5 Most Common Plumbing Issues in Commercial Buildings

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Lorin Estes

5 Most Common Plumbing Issues in Commercial Buildings

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

There is a misconception that all domestic and commercial plumbing issues are the same. While there are many similar problems you face in both types of plumbing, the size and scale of commercial properties means that the plumbing requirements are notably different, which is why there are plumbing contractors specializing in each sector.

Simply put, a plumber that comes to fix a leaky faucet in your house won’t have the tools and manpower needed to repair and maintain commercial plumbing systems!

Here are 5 of the most common plumbing issues found in commercial buildings:

Clogged Drains – Are much more common in Commercial Properties than Residental Properties because of the larger volume of waste passing through the drains, making blockages and clogged drains to become a common issue for commercial plumbers to fix. Commercial kitchens and toilets are faced with many more people using their drainage systems, often with less care and consideration as at home. This results in massive amounts of waste and other debris being flushed down the drains, which often clog the systems and slow the drainage.
Leakages – With such expansive plumbing systems, often featuring hundreds of miles of pipework, leakages are very common in commercial plumbing. Whether it’s coming from pipes, faucets, sinks, or toilets, leakages are a reoccurring plumbing issue in every commercial property. These leakages can develop into much more serious issues, such as the appearance of rot and mold, that are very expensive to fix when left untreated. This is why it’s important to act fast at the first sign of a leak!
Water Temperature Problems – The size and complexity of commercial hot water heaters means that they are prone to various issues that are very disruptive to the day to day operations of the business. They also deteriorate faster because they need to work much harder to heat all the water, so problems with water temperatures are very common. These issues become much bigger when specific water temperatures are required, whether for products and services or as part of regulations. These issues can vary depending on the hot water system, with common problems relating to the thermostat or the insulation.
Damaged Pipes – There are usually hundreds of miles of piping throughout a commercial property and the larger the property the more piping is required. Because these pipes are dealing with large volumes of water and can be damaged by natural growth beneath the ground, pipes are prone to cracking, splitting, and bursting. Unfortunately, replacing or repairing pipework is a complex and expensive process, which is why it’s always best to get minor piping issues fixed before they develop into something more serious.
Sewage Odors – Problems with pipes aren’t always due to damage – sometimes certain conditions cause pipework to develop nasty sewage smells that can have a massive impact on the business. Whether driving away customers or frustrating employees, unpleasant sewage odors are a big problem that many businesses must deal with. Dry pipes are often the leading cause of this, as is frequent clogging, so always act fast when bad odors start to emanate from the sewage system!

Century Commercial Service is a full-service plumbing contractor for all aspects of commercial property plumbing services. We offer a wide range of services including preventative maintenance. Contact CCS for service today at (800) 522-1004.

Service Regions Available: Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Elk Grove, Yuba City, Chico, Vacaville, Fairfield, Stockton, Concord, Walnut Creek, Oakland, Pinole, San Leandro, San Ramon, Hayward, Santa Rosa, San Francisco

Premier Business Network

Voltage on Commercial Properties

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Lorin Estes

Voltage on Commercial Properties

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

In a commercial property, there are typically several different electrical voltages used to power various components and systems. The most common voltages found in a commercial property are:

120/240V: This voltage is commonly used to power large appliances, such as ovens, ranges, and air conditioning units. It is also often used to power lighting and outlet circuits.
208V: This voltage is commonly used to power medium-sized appliances, such as refrigerators and some air conditioning units. It is also used to power some lighting and outlet circuits.
480V: This voltage is used to power large motors and some industrial equipment. It is commonly used on larger commercial buildings and properties where long electrical runs are required or high-power usage demands. It is often found in some industrial or manufacturing facilities as well.
24V: This voltage is commonly used to power low-voltage systems, such as security systems and fire alarm systems.

The wires used to carry electrical current are typically color-coded to indicate their voltage rating and function. The most common wire colors used for each voltage type are:

120/240V: Black, red, and white
208V: Green, brown, and yellow
480V: Green, black, and yellow
24V: Red, black, and yellow

It is important to use the correct voltage and wire type for each component or system in a commercial property to ensure the safety and efficiency of the electrical system. If you have questions about the electrical voltages or wire types used in your commercial property, don’t hesitate to contact Century Commercial Service. Our team of experienced electricians can help you determine the correct voltage and wire type for your needs and handle any necessary installations or repairs.

