Clogged drains are a frequent and frustrating issue for many businesses, especially those in property management and the manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare industries. Understanding the common causes of these clogs can help you take preventive measures to keep your plumbing in top shape. Here are some key practices that often lead to clogged commercial drains:

1. Improper disposal of grease and oil

One of the leading causes of clogged drains is the improper disposal of grease, oil and fat. When poured down the drain, these substances can solidify and cause blockages. To prevent this, always dispose of grease and oil in designated containers. Consider setting up a routine for regularly clearing these containers to ensure they don’t overflow.

2. Food waste

Allowing food scraps and organic waste to enter the drain is another common culprit. This is particularly problematic in restaurants and food preparation areas. Installing and maintaining proper garbage disposals or using strainers to catch food particles can significantly reduce the risk of clogs. Make it a habit to clean these strainers regularly to prevent buildup.

Items such as paper towels, wipes, sanitary products and other non-biodegradable materials should never be flushed or washed down drains. These items can easily cause blockages and lead to costly repairs. Educate your staff and visitors about proper disposal methods and provide ample waste bins to discourage flushing inappropriate items.

4. Hair and soap scum

In facilities like salons, hotels, and healthcare centers, hair and soap scum can accumulate in drains and cause clogs. Installing hair traps in shower and sink drains can help catch hair before it enters the plumbing system. Regular cleaning of these traps is essential to keep them functioning effectively.

5. Chemical buildup

Certain cleaning agents, chemicals, and even excessive use of soap can lead to build up inside the pipes, restricting water flow and causing clogs. Use chemicals sparingly and opt for environmentally friendly cleaning solutions when possible. Regularly flush drains with hot water to help dissolve any potential buildup.

6. Improper drain maintenance

Neglecting regular drain cleaning and maintenance can lead to gradual buildup and eventual blockages. Scheduling professional drain cleaning services on a regular basis can help keep your drains clear and prevent major issues. These services can also identify and address minor problems before they become significant ones.

7. Tree roots

In some cases, tree roots can infiltrate underground drain lines, causing blockages. This is more common in older buildings with aging plumbing systems. If you suspect tree roots might be an issue, consult with a professional plumber to assess the situation and recommend appropriate solutions, such as root barriers or pipe relining.

8. Sediment and mineral deposits

Over time, sediment and minerals from hard water can build up in pipes, leading to reduced flow and clogs. Installing water softeners can help mitigate this issue by reducing the amount of minerals in the water. You should also regularly de-scale your plumbing system to keep it running smoothly.

Don’t let drain issues drain your profits

By addressing these common practices and implementing proper waste disposal and maintenance routines, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of clogged drains. Not only will this help maintain a smooth operation, but it will also save time and money on costly repairs. Regular education and training for your staff on these best practices can ensure that everyone plays a part in keeping your plumbing system in top condition.

Your trusted, professional drain experts

RK Service understands that each commercial property has unique maintenance needs. RK Service offers advanced solutions to investigate and identify issues in your drains through our cutting-edge technology, which allows us to see what’s happening deep within your pipes and pinpoint potential problems before they escalate into costly emergencies. By partnering with RK Service, you gain peace of mind knowing that your drains are in the hands of skilled professionals who prioritize your success.

Call us today at 303.576.9696 or email service@rkindustries.com for more tips on maintaining your commercial plumbing system or to schedule a professional drain cleaning service. Whether you need help addressing mayhem or maintenance, we’ll keep your business thriving.

Maintaining a seamless operation is crucial for a business’s success. One often overlooked aspect is the plumbing system—it’s not something you really think about…until there’s a problem. When your plumbing is clogged, it can bring your business to a standstill. Enter hydro-jetting—a powerful, efficient solution for keeping commercial drains clean and clear. In this blog, we’ll explore what hydro-jetting is, its benefits and what you should look for in a plumbing partner.

What is hydro-jetting?

