Guide to Bathroom Regulations for Commercial Properties

When it comes to a commercial property, making sure that every space is up to regulation is essential for continued operation. Here's a guide to getting started with plumbing services and bathroom regulations.

Location Is Everything 

As part of the design process for a commercial space, knowing where restrooms will be located should be one of the first steps. In Canada, customer washrooms cannot be in locations where customers have to walk through areas where food is handled, prepared, or stored to reach them. Staff washrooms cannot be directly attached to food preparation or food storage areas either.

All-Access Washrooms

In addition to being properly located, new washrooms must also be barrier-free accessible so that patrons with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities can access the washroom. However, if a building has existing washrooms that are not barrier-free, they may not need to be upgraded unless there are changes made to walls or plumbing fixture locations. Businesses should access section 3.8 of Alberta Building Code for more specifics on barrier-free design.

Sanitation Requirements

Once it's clear how many restrooms a workplace requires, it's also important to know the sanitation requirements that the space requires. Plumbing systems that supply potable water and remove water-borne waste must meet the standards of the Canadian Plumbing Code. They must also be connected to a municipal sanitation sewer or water main. If these needs aren't met, it may be necessary to reach out to have the bathroom serviced.

Cleaning Up

Although the number of restrooms, plumbing services and sanitation requirements are important, there are also a number of small details that may require bathroom renovations. For example, at least one washbasin or other means of cleaning hands must be provided in each toilet facility. For every two toilets, there must be at least one washbasin.

When it comes to regulations, it's important to stay on top of updates. If you are considering renovations, reach out to Lonestone Renovations today at (780) 655-8402.

Impact of Running Toilets & Leaky Faucets on the Utility Bill

Everyone has the familiar experience of settling in for a long night's sleep, only to hear the annoying recurring sound of a leaky faucet. Similarly, it's perfectly common to have a faulty toilet — one that, while it generally functions, may be leaky or operating less than perfectly. It may seem that the proper response is just to invest in a good set of earplugs to avoid bathroom renovations, but here's why it's a better idea to have these issues fixed with plumbing services to prevent racking up serious expenses.

Running Toilets

Leaking toilets seem perfectly innocuous because many people might not even realize they're leaking. Instead of leaking out over the floor like other plumbing issues, leaking toilets can even seem to be functioning perfectly right. The only way to tell if a toilet is leaking is by lifting up the tank; if the water is constantly refilling, it means that the toilet is leaking.

Although it might not seem that this is a serious need for plumbing services, especially since it won't lead to water damage, the effects might be worse than many people think. In fact, a seriously leaking toilet can leak up to a gallon of water a minute.

Faucet Leaks

A leaking faucet likely won't result in a flooded bathroom or kitchen, and for most people, it seems that the main offender is the annoying dripping sound. In reality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that your everyday leaks may account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted per year.

On average, running water costs around a penny per gallon. Therefore, a leaky toilet's 1 gallon per minute rate alone can add up to $14 a day of money flowing down the drain.

Many plumbing problems like drainage or sewage issues require obvious plumbing services, but leaks can go unaddressed for years, resulting in huge amounts of water and money being wasted. In order to prevent these drips and drops from adding up, give Lonestone Renovations a call today at (780) 655-8402.

4 Steps to Avoid Leaky Bathroom Pipes

Water leaks are not necessarily easy to trace in a home or residence. Even so, there are telltale signs that can lead to an eventual plumbing leak repair. Here are a few steps to avoid more serious expenses in the future.

1. Review Water Bills 

Keep a sharp eye on the monthly water bill. Compare it with the same month of the previous year. Any unexpected increases can be a red flag for a pipe leaking in the home.

2. Look for Mould and Mildew

Leaking water often shows up in damp spots on floors or ceilings. Before long, these spots can cause mould, creating a musty odour. If a musty smell begins to permeate the home, the reason may be a leaking pipe. Especially in bathrooms, mould on the walls or in corners is often a sign of a water leak nearby. Carefully inspect the areas near showers, bathtubs, toilets, sinks and anywhere else water gathers or pools. Areas that are always wet or begin to discolour could signal a need for plumbing leak repair.

3. Fix Foundational Cracks Quickly

Cracks in the foundation of a home should be examined quickly. Among other threats, water seeping from a pipe can create cracks in structural components and foundations with serious implications.

4. Locate Damaged Walls, Floors and Ceilings

Blistering paint on a wall or on wallpaper is a sign of bathroom leaks. When water and moisture get between the wall and paint, materials fall off in pieces. Similarly, wallpaper that is warping or staining also suggests leaking water.

Similarly, when a bathroom floor buckles, cracks or shows staining for no apparent reason, the goal should be to locate or eliminate the chances of a water leak. Water could be leaking from a pipe beneath the floor or arriving from another area.

Also, with a bathroom on the second floor, any dark stain on the ceiling beneath it may signal a leaking pipe. Carefully explore the bathroom for any signs of water damage and pursue the reason for the ceiling stains. A sagging ceiling is a clear sign of water gathering and the necessity for plumbing leak repair.

At Lonestone Renovations, we are here to help you in a variety of home renovation areas and plumbing. Please call us at (780) 655-8402 or contact us anytime by filling out our contact form.

3 Places Where Roof Fencing Might Be Necessary

Roof fencing is a common feature at many secure facilities. A rooftop fence deters criminals from entering a business by scaling the walls and breaking in from above. It's a relatively simple roofing renovation that provides an extra layer of security to thwart would-be thieves and criminals—one of Lonestone Renovations' many services.

Parking Garages with Nearby Buildings 

Parking garages commonly have open rooftops that are used as additional space for cars. This maximizes space; however, if a garage is built close enough to nearby buildings, criminals will look to enter by moving from the neighboring building onto the garage roof. A roof fence will prevent these car thieves from entering.

Tall Trees in Proximity to the Structure

Criminals are smart and, above all, relentless. Trees that are close enough to allow criminals to climb onto the roof present an all-too-enticing invitation. Rather than getting rid of the trees, try a roofing renovation with a downward-angled fence to keep intruders away.

Warehouses With Pipes or Ducts Outside

Warehouses, much like parking structures and other industrial buildings, are often built for function rather than form. This means that plumbing and HVAC elements may be exposed. These can be used to climb onto the roof without much difficulty. A rooftop fence will prevent drain pipes or other elements from being a ladder into the building.

For businesses that are vulnerable to criminals entering through the roof, consider a roofing renovation that incorporates roof fencing as an added layer of defense. Call (780) 655-8402 or fill out the Lonestone Renovations contact form to learn more.