Service Regions Available: Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Elk Grove, Yuba City, Chico, Vacaville, Fairfield, Stockton, Modesto, Turlock, Pleasanton, Concord, San Jose, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, Oakland, Pinole, San Leandro, San Ramon, Hayward, Truckee, Northern Nevada, Reno, Sparks, Carson City

Premier Business Network

HVAC Heat Pumps

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Lorin Estes

HVAC Heat Pumps

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

There are several types of commercial HVAC heat pumps that are commonly used in commercial buildings, including air-source heat pumps, water-source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps.

Air-source heat pumps use the outside air to heat and cool a building. They work by absorbing heat from the outside air and transferring it into the building during the winter, and releasing heat from the building into the outside air during the summer. These systems are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, but they may not be as efficient in extreme weather conditions.

Water-source heat pumps use a water loop to transfer heat between the inside and outside of a building. They work by absorbing heat from the water loop and transferring it into the building during the winter, and releasing heat from the building into the water loop during the summer. These systems are more efficient than air-source heat pumps, but they may be more expensive to install and maintain due to the need for a water loop.

Geothermal heat pumps use the ground or a body of water as a heat source or heat sink. They work by absorbing heat from the ground or water during the winter and releasing it into the building, and absorbing heat from the building during the summer and releasing it back into the ground or water. These systems are extremely efficient, but they may be more expensive to install and maintain due to the need for underground piping or a well.

To ensure that your commercial heat pump system is operating efficiently and effectively, it is important to maintain it on a regular basis. This may include tasks such as cleaning and replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting the system for any signs of wear or damage. It is generally recommended to have heat pumps inspected and maintained at least once a year, although more frequent maintenance may be needed depending on the age and condition of the system.

Heat pumps can fail for a variety of reasons, including issues with the compressor, the expansion valve, the evaporator, or the air handler. Other common causes of heat pump failure include low refrigerant levels, dirty or clogged filters, and faulty wiring or controls.

Here at Century Commercial Service, we offer a range of services for the maintenance and repair of commercial heat pumps. Our team of experienced technicians is trained to work on all types of heat pumps, and we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete system replacement, we have the experience and knowledge to provide you with the best possible service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your commercial HVAC system running smoothly.

Premier Business Network

Time Clocks

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Lorin Estes

Time Clocks

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

Commercial property timeclocks are a vital component in maintaining the energy efficiency and overall functionality of any commercial building. As the seasons change, so does the amount of daylight hours, which can lead to inconsistencies in the operation of the lighting systems. This is where Century Commercial Service comes in with their bi-annual timeclock adjustments.

Century Commercial Service understands the importance of having a properly functioning timeclock system, which is why we offer bi-annual timeclock adjustments with our service contracts. These adjustments ensure that the timeclocks at your commercial property are accurately adjusted to the changing daylight hours, so that the lighting system operates at peak efficiency year-round.

Their trained professionals have extensive experience in servicing commercial properties in Northern Nevada, and understand the unique challenges that come with the changing seasons. They will work with you to customize a service plan that meets your specific needs, ensuring that your timeclocks are functioning optimally and that your energy bills stay low.

By partnering with Century Commercial Service, you can be confident that your commercial property’s timeclock system will be accurately adjusted twice a year, and that you will have access to their trained professionals for any service needs that may arise. Contact Century Commercial Service today to learn more about their bi-annual timeclock adjustments and service contracts.

Service Regions Available: Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Elk Grove, Yuba City, Chico, Vacaville, Fairfield, Modesto, Stockton, Concord, Walnut Creek, Oakland, East Bay, North Bay, South Bay, Pinole, San Leandro, San Ramon, Hayward, Northern Nevada, Reno, Sparks, Carson City

Premier Business Network

A flushometer is a type of toilet flushing system that uses a mechanical valve to release water from the tank and into the toilet bowl to flush waste. It is commonly found in commercial and public restrooms, as well as in some residential settings. Flushometers are typically more efficient and reliable than traditional gravity-fed toilet flushing systems, which use a tank to store water and rely on the weight of the water to push waste through the pipes. Flushometers are also more water efficient, as they use a precise amount of water for each flush, rather than the larger volume of water used in a traditional toilet tank. There are two main types of flushometers: manual and automatic. Manual flushometers are operated by pressing a button or lever, while automatic flushometers are activated by sensors that detect when a user has finished using the toilet. Flushometers require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly. This can include checking and replacing worn or damaged parts, cleaning the valve and other components, and properly maintaining the water supply. Failing to properly maintain a flushometer can result in reduced efficiency, decreased performance, and even complete failure. In conclusion, a flushometer is a type of toilet flushing system that uses a mechanical valve to release water and flush waste. It is commonly found in commercial and public restrooms and is more efficient and reliable than traditional gravity-fed toilet flushing systems. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure that flushometers are functioning properly. Service Regions Available: Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Elk Grove, Yuba City, Chico, Vacaville, Fairfield, Stockton, Concord, Walnut Creek, Oakland, Pinole, San Leandro, San Ramon, Hayward, Santa Rosa, San Francisco

