Plumbing Problems a Health Inspector Doesn't Want to See
Plumbing Problems a Health Inspector Doesn't Want to See
A health inspection isn't just about what's happening on the grill or inside the walk-in cooler. Your restaurant's plumbing system plays an important role in sanitation, food safety and the day-to-day operation of your restaurant.
And some plumbing problems are easy for your staff to become accustomed to.
That dripping faucet that's been there for months. The hand sink that takes forever to get hot. The floor drain that smells occasionally. The toilet that needs a little “jiggle.” The drain that backs up every few weeks.
When you're running a busy restaurant, it's easy to work around little problems.
Until someone else notices them.
Before an inspection—and preferably as part of your regular preventative maintenance—take a walk through your restaurant and look at the plumbing from an inspector's perspective.
Start with your handwashing stations.
Are they fully operational? Is hot and cold running water readily available? Are faucets leaking or difficult to operate?
Look at your drains and floors.
Are drains flowing properly? Are there recurring odors, backups or standing water that need to be investigated?
Check for leaks.
Look underneath sinks, around toilets, behind equipment and anywhere water lines or plumbing connections are visible. A small leak can quickly become a sanitation issue—and a much larger repair.
Know your backflow protection.
Commercial plumbing systems may contain backflow prevention devices designed to protect the potable water supply from contamination. Restaurant operators should know what devices they have, where they're located and whether required testing or maintenance is current.
Most importantly, don't make health inspection preparation a once-a-year plumbing exercise.
The best time to discover a plumbing problem isn't when the health inspector discovers it for you.
Regular plumbing inspections and preventative maintenance can help restaurant operators identify small problems before they become sanitation concerns, operational disruptions or expensive emergency repairs.
Restaurant Maintenance Minute:
Take 15 minutes this week and walk your restaurant—not as the owner or manager, but as an inspector. What plumbing problem have you stopped noticing?
Presented by HM Plumbing, a Georgia Restaurant Association member serving restaurants and commercial properties throughout metro Atlanta.