Tag Archives: restaurant plumbing

Restaurant Plumbing in Chicago: Key Challenges & Solutions

restaurant plumbing in chicago.

Running a restaurant in Chicago comes with its own set of challenges, and one of the critical aspects that often gets overlooked is the plumbing system. A well-functioning plumbing system is essential for the smooth operation of any restaurant, as it directly impacts the hygiene of the establishment and the overall customer experience. Below we will explore the key challenges that restaurant owners face regarding plumbing in Chicago and discuss possible solutions to overcome them.

The Importance of Proper Plumbing in Restaurants

Before delving into the challenges and solutions, it is crucial to highlight why proper plumbing in restaurants is of utmost importance.

First and foremost, restaurants deal with food and beverages that require extensive use of water, such as cooking, cleaning, and washing dishes. A reliable plumbing system ensures that these tasks can be carried out efficiently, without interrupting the workflow of the kitchen staff.

Moreover, proper plumbing plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. Restaurants are subject to strict health and safety regulations, and a faulty plumbing system can lead to contamination, which can have severe consequences, including the closure of the establishment.

Lastly, a well-maintained plumbing system also enhances the overall customer experience. Nobody wants to visit a restaurant with leaking faucets, clogged toilets, or foul odors. By ensuring that the plumbing is in top condition, restaurants can create a pleasant environment for their patrons.

Challenges Faced with Restaurant Plumbing in Chicago

Chicago is known for its extreme weather conditions, and this poses unique challenges for restaurant plumbing systems. Here are some key challenges faced by restaurant owners:

1. Frozen Pipes

During the harsh winter months in Chicago, the temperature often drops below freezing point. This can result in frozen pipes, which can cause major disruptions in the restaurant’s operations. Frozen pipes not only lead to water supply issues but can also cause them to burst, leading to potential water damage.

Solution:

To prevent frozen pipes, restaurant owners need to take proactive measures. Insulating pipes, especially those located in areas exposed to low temperatures, is crucial. Installing heat tracing cables on susceptible pipes can also help maintain the temperature and prevent freezing.

2. Drainage Problems

Restaurants generate a significant amount of wastewater due to their daily operations. This wastewater primarily includes food particles, grease, and oil, which can lead to clogged drains and sewer lines over time. Slow-draining sinks, foul odors, and recurrent plumbing issues are common symptoms of drainage problems.

Solution:

To tackle drainage problems, restaurant owners should adopt regular maintenance practices. Grease traps should be installed to prevent grease and oil from entering the plumbing system. Proper cleaning of restaurant grease traps, along with periodic drain cleaning, can help prevent clogs and keep the plumbing system functioning smoothly.

3. Backflow Prevention

Backflow is a significant concern in any establishment that deals with water supply, including restaurants. Backflow occurs when there is an unwanted reverse flow of contaminated water into the clean water supply. This can happen due to pressure changes, pipe bursts, or cross-connections with non-potable water sources.

Solution:

Installing backflow prevention devices is crucial in restaurants to safeguard the clean water supply. These devices, such as backflow preventer valves, ensure that water only flows in one direction, preventing any backflow contamination. Regular testing and maintenance of these devices are essential to ensure their effectiveness.

4. Water Pressure Issues

Inconsistent water pressure can be a frustrating issue for both restaurant staff and customers. Low water pressure can hinder various kitchen tasks, such as rinsing dishes and filling pots, leading to delays and decreased efficiency.

Solution:

Restaurant owners should consider installing a water pressure booster system to regulate and maintain a consistent water pressure throughout the establishment. Additionally, regular inspection of plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and valves, can help identify any blockages or leaks that may be affecting the water pressure.

grease trap cleaning in a chicago restaurant.

Proper cleaning and maintenance of grease traps, along with periodic drain cleaning, can help prevent clogs and keep the plumbing system functioning smoothly.

Professional Plumbing Services in Chicago

Dealing with restaurant plumbing challenges can be overwhelming for owners, especially considering the complexities involved. It is crucial to seek professional plumbing services to ensure that these challenges are addressed effectively. There are several reputable plumbing companies in Chicago that specialize in restaurant plumbing. These professionals have the experience and expertise to handle the unique plumbing needs of restaurants, minimizing downtime and potential risks.

