If you own a commercial building, you may or may not know that the plumbing system is more complex than a residential system. This is because the plumbing is hidden better in commercial buildings and has to span a greater space in the building. Because the system is hidden, many of the signs of plumbing problems that you see in a residential plumbing system are not noticed in a commercial plumbing system. As such, it is important that you know what the warning signs are for potential issues in a commercial building so you can have the issues repaired as quickly as possible. Here are a few of the signs that you have a commercial plumbing problem:

Rising Water Bills

One of the tell-tale signs of a commercial plumbing problem is a rising water bill. If your water bill is unexpectedly increasing, odds are, you have one or more leaks in your commercial plumbing system. Eventually, the leak may become so bad that you develop a leak in the ceiling or from behind the walls. But this typically only happens with major leaks or ones that have been going on for some time. Most are slow leaks that are not visible, so paying attention to your water bill is key. 

Low Water Pressure

Another sign of potential plumbing problems in your commercial building is low water pressure. There are a number of reasons why you may have low water pressure. If there is a clog in your plumbing system, if there is a collapsed pipe or if there is a problem with an incoming water line, the water pressure may be low. Toilets may not flush with as much force as they should or water coming out of a faucet may not be as fast as it used to be. 

Discoloration

The last sign of potential plumbing problems in a commercial building is discoloration. If the water coming out of the pipes is discolored, you may have a problem. Rust colored water can be caused by rusty pipes. Brown colored water may be caused by dirt getting into the water line. And green water may be a sign of hard water or water with too many minerals. 

If your building shows any of these signs, it is time to call in a commercial plumber. They can help to diagnose potential plumbing problems and fix any problems that may be present.