World Water Day Shines a Spotlight on Leak Detection—Especially in Commercial Spaces

Inadequate access to clean water is a widespread problem. According to the United Nations, around half of the global population experiences water scarcity for at least part of the calendar year. Given the realities of climate change, this problem is likely to worsen in the years to come, as unpredictable weather patterns lead to droughts, flooding, and more.

Since 1993, the United Nations has commemorated World Water Day on an annual basis—a way to draw attention to this serious issue. Observed every March 22, World Water Day seeks to illuminate the harsh realities of water scarcity, while promoting the cause of conservation.

While the scale of the problem can make it seem insurmountable, there are actually many avenues to mediate the water scarcity issue—and commercial building managers can play an important role. Being mindful of wasteful leaks, especially in larger commercial spaces, can be an essential step toward better stewardship of a precious planetary resource.

Leaks in Commercial Buildings

Make no mistake: In commercial space, water leaks can be quite common. When left unattended, even a small leak can lead to significant waste—bad for utility bills, but also bad for the broader cause of water conservation.

Building and facilities managers should be aware of some of the common causes that contribute to leaks in commercial spaces. Primary culprits include:

·       Roof leaks, whether due to insufficient maintenance, extreme weather conditions, or simply age and degradation of roofing materials.

·       Leaky toilets—note that in multi-story buildings, the plumbing running to each toilet can be long and complex, increasing the risk of a leak forming somewhere in the line.

·       Failing water heaters, which can develop slow but steady drips due to age or inadequate upkeep.

More generally, old or poorly-maintained pipes can contribute to leaks—making it critical for building and facilities managers to take a proactive approach.

Water Conservation in Commercial Buildings

To address persistent leaks and wasted water, the first step is simply acknowledging some of the unique challenges posed by commercial spaces.

Many of these challenges stem from the reality that commercial buildings tend to be large and complex, at least when compared with residential construction. Many commercial buildings have dated infrastructure. And, given the sheer number of people who use these buildings—and specifically who use restroom facilities—there tends to be high, ongoing consumption and associated waste, which can place further strain on the plumbing infrastructure.

Thankfully, there are technological solutions that can help alleviate some of these challenges. Foremost is smart leak detection, which uses AI and machine learning technology to understand the typical plumbing patterns and flow within a commercial space—and to flag any discrepancies or abnormalities that might suggest when a leak has sprung.

Not only can smart leak detection help facility managers monitor for problems through IoT connectivity—enabling early intervention and rapid repair—but the right systems may also provide data that’s useful to pinpointing the exact location and scope of the leak, allowing plumbing professional to work more efficiently and effectively.

Installing smart leak detection can be a valuable form of preventative maintenance, and a pragmatic way to prioritize water conservation—yet it’s hardly the only step commercial building managers can take as they seek better ecological stewardship. Some additional steps include:

·       Installing low flow plumbing fixtures. Low flow fixtures, particularly toilets, significantly reduce the amount of water that’s used, without compromising performance or efficiency.

·       Creating a routine maintenance program. For facilities teams, it’s crucial to develop a routine habit of checking pipes and plumbing fixtures—and recommending repair or replacement before small problems turn into big ones.

·       Insulating piping. Insulation helps reduce heat loss as warm water is transported from the heater to a faucet or shower. The upside of this is that end users don’t have to let the water run for quite so long before they experience their desired temperature.

·       Reducing water pressure. When a building’s water pressure is maintained at a consistently high level, it places undue strain on the pipes and plumbing—and it can also raise the likelihood of leak formation. As a rule of thumb, pressure regulator valves should be set to no higher than 80 psi.

·       Invest in tenant education. A final way to promote water conservation is to create signage for use in the building, reminding end users to avoid flushing inappropriate items or engaging in other activities that could compromise the plumbing—and potentially result in wasted water.

Conserving Water in Commercial Spaces

World Water Day highlights a sobering reality: natural resources are limited, and scarcity is an all-too-common problem. The cause of conservation is worth rallying behind, and even commercial building managers can play their part. Being smart about water usage—and proactive about leak detection—is an important place to begin.