In Summary

Restaurant plumbing in Chicago presents its own set of challenges, ranging from frozen pipes to drainage problems and backflow prevention. However, by understanding these challenges and implementing the appropriate solutions, restaurant owners can maintain a well-functioning plumbing system that ensures hygiene, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Seeking the assistance of commercial plumbing services in Chicago is highly recommended to address these challenges effectively and keep the restaurant’s plumbing system in optimal condition.

By prioritizing the plumbing system and taking proactive measures, restaurant owners can create a safe and pleasant environment for both their staff and patrons, ultimately contributing to the success of their establishment.

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In need of plumbing, drain cleaning, or grease trap cleaning services for your Chicago restaurant? Call us at 773-599-9181 or fill out the form below.

Common Plumbing Issues in Restaurants and How to Prevent Them

plumbing issues in restaurants.

Plumbing issues can be a huge disaster in a restaurant business. Depending on how bad the problems are, they can put your toilets out of commission, let bad odors into the restaurant, interfere with your kitchen’s operation or even force the local authorities to shut down your business.

Because of the number of plumbing equipment and the amount of water they use, restaurants are highly-prone to plumbing issues. Managing the plumbing to detect and avert problems should be a major focus of your day-to-day programs to keep your restaurant operating smoothly and profitably.

Unless the issues with the restaurant’s plumbing system are kept to a minimum, they can become a huge drain on your business’ resources. You and your staff will find yourself spending inordinate amounts of time wrestling with avoidable issues that contribute nothing to improving the bottom line.

To manage a restaurant’s plumbing in a way that helps you avoid problems, you need three things:

In this post, we will talk about the common plumbing issues in restaurants and what you can do to prevent them.

Six common plumbing problems in restaurants and how to prevent them

putting dirty dishes in dish washer.

Drain clogs caused by debris from the dishwasher are the number one plumbing problem in restaurants.

Clogged drains caused by mismanaging the dishwasher station

Drain clogs caused by debris from the dishwasher are the number one plumbing problem in restaurants. This problem results from servers not fully disposing of leftover food and other residue before dumping dishes in the dishwasher. The dishwasher washes this debris into the drain, eventually clogging it. Fixing this problem is simple; installing a wire mesh over the drain will prevent large debris from entering the drains. Training your servers to wipe dishes clean before putting them in the dishwasher also helps.

Clogged grease lines

Restaurants use a lot of grease and need a way to dispose of used-up grease. Sometimes, that used-up grease finds its way into the drainpipes instead of being disposed of in the trash bin. Once inside the pipes, that grease will harden, cling to the surface of the pipes and gradually block them. Issues with grease also happen with the grease trap. Although it is the designated grease-disposal system, if grease traps are not cleaned regularly, they can cause problems in the restaurant.

Fryers and gas line issues

Clean your fryers every day. That usually means pulling them out to drain them. In this process, the gas line attached to the fryer may become loose. That can result in gas leaks and risks of fires in the kitchen. Gas lines, apart from issues with the fryer, can also have their problems. These are often due to defective gas lines, either from poor installation or improper maintenance. You can prevent this problem if you inspect the gas line regularly and your staff are more careful when handling the fryer.

Clogged floor drains

A clean floor is one of the things that make a restaurant attractive. Clean floors will make work easier and the restaurant environment safer for your staff. But restaurant workers often clean the floor simply by spraying it down and squeegee-ing all the water into the drain, along with any debris on the floor. The result is a constant problem with blocked floor drains. To prevent this problem, install a mesh strainer or drain lock on the floor drain to keep debris out of it.

Clogged bar drains

Like most of the issues discussed above, this problem is also caused by restaurant workers. Instead of throwing leftovers like cocktail-making components, lime wedges, orange peels and other items into the trash, bartenders simply flush them down the sink. These materials lodge inside the pipes and block them. Training bartenders and other staff who work at the bar on proper waste disposal will prevent this issue. You can also install wire mesh on the drain opening.

a well maintained restaurant restroom.

When a restaurant’s toilets overflow, it is often because paper towels and feminine hygiene products have been flushed down the toilet.

