When you own or manage a commercial building, plumbing issues can quickly escalate into costly disasters. From leaks and clogged pipes to major system failures, these problems don’t just disrupt your operations. They can also inconvenience your employees or residents and cost your business significant amounts of time and money. While it might seem like a good idea to save your funds by fixing plumbing issues on your own or hiring an unlicensed plumber, this often leads to even bigger, more expensive problems.
As experienced professionals in the plumbing industry, we at Harold Brothers have seen firsthand the pricey mistakes that result from avoiding that call to a professional. We understand the complexity of plumbing systems and how even small problems, if not handled properly, can turn into major disasters.
In this article, we’ll break down the top five problems that can pop up when you avoid calling a licensed plumber and explain why hiring a professional is the best decision for protecting your commercial building.
Not hiring a licensed plumber can lead to an obvious major risk: poor repairs. Plumbing systems are complicated and require expert knowledge to fix properly. Licensed plumbers go through years of training to learn how these systems work, how to diagnose issues, and how to use the right tools safely.
If you hire someone unlicensed or try to fix the problem yourself, you may only solve part of the issue—or worse, make it bigger.
Imagine a small leak in a pipe, someone without the right training might patch it incorrectly. Over time, that leak could grow, causing water damage to walls or floors. This could lead to mold growth or structural problems, which cost much more to repair.
Licensed plumbers repair the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Their work ensures the issue won’t come back and cause more trouble over time.
Commercial buildings must follow specific plumbing codes set by local and state governments. These rules make sure plumbing systems are safe and work properly. They include details like what materials can be used and how water pressure should be regulated.
Licensed plumbers are trained in these codes and know how to make sure your system meets all of the requirements. If you or an unlicensed plumber handle the repairs, you risk breaking these rules.
If an inspector finds your building doesn’t meet plumbing standards, you could face fines or penalties. In that case, you’ll likely have to get that work redone which will cost you even more money.
Breaking plumbing codes can also damage your business’s reputation. In some circumstances, the building might need to be closed until the issues are fixed.
Hiring a licensed plumber prevents these problems. They’ll handle the work professionally and ensure your system is up to code, keeping your building safe and your business running smoothly.
If not handled correctly, plumbing problems can cause serious health and safety issues. Your plumbing system ensures clean water flows into your building and removes wastewater. When something goes wrong, it can create unsafe conditions.
For example, a clogged drainage system or broken pipe could cause flooding or standing water, which creates the perfect environment for mold. Mold doesn’t only look bad—it can cause allergies, asthma, and other health issues for anyone in your building.
Gas lines are another major safety concern. Many commercial buildings have plumbing systems connected to gas lines for heating, cooking, or hot water. If a gas line isn’t fixed correctly, it can lead to leaks, fires, or even explosions. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, is especially dangerous and can be deadly if inhaled.
Licensed plumbers are trained to work safely with both water and gas lines. They know how to fix these issues quickly and properly, reducing risks to everyone in your building.
Hiring a licensed plumber might seem more expensive upfront, but it saves money over time. Poor repairs from unlicensed plumbers or DIY attempts often lead to bigger, more expensive situations.
For instance, a poorly sealed pipe might leak water into walls or floors, damaging electrical systems, furniture, or even the building’s structure. These repairs can cost thousands of dollars—and your insurance may not cover the damage if it wasn’t done by a licensed professional.
Licensed plumbers have the training to fix problems the right way the first time. Their expertise reduces the chance of recurring issues, saving you money in the long run.
Plumbing problems don’t just cost money—they can also interrupt your business. A clogged toilet in a restaurant or a burst pipe in an office building can disrupt daily operations. In severe cases, your building might need to close until the issue is resolved.
If you hire an unlicensed plumber and the problem isn’t fixed, the disruption could last even longer. This could mean lost revenue and unhappy customers. Licensed plumbers are trained to identify and resolve plumbing issues quickly and efficiently, helping you get back to normal operations as soon as possible.
Trying to save money by fixing plumbing issues yourself or hiring an unlicensed plumber may seem like a quick solution. Still, it often leads to costly consequences—poor repairs, code violations, health risks, and unnecessary disruptions to your business. The smart choice is to invest in licensed professionals who can handle the job right the first time.
At Harold Brothers, our licensed plumbers solve all your plumbing problems and ensure your business operations remain uninterrupted. We’re here to protect your investment and give you peace of mind.
When the next plumbing issue arises, don’t settle for shortcuts. Contact the Harold Brothers service department today, and let us show you how our expert services can save you money and prevent future headaches.