Hydro-jetting is a plumbing technique that uses high-pressure water streams to clean out pipes and drains. This method is particularly effective at removing stubborn blockages caused by grease, mineral build-up, debris and even tree roots.

How does hydro-jetting work?

A hydro-jetting system uses a high-pressure hose and a specialized nozzle designed to direct water jets at different angles to thoroughly clean the inside of the pipes. There are four main steps to hydro-jetting:

1. Inspection: Before hydro-jetting, a professional plumber will conduct an inspection of the pipes to assess the condition and identify the type and location of blockages.

2. Preparation: The plumber inserts the hydro-jetting nozzle into the pipe. The nozzle is connected to a high-pressure hose, which in turn is connected to a water source.

3. Cleaning: Water is pumped through the hose at high pressure, sometimes up to 5,000 PSI, which blasts away blockages and cleans the pipe walls.

4. Post-Inspection: After the hydro-jetting process, another inspection ensures that the pipes are thoroughly cleaned and free of obstructions.

Effective and thorough cleaning: Hydro-jetting can remove even the toughest blockages, ensuring that your drains are thoroughly cleaned. Unlike traditional methods like snaking, which might only clear a small path, hydro-jetting cleans the entire diameter of the pipe.

Environmentally-friendly: Hydro-jetting uses only water to clean pipes, making it an eco-friendly option. There are no harsh chemicals involved, which is better for the environment and safer for your plumbing system..

Cost-effective: While hydro-jetting might have a higher upfront cost compared to other methods, its thoroughness and preventive benefits make it cost-effective over time. Businesses can avoid frequent, recurring clogs and the associated repair costs.

Versatility: Hydro-jetting is suitable for various types of pipes, including those found in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, manufacturing or industrial buildings and other commercial facilities. Whether dealing with grease traps in a kitchen or sediment build-up in industrial pipes, hydro-jetting can handle it.

Preventive Maintenance: Regular hydro-jetting can prevent future clogs by keeping pipes free of build-up and debris. This proactive approach can save businesses from costly repairs and downtime caused by unexpected plumbing issues.

Why hydro-jetting is ideal for Mountain West region businesses

The Mountain West region’s diverse climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, can cause various plumbing issues. Hydro-jetting ensures that your pipes remain clear year-round despite any seasonal challenges.

Choosing the best hydro-jetting service

When selecting a hydro-jetting service, choose a company with a proven track record in hydro-jetting and a deep understanding of commercial plumbing systems. You should also ensure the service provider uses modern, high-quality hydro-jetting equipment for maximum effectiveness.

The right people for the job

RK Service understands that each commercial property has unique maintenance needs. When it comes to clearing and maintaining drains, RK Service offers advanced solutions to investigate and identify issues in your drains through our cutting-edge video scope, also known as a drain scope. This technology allows us to see what’s happening deep within your pipes, pinpointing potential problems before they escalate into costly emergencies. Drain maintenance is also a crucial part of your business’s risk mitigation plan, ensuring smooth operations and uninterrupted revenue streams.

Don’t let drain issues drain your profits

By partnering with RK Service, you gain peace of mind knowing that your drains are in the hands of skilled professionals who prioritize your success. Our tailored maintenance plans and comprehensive services ensure that your drains remain clear, allowing you to focus on providing excellent experiences for your customers.

Contact us today at 303.576.9696 or email service@rkindustries.com and let us be your trusted drain maintenance partner. Together, we’ll keep your operations flowing smoothly and your business thriving. Top of Form

Every business needs reliable and safe electrical systems. But did you know that many of the electrical problems in your building can be prevented with a full-service electrical panel check? Let’s look at some of the issues our qualified RK Service technicians will inspect and how we can help keep your business safe from potential hazards and costly repairs.

What does a full-service electrical panel check involve?