Maintain your restrooms

When a restaurant’s toilets overflow, it is often because paper towels and feminine hygiene products have been flushed down the toilet. To reduce the risk of visitors using the restaurant’s toilet as waste disposal, install hand dryers to make the use of paper towels unnecessary. Also, provide sanitary disposal containers for easy disposal of female hygiene items. You also want to ensure your restrooms are inspected and cleaned every hour.

Finally, you need the services of a qualified commercial plumber to keep your restaurant’s plumbing systems functioning properly. But finding a good plumber is not enough; the kind of relationship you have with the plumber also matters.

Instead of contacting the plumber only when you have issues with your plumbing, it is better to have a service agreement with the plumber. The plumber can inspect your restaurant’s plumbing according to a schedule to find and fix problems before they worsen.

This method of maintaining your restaurant’s plumbing is the best way to avoid plumbing issues.

Why You Can’t Ignore Drainage Issues in Your Restaurant Kitchen

Kitchen in a busy restaurant.

As a restaurant owner or manager, there are many things you need to consider to ensure the success of your business. One crucial aspect that is often overlooked is kitchen drainage. However, you can’t ignore drainage issues in your restaurant kitchen since they can cause significant expenses due to the associated legal and health regulations. This article will discuss the risks of ignoring drainage issues, common drainage issues in restaurant kitchens, and how to prevent them.

The Risks of Ignoring Drainage Issues

Ignoring drainage issues in your restaurant kitchen can lead to several health, legal, and financial risks. The exact health codes and regulations may vary from state to state. However, you should be mindful of the following risks.

Health Risks

If your restaurant kitchen has drainage issues, it can lead to significant health code violations. Here are a few examples of the associated health risks:

  • Bacteria and mold growth – Standing water and moisture caused by drainage issues can create an ideal environment for bacteria and mold growth. These microorganisms can contaminate food, leading to food poisoning and other illnesses.
  • Food contamination – If water from a clogged or slow drain backs up into the kitchen sink, it can contaminate the sink and surrounding areas. The contaminated areas can then contaminate food, utensils, and dishes, posing a significant health risk to customers.
  • Slip and fall accidents – Water on the kitchen floor due to drainage issues can create a slip and fall hazard for your employees, which can cause injuries and lawsuits.
Wet floor in need of cleaning due to draining issues in your restaurant kitchen.

Drainage issues in your restaurant kitchen can lead to slips and falls.

Legal Risks

The health dangers posed by drainage issues can lead to legal complications. Ignoring these issues can also lead to the following legal risks:

  • Fines and penalties – Local health and safety codes require restaurants to maintain proper drainage. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and penalties.
  • Lawsuits – If a customer or employee gets sick or injured due to drainage issues in your restaurant, they may file a lawsuit against you.

Financial Risks

When caught on time, most drainage issues can be solved without too much hassle or expense. However, ignoring drainage issues in your restaurant kitchen can also lead to financial risks, such as:

  • Cost of repairs – If drainage issues are not addressed promptly, they can cause significant damage to your kitchen’s plumbing system. The cost of repairs can be substantial, which can hurt your bottom line.
  • Loss of revenue – If your restaurant is shut down due to health or safety violations caused by drainage issues, it can result in a loss of revenue and damage to your restaurant’s reputation.
Chef in restaurant making burgers.

Grease buildup is one of the most common causes of clogged drains in restaurant kitchens.

Common Drainage Issues in Restaurant Kitchens

Now that we’ve discussed the risks of ignoring drainage issues, let’s explore some of the most common drainage issues in restaurant kitchens and their solutions.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common issues restaurant kitchens face. They can be caused by food debris, grease, and other materials that accumulate in the drainpipe. Signs of a clogged drain include slow-draining sinks, foul odors, and gurgling sounds. To address clogged drains, you can use a plunger or a drain snake. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break up the clog. For severe clogs, you may need to call a professional plumber to remove the blockage in the drains.

Slow Drains

Slow drains are another common drainage issue. They are often caused by a buildup of grease and food particles in the drainpipe. Signs of slow drains include standing water in the sink and foul odors. The experts from Spyder Moving, who have experience with commercial moves, say that most of their clients opted to install grease traps to prevent these issues. If you are dealing with slow drains, use a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break up the buildup. You can also hire a professional plumber to clean your drain pipes.

