Common Mechanical Issues Found in Nursing Homes

Plumbing

When it comes to any healthcare building’s plumbing systems, issues are bound to arise now and then. That’s why, as a healthcare building manager, you need a plumbing company that can handle all your facility issues timely.

Below are the most common plumbing issues that you’re likely to encounter in nursing homes.

1. Backflow

Hygiene and sanitation are important factors in the healthcare industry. To avoid any sanitation issues in the nursing home, have a professional plumber install a backflow prevention device.

When backflow occurs, it most likely contaminates the facility’s clean water system. And with nursing homes mostly taking care of older people, water quality is crucial.

2. Waste Water Management

Wastewater and other chemicals often cause grave sanitary problems. If wastewater isn’t carefully released following proper treatment and remediation, it could cause major problems. Having the right plumber to provide suitable solutions will help protect the environment and ensure the residents’ health and well-being.

3. Water Heater issues

Running out of water isn’t something you can allow to happen in a nursing home as this could be risking the safety or even the life of certain patients. In nursing homes, sanitation is an important factor. Hot water is necessary for showers, laundry and cleaning dishes.

Often, water heater issues result from improper installation, broken connections or heating element failure. Having a professional plumber perform a routine inspection of your water heating system could save you from such problems.

4. Clogged Drains

Clear drains help maintain cleanliness. In nursing homes, this is something you can’t afford to compromise. You can easily tell when your drains are clogged if the water takes too long to drain.

In nursing homes, the probable cause of clogged drains is hair and soap or mineral buildup. To get rid of clogged drains, the assistance of a professional drain cleaner is essential. Also, having a professional plumber perform routine checks could help avoid drain clogging.

HVAC

HVAC systems control not only the room temperature but also air quality. This is vital in nursing homes and sometimes draws the line between life and death as most seniors suffer from respiratory conditions and other complications made worse by poor air quality.

Below are the most common HVAC issues likely to be encountered in nursing homes.

1. Improper Air Filtration

With most people in nursing already facing respiratory illnesses, indoor air with low quality could be fatal because of the dust and allergens in the air. Poor quality isn’t something that should be allowed to happen in a nursing home as it could lead to breathing complications, headaches and allergic reactions.

Ensure that a professional regularly performs a maintenance check of your air filters to maintain indoor air quality. Failure to do this could lead to the loss of life.

2. Incorrect Humidity Moisture Control

During the winter or when the climate is dry, lack of proper humidity can cause breathing complications, cracked skin, sore throats and several other effects. In nursing homes, dry air for those with preexisting conditions could sometimes cause death, and for those without could lead to infections and respiratory illnesses. Never take any issues with the humidifier lightly. Have a professional properly install the equipment and perform routine maintenance as it could end up saving a life.

3. Temperature Fluctuations

In a nursing home, drastic temperature fluctuations could be dangerous. It’s important to maintain the right temperature for this particular environment. The design and maintenance of HVACs are challenging but very important to undertake.

The design aspect is tricky because different patients have varying specifications in nursing homes that need to be maintained simultaneously. For instance, cardiac patients require warmer temperatures because they have poor circulation.

However, other patients, like those with brain injuries and extreme fevers, often require cooler temperatures. In other cases, patients require higher humidity and warm temperatures, especially if they’re suffering from a burn.

Therefore, it’s crucial to have a professional handle all your HVAC installation and mechanical maintenance needs.

Get the Best Nursing Home Maintenance

It’s imperative to ensure that patients in your nursing home, as well as their family and friends, have the peace of mind knowing your facility is well maintained. Whether it’s the plumbing, HVAC, wheelchair ramps, or any other mechanical issues, Walker Mechanical has got you covered. No job is too large or small for us. We have the equipment, skilled professionals and years of experience to handle any mechanical issue you’re facing to ensure your residents enjoy a safe and sound stay. Contact us today for the best nursing home maintenance!