A couple of weeks ago, we discussed some of the most common plumbing problems your local plumber addresses during domestic plumbing inspections.
Homes aren’t the only types of buildings we inspect, however: we also have a diverse range of commercial clients.
And just like houses, there are some plumbing problems that we see pop up time and time again in commercial properties.
Left untreated, plumbing issues can cause stress and headache to business owners, employees, clients, visitors, guests, and customers alike! In some cases, it can even cause business to come to a complete stop while severe issues are repaired.
Our advice? Regularly scheduled preventive inspections. They might be the only thing that prevents costly repairs and serious safety problems from popping up further down the line!

What types of commercial properties do we inspect?
At Watermaster Plumbing, we’ve done plumbing work for commercial clients all over Melbourne, including:
- Retail spaces
- Offices
- Schools
- Shopping centres
- Warehouses & factories
However, there are some clients that stand out:
Real estate & strata clients
Your reputation relies on how quickly you can respond to tenants’ needs. Naturally, you’ll want only the best team to attend to plumbing emergencies on your properties.
Dental practices and healthcare facilities
If you run a dental facility, you’ll want an experienced plumber that can handle planning and installing fittings that meet the specific (and sometimes complex!) needs of a dental practice.
Construction and renovation projects
Perhaps you’re building a brand-new commercial property. Alternatively, you could be revitalising an old shop front.
Whatever your plan, you’ll want to make sure you get your plumbing looked at by a professional:
- Expert advice on the design and installation of new plumbing systems
- Evaluating the health of plumbing fixtures and fittings in existing buildings
Restaurants and hospitality businesses
From restaurants and bars to bistros, pubs, and coffee shops, these types of businesses are highly reliant on effective plumbing throughout their kitchens.
Hospitality businesses also need to rely on a local plumber to deliver rapid emergency plumbing services, no matter the time of day or night.
Naturally, you’ll also want to make sure your pipes are working as intended. Regular inspections can identify and fix plumbing issues before they cut into your bottom-line.
Common plumbing problems your commercial plumber encounters every day
Have your pipes sprung a leak?
Commercial buildings can serve hundreds or even thousands of people each day – that’s a lot of water being used every day.
With that much usage, leaks aren’t exactly rare.
High traffic properties are especially prone to leaks:
- Shopping centres
- Schools
- Apartment blocks
- Office towers
Don’t let money go down the drain. If your commercial property sees a lot of staff and customers alike coming and going, you’ll want to get your pipes periodically checked.
High or low water pressure
Maintaining stable water pressure isn’t just crucial to your evening shower – it’s also important in commercial buildings too!
This is especially important to property managers and real estate agents. Low water pressure is a common source of complaints from tenants and employees alike. And high water pressure isn’t much better – it can even permanently damage your plumbing!
Talk to your local plumber about concerns over irregular water pressure in your commercial building.
Faulty or inoperative shut-off valves
While we’re on the topic of plumbing fixtures that don’t see much use, inoperative shut-off valves are another common problem.
Shut-off valves are an essential part of plumbing safety. When this valve is tripped, all water flow is quickly stopped to allow for plumbing repairs to be made.
These valves are often completely neglected, making our jobs a lot harder than they need to be!
While this one isn’t quite as severe as the other problems listed so far, it still causes issues.
Thankfully, plumbing inspections will help you determine if your valves are working as intended.
Water backing up
No-one likes backflow. Not only is it unpleasant, but contaminated water is harmful to our health.
Backflow is a common symptom of a blocked drain or clogged toilet. And it doesn’t just affect households – commercial properties often fall victim to these problems too!
In our experience, hospitality businesses are especially prone to these problems. Dishes need to be washed and the amount of grime that goes down restaurant or cafe drains can easily lead to blockages.

Engage a commercial plumber in Melbourne for routine plumbing inspections
Watermaster Plumbing Solutions partners with all sorts of commercial clients to offer comprehensive plumbing maintenance, repairs, and solutions.
With 20 years’ experience, our team does it all! From initial consultation through to fit-out and preventative maintenance, we can identify and fix all kinds of plumbing issues prevalent in commercial spaces.
Want to organise an inspection or simply have a question? Call our friendly team today on 1300 156 650 or fill in this form and we will be in touch!