maintenance

In many coastal regions, the corrosive effects of saltwater can deteriorate the plumbing systems over time. To combat the massive damage, contractors, plumbers, and other relevant construction professionals often build plumbing systems in these areas with specialized materials and components that can withstand harsh conditions.   

One of the most significant components that play a critical role in the durability and functionality of a coastal plumbing system is the exterior access door. In this blog post, you’ll discover the importance of exterior doors in coastal areas and how to properly maintain and repair it to keep or boost the value of your client’s water pipe facilities.  

What is an exterior access door?  

Exterior access doors can grant access to the interior of a building from outside. In the context of plumbing systems, exterior access doors are typically installed outside the establishment to provide easy access to the plumbing system.   

You can often locate these doors near the main water shut-off valve, pipes, or other plumbing system components. Exterior access doors like Babcock-Davis coastal zone exterior access door may come in various sizes and materials, depending on the particular prerequisites of the plumbing system and the property itself.   

Moreover, experts designed them to be durable and weather-resistant to stand firm against the intense weather conditions in coastal areas, where the doors are vulnerable to saltwater, wind, and other environmental factors.  

Four crucial benefits of exterior access doors to coastal plumbing systems are:   

• Inspection and maintenance: Exterior access doors authorize plumbers and maintenance personnel to inspect and perform plumbing system maintenance without entering the client’s structure. Regular upkeeping is especially vital in coastal areas where the saltwater can cause damage to the plumbing system in the long run, requiring periodic maintenance and inspection.  
• Emergency access: In a plumbing emergency, like a pipe bursting or any significant leakage, exterior access doors give emergency responders quick access to your client’s central water system, allowing them to shut off the water supply and control further damage.  
• Corrosion prevention: Exterior access doors can also help deter corrosion by furnishing a barrier between the plumbing system and the corrosive saltwater environment.  
• Compliance with building codes: Installing exterior access doors for your plumbing system can help you comply with building codes. Part of these is the commercial establishments built around the coastal areas to ensure safety and maintenance standards compliance. 

How to properly maintain or repair the exterior access doors in coastal plumbing areas?  

Appropriate maintenance and repair of exterior access doors in coastal plumbing systems are crucial to guarantee the functionality and longevity of the coastal building’s plumbing system. Here are some tips to correctly maintain and repair the exterior access doors for your plumbing project:  

• Tip #1 Regular Inspection: Advice your clients to make it a habit to inspect the exterior access doors, so they can secure that essential facilities are always in good performance condition. When checking, look for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, corrosion, or damage to the door or surrounding area. Ensure the door closes and seals adequately to prevent water from penetrating the plumbing system.
• Tip #2 Cleaning: Routine cleaning of exterior access doors is critical in coastal areas. The door isn’t safe from accumulating salt water and other debris, which can eventually lead to corrosion or further deterioration. Clean the door regularly with mild detergent and water to remove residue or buildup.

• Tip #3 Lubrication: Lubricate the hinges and locks of the exterior access door frequently to guarantee smooth operation. You must use a silicone-based lubricant to discourage corrosion and rust from building up.  
• Tip #4 Repair or Replace Damaged Doors: If any wear, tear, leakage, or other damages are found during the inspection, repair or replace the damaged door immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to more severe impairments and expensive restorations. 
• Tip #5 Upgrade to Corrosion-Resistant Doors: Consider increasing the quality of your project’s door to corrosion-resistant exterior access doors. These doors are made to defy extreme conditions in coastal areas and are less likely to corrode or rust in long-term use.  

Take better of your exterior access doors and coastal plumbing system.  

Regularly inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating exterior access doors, repairing or replacing damaged doors, and upgrading to corrosion-resistant doors can significantly contribute to always keeping the components performance of coastal plumbing systems intact. Remember to follow the tips we shared, so you can ensure that the exterior access doors in the plumbing system of your coastal projects are well-maintained and operating as intended. 

Trade professionals understand that the plumbing system requires monthly routine checks to keep them highly functional, especially the removable flush valve panel which plays a vital role in regulating water flow into the toilet bowl. Due to frequent use, they become prone to wear and tear or total damage. Here are four often overlooked methods to extend your removable flush valve panel’s lifespan. 

1. Check for Wear, and Tear

The valve panel that connects to the toilet tank has a rubber gasket that easily gets worn out. You need to regularly check it and ensure there are no cracks, warps, and Wear and tear, which may cause water to leak. If it shows any signs of a damaged rubber gasket, call your plumber immediately to have it fixed or replaced to avoid further damage. 

2. Use the Right Tools 

Your plumbing system may be durable enough to handle pressure, but the entire system comprises complex and sturdy materials. They are tool-sensitive, which makes them delicate enough for breakage or any form of damage. Thus, it is advisable that you must invest in the right plumbing tools and have them ready in case of emergency, especially if your area does not have an on-call plumber who can help you fix the removable flush valve panel. 

3. Book a Maintenance and Repair Team

Your plumbing system requires the best and most skilled professionals who can thoroughly clean the removable flush valve panel, which may have debris and mineral deposits that may cause it to malfunction. 

There are numerous ways to safely and efficiently remove the valve panel. However, it is not advisable to follow any do-it-yourself method as it may cause problems to the system, and you might end up paying more to fix it. Thus, it is essential that you need to consider hiring a reliable service team to have them checked and cleaned. 

