Heating Period
Finally, if you notice that the boiler in your workplace is taking longer than it should (or than it previously did) to heat up the radiators and the workspace, then this can point to an efficiency problem.
This could be due to a gas leak, problems with the combustion aspect of the boiler, or even just the boiler being older and inefficient. So, if you spot these issues, you’ll need to call out a plumber and discuss repairs or replacement of the boiler.
Boiler Replacements
There are many factors that play into the health of a boiler, such as its brand, how often it’s used, its maintenance history, and the quality of the installation.
However, even if your workplace boiler appears to be working as needed, if it’s between 15–30 years old, you’ll need to have it serviced. Most commercial boilers have a lifespan within this range and can begin to show signs of decreased efficiency that can be undetectable to someone who isn’t trained.
As well as this, it may be worth having an older boiler swapped for a new one to simply save money, as older boilers tend to be ineffective compared to newer models. So, if it’s been a while since the last replacement, it may be time for a new boiler that’s greener!