Commercial Flushometer

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Lorin Estes

Commercial Flushometer

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

A flushometer is a type of toilet flushing system that uses a mechanical valve to release water from the tank and into the toilet bowl to flush waste. It is commonly found in commercial and public restrooms, as well as in some residential settings.

Flushometers are typically more efficient and reliable than traditional gravity-fed toilet flushing systems, which use a tank to store water and rely on the weight of the water to push waste through the pipes. Flushometers are also more water efficient, as they use a precise amount of water for each flush, rather than the larger volume of water used in a traditional toilet tank.

There are two main types of flushometers: manual and automatic. Manual flushometers are operated by pressing a button or lever, while automatic flushometers are activated by sensors that detect when a user has finished using the toilet.

Flushometers require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly. This can include checking and replacing worn or damaged parts, cleaning the valve and other components, and properly maintaining the water supply. Failing to properly maintain a flushometer can result in reduced efficiency, decreased performance, and even complete failure.

In conclusion, a flushometer is a type of toilet flushing system that uses a mechanical valve to release water and flush waste. It is commonly found in commercial and public restrooms and is more efficient and reliable than traditional gravity-fed toilet flushing systems. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure that flushometers are functioning properly.

Premier Business Network

HVAC Coil Cleaning

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Lorin Estes

HVAC Coil Cleaning

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

It is important for commercial HVAC units to have their coils cleaned at least once a year for several reasons. First, dirty coils can reduce the efficiency of the system by making it more difficult for the unit to transfer heat. This can result in higher energy costs and reduced comfort for the building occupants. In addition, dirty coils can cause the unit to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to increased wear and tear and the need for more frequent repairs.

There are several ways to clean the coils on a commercial HVAC unit, including using a brush or a vacuum to remove dirt and debris, and using a coil cleaner to loosen and remove more stubborn deposits. Sometimes high-pressure air or water may be used to blast away dirt and grime.

Here at Century Commercial Service, we offer a range of services for the maintenance and repair of commercial HVAC units, including coil cleaning. Our team of experienced technicians are trained to safely and effectively clean the coils on a variety of HVAC systems, and we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right. A once-per-year cleaning is included in our HVAC preventative maintenance program, which is designed to help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get a quote for your commercial HVAC maintenance needs.

Service Regions Available: Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Elk Grove, Yuba City, Chico, Vacaville, Fairfield, Stockton, Concord, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Oakland, Pinole, San Leandro, San Ramon, Hayward, Pleasanton, Dublin, Alameda, Union City

Premier Business Network

Power Dead Zones for Commercial Properties

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Lorin Estes

Power Dead Zones for Commercial Properties

Innovative Solar Solution

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

The Electrical Team at Century Commercial Service recently solved a unique challenge for one of our amazing Service Partners. This customer had a monument sign located in a remote area with no existing power source nearby. Being a large Retail Center, the sign was crucial for the tenant’s business but remained un-powered due to the lack of electricity in the area. Slot cutting or boring to bring power to the sign was not an option, but Century Commercial Service was determined to find a solution for the customer and came up with a creative and innovative solution – a custom-designed dedicated solar array to power the monument sign.

The first step was to assess the electrical requirements of the monument sign and determine the necessary components for the solar array. Century Commercial Service’s team of experienced electricians conducted a thorough analysis and determined that a solar panel system, battery, inverter, and a charge controller were necessary.

The next step was to design and build the custom solar array. Century Commercial Service’s team designed and built a solar panel array that was tailored specifically to the electrical requirements of the monument sign. The array was designed to maximize the energy output while being aesthetically pleasing to the customer. The team also took into account the surrounding environment, including wind and weather patterns, to ensure that the solar array was secure and durable.

Once the custom solar array was installed, it was connected to the battery and charge controller to ensure a consistent and reliable source of power for the monument sign. Our Service Partner was thrilled with the results, as the sign is now powered and visible from a great distance.