4. Consider Upgrading Your Flush Valve

Usually, your removable flush valve panel may malfunction sometimes. However, suppose it is an old model or frequently fails or breaks. You may need to consider getting a newer model with reliable materials and designs to last longer and promotes efficient functionalities, which helps you save money from routine checks. 

Contact your plumber immediately when you consider upgrading it. Ask them which model best fits your toilet and plumbing system. In addition, they can assess your toilet’s situation, recommend necessary upgrades or processes, and, most importantly, they can give you advice on how to extend your provable flush panel’s lifespan based on your plumbing system and your toilet’s status.  

Why Do You Need to Extend Your Removable Flush Valve Panel’s Lifespan? 

A well-taken care removable flush valve panel is crucial to maintain its optimal functionality and avoid inconvenience and costly repairs. By following the four methods, you can guarantee that its lifespan will extend for years allowing you to save money from frequent repairs and replacements. 

Additionally, consulting with a professional plumber will help you decide how and when to maintain and replace it to extend your removable flush valve panel’s lifespan. Thus, take action before your removable valve fails. Flush away your plumbing worries by taking care of your removable flush valve panel today! 

Navien, Inc., the leader in condensing technology, has launched the Navien Products & Service mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

The new mobile app from Navien gives users access to all the information on the latest Navien innovations and the ability to keep track of installation, maintenance and service information for their Navien units.

Industry professionals can log installation and service information for the units they work on, live chat with Navien technical support, scan unit serial numbers to register their installations including via NavienRewards, take job site photos to add to unit service logs, search for local wholesalers, and see the latest Navien training classes.

Owners of Navien products can scan their unit serial number and register their unit for warranty, search for local and federal rebates, find a local installer or service professional, download brochures and operation manuals, and so much more.

Navien Products & Services app can be downloaded now via Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.

Residential water heaters are often taken for granted. They’re usually installed in a closet or basement or other out-of-the-way spot, and it generally costs less to replace a standard water tank system than other home systems, so many homeowners don’t see water heater maintenance as an urgent priority.

But proper maintenance almost always pays off in the long run, and not just for homeowners. While contractors may benefit from the additional business generated by emergency service calls, those one-time sales aren’t nearly as important as the name recognition and trust they can cultivate with maintenance agreements that help insure optimal product performance and longevity.

Unfortunately, many water heater service professionals either don’t recognize the value of maintenance plans, or don’t know how to effectively communicate the advantages to their customers.

Pay a little now or a lot later

Over the life of an appliance, the minor cost of an annual inspection or tune-up can help save homeowners in multiple ways. Inspections can catch small issues before they become major problems, which in turn helps extend the life of the water heater. In addition, regular service helps ensure efficient performance, which can reduce energy costs and provide for consistent product performance.

Preventive maintenance also helps protect homeowners from the inconvenience and high costs associated with emergency service. Unplanned repairs tend to cost more than regular maintenance and can interrupt household routines, which can be more than a nuisance. Missed work and the disruption of planned events like family vacations can add to the financial burden of emergency water heater repair.

Many successful contractors recognize that it’s in their own interest to help customers avoid emergencies, no matter how lucrative they can be. Routine service calls don’t generate a lot of income, but they build name recognition and, more importantly, lasting relationships. That can be a vital distinction when it’s time to replace an existing water heater, or in the unfortunate event of an emergency.

Maintenance vs. warranty

One misconception that contributes significantly to deferred maintenance is not having a full understanding of a manufacturer’s warranty. Many homeowners assume that the warranty will cover most repairs. Why pay for even minor service now if you expect your warranty to cover the cost of major repairs later?

But the scope of a warranty is limited and very specific, covering demonstrable defects in manufacturing. Proper installation and application and, in some cases, even documentation that the recommended maintenance has been performed, are typically required in order to maintain a valid warranty. Even then, warranties typically don’t apply to local conditions that can significantly affect water heater performance, like water quality, climate, air quality and the hardness of the water supply.

A warranty is an important tool that homeowners should be familiar with. But the best warranty will not apply to the simple wear and tear of daily use or issues arising from local adverse conditions.

Connect with homeowners

It doesn’t take salesmanship in order to maximize the long-term advantages of maintenance agreements. In many cases, a few simple tweaks to existing workflows can be extraordinarily effective tools to open new opportunities for preventive maintenance.

One simple enhancement is to follow the example of HVAC contractors and leverage seasonality. If water heater use tends to go up in your service area during colder months, try to schedule new maintenance service calls in late summer or fall. Employ multiple seasonal opportunities to connect with customers, from back to school, winter holidays, summer vacation or the switch to Daylight Savings Time, and set up regular seasonal reminders for follow-ups.

The single best time for a maintenance agreement conversation is immediately after a substantial repair or emergency service. Homeowners who have recently experienced the cost and disruption of a major equipment repair or unplanned replacement are in a position to recognize the likely payoff of an investment in ongoing service.

Ultimately, communication is the most crucial tool for connecting with customers about preventive maintenance service. Contractors who can effectively and objectively relay information to homeowners are in a position to relieve the anxiety many of them feel about water heaters and other large home appliances. By educating them and offering a convenient, affordable solution, you can establish your company as the trusted solution for any foreseeable service.

Dustin Bowerman is director of corporate training and product support for Bradford White Corporation, a full-line manufacturer of residential, commercial and industrial products for water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage applications. For more information, visit www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.