A full-service panel check will give you peace of mind knowing that your facility’s circuits, breakers, GFCIs, disconnects, and wiring practices are up to code. With our electrical service panel checklist, our technicians will conduct thermal imaging tests, torque specifications tests, physical testing and amperage load checks of your electrical systems. These tests ensure that potential issues are caught before they become a significant problem for your business.

In addition to the panel checklist, RK Service technicians can conduct a visual walk-through, looking for issues such as proper exit lighting, exterior safety lighting, emergency lighting checks and missing GFCI/ARC fault locations. By doing so, technicians can notify you of any safety measures that must be taken to protect you and your customers from potential dangers lurking within your facility.

Benefits of regular electrical panel checks

Regularly scheduled inspections are essential for keeping your business safe and up to code. By periodically checking all aspects of your electrical system, including wiring practices, you can detect any future problems before they become serious hazards, requiring extensive repairs or even replacement parts. Inspections will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is running smoothly regarding power and energy usage in your building or office space, saving time and money!

Maintain safety, efficiency and code compliance with RK Service

At RK Service, we understand how important it is for business owners to keep their facilities safe and running efficiently. That’s why we offer full-service electrical panel checks, including thermal imaging tests, torque specifications tests, physical testing, and amperage load checks. In addition, RK Service technicians will provide a visual walk-through service looking for items such as exit lighting working properly, exterior safety lighting, emergency lighting checks, and missing GFCI/ARC fault locations.

By having regular electrical inspections done by qualified professionals, you can rest assured that any issue will be identified before it becomes a significant problem, keeping your business safe, efficient and compliant with local codes.

Contact us today for more information on our full-service electrical panel checking service!

Check for proper licensing first.

When you have a plumbing project that may require excavation work that needs immediate, high-quality service, be sure to check your service provider’s licensing before you hire them to do the job. Proper licensing is crucial whether you are managing the repair and replacement of water, sewer or fire service lines.

Time and time again, RK Service technicians receive calls from property owners who hired a provider to perform work on their property without proper licensing and now need to hire a properly licensed company to complete the job. Though the service provider likely offered to complete the job for a lower price, hiring a company to complete a plumbing project, including excavation work, without proper licensing is extremely risky for the property owner.

Why proper plumbing and excavation licensing is essential.

For example, did you know that fire and water lines are tied to the same mainline? When working on a fire or water line, your service provider must flush and chlorinate the line to properly complete the repair or replacement. If lines are not properly flushed, water lines can become contaminated, affecting the quality and safety of the drinking water for your tenants and potentially other buildings that utilize the same city water line.

These requirements are essential for public health and safety. Unfortunately, many plumbing companies may lack proper licensing or are unaware of license requirements.

What happens if you hire an unlicensed contractor to work on your project?

Though they may offer you a better price for the job, never hire an unlicensed company to do your plumbing work. Here are the top reasons why:

What type of licensing should my service provider have?

Many property owners are unaware the company they hired cannot perform certain services. As a property owner, ensure you understand what types of licensing your service provider needs to complete the work they are hired to perform.

Here is a simple guide to types of licenses that may be used in conjunction with plumbing work. Depending on the project’s location and the type of work to be performed, ensure your provider has the proper license to complete the job.

Types of licenses

Research first, then hire.

Hiring a company with proper licensing helps reduce costs in the long run and reduces the time of displacement and discomfort for tenants as the job will be completed the first time properly. Spending more time researching and confirming proper licensing is always worth the effort. To ensure the company hired is licensed and can pull the proper permits for your job, call the city first to verify their licensing status.

If you have a water crisis that requires remediation, repair and installation services, RK Service is fully licensed and ready to work on any job, big or small. For information on RK Service and our emergency 24/7 response time, visit rkservice.com.

Water issues are a nightmare for property managers, commercial and apartment building owners, and business owners. Whether a fire or potable water line bursts at 2 AM, sanitary lines back up, causing flooding or tenants report foul smells from a broken sanitary line, water and sewer issues are never fun.