The installation of the custom solar array by the Electrical Team at Century Commercial Service not only solved the customer’s problem but also served as a unique and innovative solution for a common challenge faced by many Commercial Properties; how to get power to an area where there is no power supply currently. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, not only benefits the environment but also helps businesses save money on energy costs in the long run.

Premier Business Network

Hydro Jetting Services

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Lorin Estes

Hydro Jetting Services

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

Hydro Jetting is a method of cleaning pipes that involves the use of high-pressure water jets to blast away debris and blockages. It is a powerful and effective way to clear pipes of all types of contaminants, including grease, sludge, sand, and tree roots. Hydro-jetting is often used as a preventive measure to keep pipes in good working order and to prevent future blockages.

One of the main advantages of of this is its versatility. It can be used on a wide range of pipes, including those made of concrete, clay, steel, and PVC. It can also be used on pipes of various sizes, from small residential pipes to large commercial and industrial pipes.

Another advantage is its ability to remove blockages that other methods may not be able to handle. For example, traditional methods like snaking or auguring may not be effective at removing tree roots or large pieces of debris. Hydro-jetting, on the other hand, can easily remove these types of blockages thanks to its high-pressure water jets.

Hydro-Jetting is a safe and environmentally friendly method of cleaning pipes. The high-pressure water jets used in Hydro-jetting are able to remove blockages without damaging the pipes themselves. Additionally, the water used in Hydro-jetting is typically recycled and reused, making it a more sustainable option than other methods that may require the use of harsh chemicals.

To start, a professional plumbing company will first assess the pipes to determine the appropriate amount of pressure and flow rate needed. They will then insert a hose with a specialized nozzle into the pipe. The nozzle is designed to create a powerful jet of water that can blast away blockages and debris.

The process typically takes a few hours to complete, depending on the size and condition of the pipes. Once completed, the pipes should be clear and functioning properly.

Overall, Hydro-Jetting is a highly effective method of cleaning pipes that can save time and money in the long run. It is a safe and environmentally friendly option that can help prevent future blockages and keep pipes in good working order.

Century Commercial Service offers several Hydro-Jetting options on either a schedule Proactive Service Maintenance Program or on an On-Call or Emergency basis.

Premier Business Network

Electrical Tenant Improvements

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Lorin Estes

Electrical Tenant Improvements

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

Century Commercial Service is a leader in providing electrical tenant improvements for commercial property managers and owners. Our team of experienced electricians is qualified to handle all types of electrical work, from minor repairs to major renovations.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your electrical systems, install new lighting or outlets, or make any other electrical improvements, we can provide a turn key solution for your project. Our team can handle every aspect of the process, from planning and design to installation and testing, to ensure that your tenant improvements are completed efficiently and effectively.

As a leader in the region, we have a reputation for delivering high-quality electrical work and exceptional customer service. We are committed to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations, no matter how big or small your project may be.

If you’re a commercial property manager or owner in need of electrical tenant improvements, don’t hesitate to contact Century Commercial Service. We are dedicated to helping you improve your property and create a safe and efficient environment for your tenants.

Electrical Tenant Improvements

Premier Business Network

Rooftop Package Units

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Lorin Estes

Rooftop Package Units (RTU)

LIGHTING | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | MECHANICAL

Contact Us

A commercial rooftop package unit (RTU) is a type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that is typically installed on the roof of a commercial building. These units are designed to provide comfortable indoor temperatures and good air quality for the occupants of the building. RTUs come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different types and sizes of buildings, and they can be used for both heating and cooling applications.

One of the main advantages of RTUs is that they can be easily installed on the roof of a building, which frees up valuable floor space that can be used for other purposes. They are also relatively easy to maintain, as all of the components are contained within a single, self-contained unit. However, it is still important to maintain RTUs on a regular basis to ensure that they are functioning properly and efficiently.

Preventative scheduled maintenance is important for RTUs because it can help to identify and fix potential problems before they become major issues. This can save you time and money in the long run, as the cost of repairs and downtime can be significantly reduced. Regular maintenance can also help to increase the lifespan of your RTU and improve its energy efficiency, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Here at Century Commercial Service, we offer a range of solutions for the maintenance and repair of commercial RTUs. Our team of experienced technicians is trained to work on all types of RTUs, and we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete system replacement, we have the experience and knowledge to provide you with the best possible service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your commercial RTU running smoothly.

Premier Business Network

#1 Service Provider

Certified

Leading Provider

Articles & Posts