Properly maintained buildings are essential for creating a conducive learning environment. Our school facilities maintenance customers have the critical responsibility of reopening partially or fully closed school buildings after the summer months. This article presents a roundup of the common plumbing and mechanical inspections and repairs required.
1. Inspections and Repairs: The first step is to identify the scope of work required. It is important to conduct comprehensive inspections of every school building, allowing you to identify, plan for, and resolve any maintenance or repair requirements that may have arisen during the summer break closure.
2. Water Supply and Fixtures: To ensure a well-functioning water supply and fixtures, it is important to regularly check for any leaks and repair or replace any faulty faucets or flushometers. It is also essential to inspect all restroom fixtures and ensure that classroom bubblers and hand washing stations are working properly.
3. Toilets and Urinals: Maintaining proper sanitation in restrooms requires repairing or replacing malfunctioning toilets and urinals.
4. Partitions and Restroom Accessories: One of the most hard-wearing pieces of equipment in a restroom are the partitions. Constant slamming of doors can loosen fasteners on both the structure and the door itself. Other accessories such as coat hangers, hand dryers, and mirrors can be the target of inconsiderate usage or even vandalism.
5. Drainage Systems: To avoid water backups and potential flooding problems, make sure to regularly inspect and unclog your drains. Additionally, consider adding mechanical or chemical seals to eliminate any unpleasant odors that may be coming from dry, smelly drains.
6. HVAC Systems: Regular maintenance and inspection of HVAC systems is necessary to guarantee their optimal performance and adequate indoor ventilation.
7. Air Filters: Replace air filters to enhance air quality and minimize the transmission of airborne particles, including potential viruses. It is essential to replace all air filters, particularly if there has been smoke or air quality concerns during the summer.
9. Fire Sprinkler Systems: Ensure that the fire sprinkler systems are functioning properly and conduct any required maintenance or repairs.
10. Emergency Eyewash and Shower Stations: To comply with safety regulations, it is crucial to ensure that the emergency eyewash and shower stations are in proper working condition.
11. Backflow Prevention Devices: To ensure that water contamination is prevented, it is necessary to inspect and test backflow prevention devices.
12. Boilers and Water Heaters: It is important to service and maintain boilers and water heaters regularly to ensure that they are providing sufficient hot water for the needs of the school.
13. Mechanical Equipment: To prevent any unexpected malfunctions during the academic year, it is important to inspect and maintain mechanical devices like pumps, motors, and fans.
14. Supplies and Inventory: To ensure a clean and safe campus, it's important to stock up on critical repair parts and essential supplies such as cleaning agents, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hygiene products.
Additionally, we can help you maintain appropriate inventory levels as you use materials for preventative maintenance and repairs. Based on your building specifications, we recommend that your stock list should include the following items:
The Part Works team is available to assist you in stocking the appropriate parts for your building's specified fixtures and valves. We'll ensure that your school facilities won't experience downtime due to a lack of a common repair part needed.
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Taking proactive steps toward plumbing and mechanical repairs can create a safer and more comfortable environment for students, staff, and visitors during the fall reopening of schools.