Summer brings unique challenges for commercial plumbing systems. With higher temperatures and increased usage, facilities often face sediment buildup in water heaters, sewer odors in restrooms, and heavy wear on fixtures. The good news? With proper maintenance and the right products, most of these issues can be prevented before they become costly problems.
Sediment Buildup in Water Heaters
As demand increases, water heaters work harder, which can stir up sediment inside the tank. This not only reduces efficiency but also shortens the life of the system. Regular flushing is key, and pairing it with quality filtration can help reduce buildup.
Installing or replacing filters mid-year is a smart preventive step.
Increased Usage and Fixture Stress
Schools, offices, and public buildings often see heavier summer usage, putting strain on faucets and flush valves. Handles wear out, cartridges leak, and older manual fixtures can’t keep up with demand.
Solution: Swap worn handles and cartridges with durable Chicago Faucets replacements such as the CHI 1-100XTJKABNF Left Hand Quaturn Cartridge or the CHI 317-PRJKCP 4" Blade Handles. These are easy, quick fixes that restore like-new performance to older faucets without replacing the entire fixture.
Sewer Odors in Restrooms
Higher temperatures cause trap seals to evaporate faster, often leading to sewer odors in commercial restrooms. Combine that with stagnant water in low-use drains, and complaints rise quickly.
Solution: Inspect and maintain floor drains regularly. Upgrading restroom fixtures to water-efficient, automatic solutions also helps maintain fresh water flow. Sloan retrofit kits like the SLO EBV89A-M Side Mount Operator or flush valves such as the SLO 110-ROYAL Closet Flush Valve ensure reliable, consistent flushing—helping prevent stagnant water and keeping restrooms odor-free.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Summer
- Replace worn diaphragms and repair kits on your flushometers to avoid mid-season breakdowns.
- Check coolers to ensure filters are fresh and flow is steady.
- Test faucets aerators for clogs, and replace to restore full pressure and clean water delivery.
- Consider water-saving retrofits such as Sloan’s SLO A1044A 2.4 GPF Closet Repair Kit to reduce water use during heavy occupancy months.
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Preventive Work
With schools out and many offices running lighter schedules, summer offers the perfect window to perform inspections, repairs, and upgrades. Addressing issues now avoids mid-year emergencies and helps keep facilities running smoothly all year long.
At City Supply, we stock a wide range of Sloan, Elkay, and Chicago Faucets products to support your summer maintenance needs. Whether you’re in Houston and need parts same-day, or across the U.S. and need fast shipping to your door, we’ve got you covered.
Shop our full selection today or contact our team for expert recommendations.