Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
With so many pressing challenges facing the world today, the worsening drought crisis in the United States deserves far more attention. As of late May 2026, more than half the country was experiencing drought conditions. Data shows that roughly 51% of the United States, including Puerto Rico, and about 61% of the contiguous forty-eight states […]
Retail giant Walmart is getting into the facilities management business. The company has launched Upstream Facility Services, a new business that will offer the retailer’s in-house maintenance expertise to other companies nationwide. Leveraging the systems and scale that support thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations, Upstream is designed for companies managing complex facility operations, especially […]
As the spring flooding season returns, commercial, rental, and private property owners face more than visible water damage. Hidden contamination in air, building materials, and water systems can create health risks, regulatory issues, and tenant concerns if not properly addressed. Targeted environmental testing after a flood helps: In this post, we highlight five key areas for facilities managers to evaluate during post-flood cleanup. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Facilities managers know all too well the high cost of inefficiency—how anything from a lack of insulation to a poorly maintained HVAC system can lead to compounding utility costs. Inefficiency isn’t just about energy, though—it also encompasses water waste. And one of the most common sources of water waste is undetected, unaddressed leaking. Leaks can […]
The plumbing industry is set for a significant technological transformation in 2025, reshaping facilities management, cleaning, and maintenance, according to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co. Inc. He attributed this transformation to advancements in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robots, and enhanced water efficiency technologies. According to Reichardt, here are some […]
What do a convenience store, an NFL stadium, and a zoo all have in common? They’re all finalists in Cintas’ 2024 America’s Best Restroom contest. Now in its 23rd year, the annual contest celebrates businesses that develop and maintain innovative restroom facilities. After receiving submissions from the public, Cintas selected the top 10 finalists of […]
Is money going down the drain at your facilities? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its WaterSense program has made it easier for businesses and consumers to save trillions of gallons of water. In 2023 alone, WaterSense-labeled products helped save 1.2 trillion gallons of water. Since the conception of the WaterSense label, the EPA […]