Proper drain function is essential for commercial laundry operations, but drain care often takes a backseat, becoming less of a priority to the more visual aspects of laundry facility management – that is until there’s a problem. Prioritizing drain care can help keep laundry facility operations running smoothly and efficiently, and reduce the cost of repairs for the long term.
Northwest Biofuel takes a closer look at the importance of drain care, and what this means for laundry facility owners.
The Critical Role of Drains in Laundry Operations
Even low-volume laundry facilities can use thousands of gallons of water per day. It’s estimated that the average load of laundry consumes anywhere from thirty to forty gallons of water. All of this water will eventually make its way to drains, along with other substances, such as detergents, fabric softeners, lint, and other debris.
Without proper maintenance, this becomes a perfect storm for creating significant complications that can affect both daily operations and the overall profitability of the laundry facility.
Common Drain Issues and Their Impact
Proper drain care for laundry facilities involves being able to recognize and troubleshoot the most common issues that affect commercial drains.
Clogging and Blockages
The most common drain problem laundry facilities deal with is clogging. An accumulation of lint, debris, and chemical residue can create blockages that can interfere with water flow and be challenging to dislodge.
When not addressed, drain clogs and blockages can lead to issues such as:
- Washing machines becoming backed up and inoperable
- Extended laundry cycle times
- Increased water consumption
- Higher utility costs due to increased consumption of both water and energy
- Increased risk of flooding
Chemical Buildup
One factor that sets laundry facility drain issues apart from other types of commercial drains is the accumulation of chemical buildup. The use of detergents and other cleaning chemicals used in laundry facilities can accumulate over time, creating a build-up that can cause serious drain and plumbing issues, such as:
- Corrosion
- Decreased efficiency of water flow
- Reduced pipe diameter
- Eventual costs associated with expensive pipe replacements
Environmental Concerns
It isn’t just the laundry facility directly that can be affected by poorly functioning drains. Backups and clogs also put the local environment at risk, with the potential to contaminate local water systems. This may also put the facility in violation of local environmental regulations, costing them money in the form of fines and penalties, not to mention damage to the facility’s reputation.
Best Practices for Effective Drain Care in Laundry Facilities
There are a number of steps laundry facilities can take to ensure drains are properly cared for and functioning efficiently.
Set and Maintain a Regular Maintenance Schedule
A consistent maintenance routine is the most important factor in preventing drain issues in laundry facilities. A regular maintenance schedule should begin with a weekly inspection of all visible drain components, including surface-level checks for slow drainage.
This is also a good time to assess if there are any unusual odors or visual blockages, indicating a problem deeper into the drain.
On a monthly basis, make a point to clean all lint traps and filters, which is important for preventing blockages. These simple steps help to ensure that lint and other debris are less likely to make their way deeper into the drainage system.
Quarterly, preventative drain cleaning services should be scheduled to maintain the best performance from the drains. Professional drain technicians can come to the laundry facility with specialized equipment and expertise to address issues that might be missed during routine maintenance.
Quarterly maintenance visits should include complete pipe cleaning and system assessment to help identify blockages and other issues that could become more serious if not addressed. In addition to quarterly maintenance checks, an annual inspection of the overall health of the drainage system should also be scheduled.
Proper Cleaning Techniques
Drains should be properly cleaned on a regular basis to keep them free of debris and functioning properly. Enzymatic cleaners can be used to help break down organic buildup, such as residue from detergents and fabric fibers from clothing. Biological cleaning agents work naturally and are gentler and safer for pipes than harsh chemicals.
High-pressure water jetting can also be used to remove stubborn blockages and to thoroughly clean pipe walls and remove accumulated debris.
Preventative Measures
In addition to regular maintenance and proper cleaning techniques, there are a number of preventative measures that laundry facilities can take for drain health.
The installation and regular maintenance of lint filters is one of the most important preventative measures for laundry facilities. These filters capture lint before it has the chance to clog drains. Lint filters should be regularly cleaned and inspected for damage. If needed, regular snake and auger cleaning can help remove any lint blockages that form despite the filters being in place.
Mesh screens at key points in the drainage system are also effective for catching debris before it can cause blockages deeper in the pipes.
Additionally, make sure that all staff are informed on proper waste disposal procedures, and that someone is responsible for monitoring water temperature and flow rates to help identify problems before they become bigger issues. Flow rate monitoring can help detect practical blockages early, allowing for early intervention treatment before a serious issue occurs.
The Value of Professional Drain Cleaning Services for Laundry Facilities
Professional drain cleaning services can play a key role in maintaining the operational efficiency of laundry facility drainage systems. Different from basic maintenance procedures, professional drain cleaning services use specialized equipment and expertise to address issues within the drain and deeper into the plumbing infrastructure.
Drain cleaning professions use advanced techniques, such as hydro jetting to remove stubborn buildup, and video inspection technology that can identify potential problems before they become devastating drainage system failures.
Commercial laundry facilities that process thousands of gallons of water a day, along with lint, detergent, chemicals, and other debris, can significantly benefit from professional drain cleaning services. Drain professionals can also provide facility managers with insights into preventive measures and how to stay in compliance with local regulations.
The costs of professional drain services should be viewed as an investment, rather than an expense, considering professional maintenance can help laundry facilities avoid costly repairs and downtime, while extending the life of the drainage system.
Make Drain Care a Priority Today
Proper drain care is more than a maintenance issue. It’s essential for the operation of laundry facilities. Proper drain care helps to ensure that facilities remain operational, while avoiding costly repairs. Laundry facility managers and owners can protect their investment by partnering with a respected drain care professional for both regular maintenance and emergency drain system needs.
At Northwest Biofuel, we’re your local drain cleaning experts. Reach out to our team today to discuss how our services can help keep your laundry facility running smoothly, while extending the life of your drainage system.