Property managers and building owners often do not know what is happening underground and their first call is to Denver Water or a fire protection company. Though the water company may be able to diagnose the problem, they typically call in the experts to manage the excavation work – your friends at RK Service!

When should I call an excavation service?

Sensors are often triggered when there are issues in the water and fire pipes in your building’s systems. However, those sensors may not accurately indicate what is happening underground. It is a good idea to contact the water utility company or the fire protection company first to shut down the mains and ensure the protection of the surrounding environment. Next, find an excavation and plumbing service provider to resolve the issue.

How do I choose an excavation and plumbing service provider?

The number one thing to consider when choosing an excavation and plumbing service provider is proper licensing, processes and protocols. Denver is the most difficult city in Colorado to get licensed in plumbing and excavation services. Service providers must have all the appropriate licenses to correct the damage.

In addition, watch out for excavating companies that don’t pull the appropriate permits. Excavating without the correct permits and licenses is illegal and may result in a drawn-out resolution for the issue. Further, your business will be at risk of a lien if you do not choose an excavation company that is licensed, insured and has taken the time to pull the correct permits.

What to consider when calling for emergency plumbing services.

With dozens of excavation companies in Denver, you need to know how to choose the best one for your project that can complete all aspects of the work. In addition to appropriate licensing, property owners should look for the following:

Pipes are fixed. Now what?

Make sure your excavation company cleans up after their work. Did you know the property or building owner is fully responsible for the quality of the excavation provided? For example, when streets are not correctly patched after excavating, the city will often redo the streets and bill the property owner directly. The invoices are typically a more considerable dollar amount than what an expert excavation company would charge.

It is important to choose an excavation and plumbing service that will fix the problem and restore the property to its original condition. You should expect a superior customer service experience from your provider and have your property looking as good as new, or better, once the work is complete.

Choose RK Service as your trusted partner.

If you have a water crisis that requires excavation and plumbing services, RK Service has the knowledge, licensing and expertise to start digging under emergency circumstances. The team can help you navigate the process with our excellent customer support.

For information on RK Service and our emergency 24/7 response time, visit rkservice.com.

Companies are always on the lookout for employees who will stay long-term and are committed to growing and improving. Likewise, employees want to work for companies that will provide them with opportunities to develop their skills.

Mentorships are a great way to help employees, both new and experienced, expand their knowledge and personal development. They focus on positive workplace behavior and performance, providing employees with the training needed to be successful.

Traditionally, mentoring relationships have involved senior employees guiding their younger colleagues, but hierarchy and age aren’t necessarily important in modern workforces. As long as mentors have experience that can help others learn, this is all that matters. For instance, younger employees can teach older employees about ever-changing technology in the workplace.

Successful mentoring relationships can also naturally create a rich multigeneration office culture by combining the top qualities of each participant. Senior employees traditionally have a great work ethic, loyalty and dedication. Whereas, younger employees may come to work with new ideas and passion. Together, they can make for a positive and effective team.

Research has shown that workers who have a mentor enjoy greater job satisfaction, and mentors learn from those they are guiding. But, mentoring in the workplace not only benefits the mentors and mentored, it also benefits companies with increased employee retention and knowledge sharing. On top of that, mentoring programs have shown to increase company diversity, with participation expanding minority representation in management-level positions.

Top Benefits of Mentorship in the Workplace

Mentors
Mentored
Company
  • Better Job Satisfaction
  • Better Job Satisfaction
  • Better Employee Satisfaction
  • Increased Pride
  • Increased Self-confidence
  • Higher Employee Retention
  • Improved Communication Skills
  • Desire to Achieve Goals
  • Diversity of Leadership
  • Improved Knowledge Sharing
  • Skill Development
  • Increased Knowledge Sharing
  • Experience for Leadership Roles
  • Greater Probability of Promotion
  • Improved Company Culture

Something important to note is that mentoring relationships should never be forced. This can cause employees to resent the idea as an obligatory task. Instead, sharing the positive benefits with employees and offering to help connect them with a mentor, when and if they are ready, is most effective. To be prepared, companies should gather information about employee skills, communication styles and career goals. A major key to successful mentorship relationships is connecting employees who communicate well together, can connect on a personal level and are working toward attaining similar goals.

