Category: Plumbing

Back to Basics: The True Cost of Water Pump Downtime in Facilities

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Water pumps are among the most critical (and most underestimated) assets in modern facilities. They quietly support HVAC systems, boiler feed operations, domestic water supply, wastewater handling, cooling towers, irrigation, fire protection, and sanitation. When pumps operate […]

Are Visitors Avoiding Your Public Restrooms? National Survey Reveals Expectations

Handwashing is an action that’s done millions of times every day in homes, workplaces, schools, stores, and a multitude of other locations across the country. To delve deeper into this daily habit, the 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Co. posed a series of questions to U.S. adults and uncovered some interesting findings. In the […]

Cold Snaps, Burst Pipes, and a Facility’s First-Hour Playbook

Cold snaps don’t always arrive with a major storm. A quick drop in temperature after a mild stretch can be enough to stress vulnerable piping, especially in perimeter zones and low-circulation spaces. For facilities management teams, a frozen or burst pipe can turn into tenant disruption, safety exposure, and avoidable downtime in a matter of […]

Data-Driven Water Management: Bringing Visibility and Resilience to Building Operations

Water systems are among the most essential—and least visible—components of any facility. Pipes, valves, pumps, and recirculation loops work quietly behind walls and below floors, delivering water for sanitation, heating, cooling, and daily operations. Because these systems often function behind the scenes, they tend to receive less attention than HVAC or electrical systems—until a failure […]

Winter Water Woes: How to Keep Your Manufacturing Plant’s Sump Pump from Freezing

Are you preparing your manufacturing plant for winter? You’re likely prioritizing boiler performance, process heating, insulation, and freeze protection for water and chemical lines. However, one critical system is often overlooked: the sump pump. This small but powerful piece of equipment plays a vital role in protecting your facility by removing groundwater, meltwater, and process […]

5 Quick Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

As temperatures begin to drop across the country, Rainbow Restoration is urging property owners and managers to take immediate action to protect against the costly and disruptive effects of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive causes of winter property damage. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands and places extreme pressure […]

Designing Inclusive Restrooms: Strategies for Accessibility and Equity

Public restrooms are more than functional spaces; they are touchpoints that shape perceptions of inclusivity, accessibility, and overall user experience for occupants and visitors. Facilities managers and designers increasingly recognize that restroom design can either remove or reinforce barriers for people of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds. From layout considerations to product selection, inclusive strategies […]

Global Handwashing Day Underscores Power of Soap and Restroom Maintenance

Each year, Global Handwashing Day shines a spotlight on one of the simplest and most effective public health practices: washing hands with soap and water. Celebrated annually on Oct. 15, this worldwide event reminds people that consistent hand hygiene is critical to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting community health. For facilities managers, […]

State Park Wins ‘America’s Best Restroom’ Contest

After a nationwide search and public voting, Bear Head Lake State Park in Minnesota has been named the 2025 winner of Cintas’ annual America’s Best Restroom contest. According to Cintas, the restroom and shower building at the state park provides more than just function; it offers thoughtful design in a stunning setting. With a fully accessible layout that […]

Stop Losing Customers to Dirty Restrooms: The Case for Data-Driven Maintenance

Every day, facilities managers unknowingly lose customers and damage their brand reputation, all because of one overlooked factor: restroom maintenance. Businesses may not realize it, but this can easily translate into tangible losses. A recent Tork survey revealed that only 1 in 5 public restrooms currently meet cleanliness standards, and a staggering 52% of people […]