Foul Odors

Foul odors are a common drainage issue in restaurant kitchens. Due to the volume of food restaurants make and serve, foul odors are commonly caused by food debris, grease, and other materials accumulating in the drainpipe. Signs of foul odors include unpleasant smells coming from the sink or drain. To eliminate the odors, pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the grease trap can also help prevent foul odors.

Clean kitchen in a commercial restaurant.

Clean your kitchen regularly to prevent drainage issues.

Preventing Drainage Issues in Restaurant Kitchens

Preventing drainage issues is key to avoiding the risks we discussed earlier. Here are some tips to help you prevent drainage issues in your restaurant kitchen:

  • Train your staff – get your staff up to speed on the proper disposal of food waste and grease. Encourage them to scrape plates and pans before washing them.
  • Install a grease trap – to prevent grease from entering the drainpipe. A grease trap should be installed and cleaned regularly to prevent clogs and foul odors.
  • Use drain covers –covers can catch food debris and prevent them from entering the drainpipe.
  • Regular cleaning and maintenance – keeping your kitchen’s plumbing system in top shape can help prevent clogs, slow drains, and foul odors.
  • Schedule regular plumbing inspections – these inspections can detect any potential drainage issues before they become major problems.

Remodeling Your Restaurant’s Kitchen

Remodeling a restaurant’s kitchen is a significant investment that can increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability. However, planning your kitchen remodel carefully is crucial to ensure that it meets your needs and budget. Remodeling your kitchen is an excellent opportunity to upgrade your plumbing and drainage systems and prevent future drainage problems. Consider hiring a professional plumber to inspect your drainage system and identify potential issues. By addressing drainage issues during your kitchen remodel, you can create a safe and hygienic environment for your staff and customers while improving the overall functionality of your kitchen.

Organizing a Commercial Move

Renovating your restaurant’s kitchen can be a stressful and overwhelming process. Perhaps you decided to renovate before moving in, or you might want to move your appliances and kitchen furniture out while the current renovations are ongoing. Either way, it’s essential to have a well-planned moving strategy to minimize downtime and avoid any potential damage to your equipment. When planning a commercial move for your restaurant, it’s crucial to explore budget-friendly options if you want to reduce commercial moving expenses. Consider hiring a professional moving company specializing in commercial moves and offering cost-effective moving solutions. By doing so, you can ensure a seamless move while keeping your costs under control.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, drainage issues in your restaurant kitchen cannot be ignored. They can lead to health, legal, and financial risks and can harm your restaurant’s reputation. Common drainage issues in restaurant kitchens include clogged drains, slow drains, and foul odors. To prevent drainage issues, train your staff, install a grease trap, use drain covers, regularly clean and maintain your plumbing system, and schedule regular plumbing inspections. By following these tips, you can ensure the proper functioning of your restaurant’s plumbing system and the safety of your customers and employees.

Tips for Keeping Your Restaurant Drains Clean

a chef cooking in a restaurant.

Restaurants face the challenge of managing their drain and sewer systems on a daily basis. Without proper maintenance and cleaning, these systems can become clogged, causing backups and other issues. Fortunately, there are several tips that restaurant owners can follow to keep restaurant drains clean and functioning properly.

Restaurant Drain Cleaning

Regularly cleaning the drain lines in a restaurant is one of the best ways to ensure that the system continues to work properly. Restaurants should invest in a quality drain cleaning tools, such as a snake, to ensure that all drain lines are cleaned as needed. In addition to regular cleaning, restaurants should also inspect their lines for any signs of damage or blockages, and take immediate steps to address any sewer line repair issues that are found.

Restaurant Drain Maintenance

In addition to restaurants having their drains cleaned on the regular, restaurants should also follow a regular maintenance plan for their drains and sewers. This plan should include regularly testing the system for blockages and leaks, and conducting repairs or replacements as needed. Restaurants should also be sure to use the appropriate cleaning solutions, as some can damage the pipes or cause corrosion.

Commercial Grease Trap Cleaning

Grease traps are an essential part of any restaurant’s drainage system, and they must be cleaned regularly to prevent clogs and backups. Grease traps should be checked often for accumulation of grease, and cleaned out as needed. Professional grease trap cleaning services should be used on a regular basis to ensure that the traps are functioning properly.