In the end, mentors need to feel that their time is valued in order to achieve a successful mentorship relationship. Those who are mentored must think of the experience as an investment in their growth, rather than a sure path to promotion.

Apprenticeships prepare workers for highly skilled construction jobs. Employers invest time and money in hands-on training, often along with regular classes. The model provides valuable real-world experience and educational instruction for workers who would like to break into an industry that is new to them. The end goal of an apprenticeship is attaining national skills standards and becoming licensed in a particular skilled trade.

There are many benefits to apprenticeship. However, many people often overlook apprenticeships, instead opting to attend college or beginning their career with an entry-level position.

Here are the top three reasons to consider an apprenticeship:

  1. Learning While Earning
    Going off to college or a trade school can be a great educational experience, but it can cost a lot of money that many simply do not have. On top of that, it can be challenging to hold a full-time job in order to pay for expenses while in school.

    Apprentices are paid a basic living wage (the national average is $15/hour) to start while also learning and gaining experience every day. As an apprentice’s skills grow, wage increases and promotions often follow.
  1. Access to Ongoing Mentoring
    Apprentices are usually assigned a mentor who is an experienced construction professional. The mentor’s role is to help plan and guide an apprentice’s learning along the way. They provide valuable feedback and support to improve an apprentice’s skills and are always available to answer questions.
  2. Increased Future Opportunities
    Being involved with the day-to-day operations of a business during an apprenticeship, which usually takes two to four years to complete, allows apprentices to make connections with many important people within the industry.

    Future employers will also see the hard work that was required to complete the apprenticeship and will surely value that education and work ethic when considering hiring an individual.

    In addition, apprentices have the potential to earn college credit toward a degree through their apprenticeship program, should they decide to work towards gaining an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at a later date.

The apprenticeship model prepares workers to compete in today’s economy. The hands-on training keeps apprentices current with innovations and technology. Moreover, the majority of apprentices stay on as full-time employees upon completion of an apprenticeship, allowing for a successful long-term career with a competitive salary without college debt.

The RK Apprenticeship Program helps provide skills for a much needed construction workforce. If you are interested in starting an apprenticeship in construction, click here to learn more about what our program offers.

 

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year was anything but predictable or normal. Predictions for 2021 are cautiously optimistic with a combination of positive and some negative growth for the construction industry, arguably one of the largest sectors worldwide. Although large hotel and higher education projects have declined recently, others have increased, such as healthcare facilities and warehouse construction to meet current needs.

Because of measurements put in place to keep everyone safe, businesses have had to change how they function and communicate both internally and externally, limiting in-person interactions. This has also caused delays in some projects. The need to know what is happening on a job site has become greater than ever. As a result, even in an industry that is otherwise resistant to embracing new technology, construction has seen an increase in adoption of construction-specific technology, from BIM to 3D-printing, facilitating a more versatile way of working.

Without further ado, here are the top eight construction trends predicted for 2021.

  1. Keeping focused on safety with continued social distancing, protective gear and enhanced protocols for cleanliness
  2. Increased hiring for seamless execution of current and unexpected future projects
  3. Implementation of construction-specific equipment and technology to supplement a declining workforce
  4. Expanded distribution and manufacturing facilities to meet current e-commerce demands
  5. More complex urban development and infrastructure projects
  6. Renewed focus on sustainability and renewable energy
  7. Expanded use of modular construction, increasing quality while also reducing costs and project timelines
  8. Increased construction cost and pressure on the bottom line, as net profits remain slim

Construction companies must prepare themselves for the uncertain future. Luckily, with many recent innovations already in place, the construction industry has begun to optimize processes in all phases of construction.