In addition to regular cleaning, restaurants should also inspect their grease traps for any signs of damage or blockages, and take immediate steps to address any issues that are found.

Keeping restaurant drains clean and well-maintained is essential to the smooth functioning of any restaurant. By following these tips, restaurants can ensure that their drain and sewer systems remain in good condition and are able to handle the demands of daily use.

a restaurant grease trap cleaning in chicago.

5 Important Plumbing Services for Restaurants

a grease trap cleaning in chicago.

Modern restaurants use massive amounts of water in their day-to-day operations. Water is essential for food preparation and sanitation. Restaurant plumbing systems should be robust to handle the high volume of freshwater entering the facility and the high amounts of wastewater flowing into the drains.

Not only must the plumbing be perfectly designed for the type of restaurant, but it should also be the right match for the particular stage of the business, says Alliance Management Company. A common mistake new restaurant owners make is to treat their plumbing as secondary to other aspects of the business, such as the menu, efficiency of appliances and ambience of the restaurant floor.

But like these other factors, the design of a restaurant’s plumbing system can help or hurt the business. Restaurants need drainage, water and gas supply systems that are purpose-built so the facility can operate at its optimum. At the most basic level, a restaurant’s plumbing should have the following services;

New installations  

Restaurants often expand to accommodate their expanding customer base and enhance existing services. They do this by increasing the seating area capacity and adding new equipment to the kitchen. But to take full advantage of growth opportunities and avoid legal issues (that may result from violating city guidelines), they need to expand the systems that support these two areas. Add heaters, water supplies and other plumbing elements to cater to the growing demand. Ensure that you install these new features in a way that creates a seamless flow between the functions of the kitchen, the interior of the restaurant, its restrooms and the supporting plumbing systems. Safety, attractiveness, durability and flexibility (to accommodate further expansions) are factors to consider when doing these new installations.

Installing sewers and drains

Huge amounts of waste are generated by restaurants, particularly during the food preparation process. This waste is created hourly and must be constantly evacuated to keep the kitchen sanitary and safe. Invariably, some of that waste finds its way into the drainage system, where it can cause blockages. This hourly assault on a restaurant’s drain and sewer lines is why the system must be planned properly. Compliant drainage systems with proper ventilation that prevent backflow from trapped air and drains that permit wastewater removal without reductions in pressure are essential features of restaurant sewer systems. That should be in addition to weekly plumbing maintenance to install new parts to prevent potential blockages and ensure the system’s smooth operation.

Gas lines for the kitchen

Restaurants should be able to constantly expand their capacity to offer good food to customers. To do this, they should be able to build on their existing infrastructure easily and at the lowest cost. Given that food is the main product of a restaurant, the business must have a premium gas line system that serves its present needs but also includes capabilities for future expansions. From inception, its gas line design should make room for possible future gas line extensions to serve a new or expanded kitchen. If this is not done, the cost of correcting that error may be too much for the business, forcing it to operate at a smaller scale than its capacity.

Grease traps   

Grease traps are a vital plumbing service for restaurants. Restaurants use an enormous amount of cooking oils, fats and grease in different stages of food preparation. By day’s end, huge amounts of that grease will find its way into the restaurant’s wastewater. If allowed to flow into the city sewers and waste treatment facilities, that grease can cause expensive damage. Grease traps keep the fats, oils and grease in restaurant wastewater from entering the sewers and becoming a problem to nature and the city. They help keep the business’ operating costs low by preventing problems that would have happened if a grease trap was missing from the restaurant’s plumbing setup. By catching grease from wastewater and storing it until it can be removed, grease traps help the restaurant’s drain systems operate more efficiently. A grease trap needs to be cleaned on the regular and well maintained at all times.

Plumbing repairs

Breakdowns and malfunctions in a restaurant’s plumbing systems can result in expensive downtimes. Waiting until problems happen before making an effort to fix them is not a viable plumbing maintenance strategy for restaurants. In order to avoid disruptions in the restaurant’s operations, plumbing issues must be detected before they result in delays. That means creating a watertight plumbing maintenance program overseen by a licensed professional who understands the higher working standards required in commercial plumbing and the very narrow margins for error.