Key developments in the construction industry will likely continue to grow and change as we progress through 2021, and we look forward to it.

 

Digital Builder, 2021 Construction Trends: 20 Insights from Experts, 12.17.20
Construction Dive, 2021 Outlook: 6 Trends that Will Influence Construction this Year, 1.04.21
Chad Fisher Construction, Commercial Construction Trends For 2021, 12.07.20
Method:CRM, Key trends in the construction industry for 2021, accessed 1.19.21
Let’s Build, 5 construction trends you want to look out for in 2021, accessed 1.19.21

Recently, companies have been more concerned about the health and safety of their buildings due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Not only are they worried about keeping current employees and customers safe and happy, they also want to attract new talent and tenants. It is important to address the virus-related concerns since many people are now thinking about the air quality of the buildings they will be spending their days in. So, what can companies do to improve the overall health of their buildings?

Expand on Current Inspections
In most buildings, facility managers have already upgraded their building to include health conscious features like indoor plants, water bottle filling stations and natural lighting fixtures, along with regular inspections of HVAC and other systems. As we continue to live through the pandemic, companies need to look beyond just operating efficiently to help people feel safe.

In addition to regular inspections for wear and tear, businesses should examine unseen systems, such as ventilation and cleaning protocols, which could be just as vital for safety as a leaking ceiling or a crack in a sidewalk.

Keep Fresh Air Flowing
Recycling air from one room to another can increase the risk of airborne viruses also transferring. With growing concern of viruses spreading among people in close quarters, improvements to existing ventilation systems are needed. Increasing the amount of outdoor fresh air, along with purifying existing air in the building through bi-polar ionization can go a long way. While opening windows can be a quick fix, most buildings don’t have that option.

Reducing Transmission through Touchpoints
Install equipment such as toilet sensors, touchless soap dispensers and faucets, foot door pulls, and sensory lighting to minimize touchpoint transmission. For surfaces that must be used communally, consider an antimicrobial coating system to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Encourage and Enforce CDC Recommendations
If there are areas of your building where restrooms aren’t nearby, consider installing hand sanitation stations to encourage regular hand washing.
Be sure all employees and guests are wearing masks or face coverings and wearing them properly, covering both their mouth and nose. Also, remind them to safely social distance when interacting with one another.

Evaluating your building’s current systems and equipment can help to identify ways to improve air quality, boost equipment performance and often leads to discovering new ways to increase energy savings.

RK Service’s expertly trained team of technicians can evaluate your facility, provide recommendations and build a custom products package to fit your needs. Call 877.576.9696 or email service@rkservice.com to schedule an appointment. For more information about our commercial HVAC/R systems evaluations and upgrades, click here.

 

What Makes an Office Building “Healthy”,  April 29, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Retro-Commissioning: Significant Savings at Minimal Cost, March 5, 2013, Building Efficiency Initiative
How COVID-19 has Increased Interest in Air Quality Testing, September 22, 2020, JLL

The refrigerant R-22, also known as chlorodifluoromethane, was banned earlier this year and is currently illegal to make or bring to the United States. It contains HCFCs, or greenhouse gases, that cause damage to the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. In order to slow the environmental damage that has already occurred, governments have worked together to limit the number of ozone-depleting substances that can be used.

For years, R-22 refrigerant has been in the process of being phased out. Systems that run on it have likely reached their lifespan and are no longer effective. So, if an older R-22 system springs a leak, a tough decision has to be made. Facility managers can either retrofit the system for a replacement refrigerant, or replace the system entirely. Upgrading and retrofitting old R-22 infrastructure to work with a replacement refrigerant can save equipment, energy, money and the environment.

ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS

RK Service’s expertly trained team of technicians can evaluate the refrigerant in your commercial system, recommend the right replacement option and execute the required retrofit or replacement. Call 877.576.9696 or email service@rkservice.com to schedule an appointment with one of RK Service’s expert technicians today.