To conclude, the foundation for building restaurant plumbing systems that can meet the present and future needs of the business is good design. Hiring a regular plumber instead of a commercial plumber for restaurants, when designing and installing the plumbing, is the main reason restaurant plumbing systems often fail to meet the necessary standards.

5 Ways to Prevent Restaurant Plumbing Problems

5 Ways to Prevent Restaurant Plumbing Problems

5 Ways to Prevent Restaurant Plumbing Problems:

Did you know that preventing plumbing issues in your restaurant is vital? 

The resulting issues can be a real pain in the… drain. A leak, clog, or burst pipe can shut down your business, prevent customers from using the restrooms and cause damage to the facilities or equipment. But that is not all. As Windermere Management warns, it can damage your reputation and result in a loss of revenue. Do you know what else could be a problem? The cost of replacement or repairs can be financially draining.

If you do not address such issues immediately, they can escalate to involve more damage. That is because it is a domino effect where one problem causes another. Let’s remember that it may also be hazardous to the health of your employees and customers. That is because a malfunctioning drain causes unsanitary conditions that pose a public health risk. You do not want that on your conscience. 

However, there is good news. Preventing plumbing problems will keep your customers loyal and happy. Your customers will be more comfortable if they access the amenities they need. As a result, they will give positive reviews about your restaurant. 

Here, we will discuss five ways to prevent plumbing problems in your restaurant so that you will maintain business operations, minimize cost, ensure safety, and keep your customers happy. 

Address everything that can cause plumbing issues before they occur 

They say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That is especially true when it concerns restaurant plumbing. When you address plumbing issues before trouble strikes, you’ll nip any hidden issue in the bud before it can cause a significant problem. 

We advise that you engage in regular schedule maintenance, so you will catch small clogs or leaks before they become serious issues. Inspect the plumbing system for old or worn-out pipes that require replacement to prevent burst pipes.

Keep an eye on the condition of your equipment and sinks. You can save yourself a lot of headaches and money if you are proactive and address potential issues before they become emergencies. Your customers will be happy, and you will have peace of mind that the restaurant’s plumbing is running smoothly. 

Invest in clog control to prevent restaurant flooding 

As you may know, restaurants deal with a lot of food waste, grease, and other debris that can easily build up to cause clogged pipes. These clogs can cause overflowing sinks, backup toilets, floods, and other severe plumbing issues. 

You can control clog in various ways. One way is to conduct regular maintenance where a plumber performs hydro-jetting to clear off all built-up debris. Also, you can hire a plumber to install a grease trap in the kitchen to help catch and prevent grease from entering your pipes to cause clogs. 

Another essential step will be to train your employees on the proper disposal of grease and food waste. Provide designated containers where they can dispose of grease, food debris, and ether day items that can clog the drains.

Choose tankless water heaters

According to the National Restaurant Association, quick-service dining restaurants require between 500 to 1,500 gallons of water daily, and full-service dining establishments consume as much as 5000 gallons daily. Most of these are hot water. That is why you cannot afford issues with your water heater.

Tankless water heaters are more durable and long-lasting than tanked water heaters. You will never run out of water in the middle of a busy dinner rush. Since it is tankless, you have nothing to worry about leaks. Tankless water heaters require lesser repairs and maintenance than traditional tanked water heaters. In addition, you will save more money on energy bills. 

Control food grease 

One of the common causes of clogged drains in restaurants is trapped grease. That is why it is advisable to hire a plumber to help clean the grease trap out. The plumber will install a grease trap and routinely clean the lines. Doing so will prevent clogs from accumulating. 

You should have a dedicated drain for grease as part of the control measures. Avoid pouring food grease into other drains. Ensure you train your employees on how to manage dishwashing and grease. 

Have a quick response team

You will need a rapid response team with a dedicated plumber for your restaurant’s needs. Even when you perform all the above preventive measures, plumbing accidents that require urgent attention may still occur. However, you can handle such issues if you have a plumber that can respond immediately to salvage the situation.

The bottom line

Preventing restaurant plumbing problems is crucial for maintaining business operations, ensuring safety, minimizing costs, and keeping customers satisfied. When it comes to a restaurant’s plumbing, it is always better to be safe than sorry.