Plumbing system maintenance: complete guide and how to create the plan

Why plumbing system maintenance is fundamental

Plumbing system maintenance is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and savings in every building. A well-maintained system reduces the risk of sudden failures, water leaks, and service interruptions. Correct maintenance also allows for the prevention of structural damage and compliance with current regulations, avoiding penalties and unforeseen costs.

What is meant by plumbing system maintenance

Plumbing system maintenance includes all activities necessary to keep water distribution and drainage networks efficient. A distinction is made between:

• Ordinary maintenance: periodic checks, filter cleaning, pressure verification, replacement of gaskets and components subject to wear.
• Extraordinary maintenance: interventions on failures, pipe repairs, replacement of damaged or deteriorated parts.

Practical examples include cleaning aerators, checking for leaks, and verifying the correct functioning of valves and taps.

Regulatory references and responsibilities

Plumbing system maintenance is regulated by precise standards such as D.M. 37/2008 and D.P.R. 74/2013. These laws establish control obligations and responsibilities for both property owners and managers. Failure to meet deadlines can lead to administrative sanctions and civil liability in case of damage to people or property.

Types of plumbing systems and most common critical issues

Plumbing systems are divided into different types, each with specific critical issues:

• Sanitary systems: risk of leaks, blockages, and limescale.
• Heating systems: pressure problems, corrosion, and air in the circuits.
• Drainage systems: clogs, bad odors, and backflows.
• Air conditioning systems: condensate leaks and obstructions in the drain pipes.

Each type requires specific attention to prevent failures and ensure service continuity.

Frequency and periodicity of interventions

The frequency of maintenance interventions varies based on the type of system and regulatory indications. In general:

• Annual checks for sanitary and heating systems.
• Biennial verifications for thermal systems according to power and current legislation.
• Periodic checks on drains and valves, at least every 6-12 months.

Following a maintenance schedule helps prevent emergencies and keep the system efficient.

Maintenance activities: what internal staff can do and when a professional is needed

Some maintenance activities can be performed by internal staff, while others require the intervention of a specialized technician.

• Internal staff: filter cleaning, visual leak inspection, pressure verification, reporting anomalies.
• Professional: leak tests, water hardness analysis, boiler and water heater maintenance, repairs on pipes and valves.

Correctly distinguishing tasks allows for the optimization of time and costs and ensures the safety of the system.

How to structure a plumbing system maintenance plan

An effective maintenance plan is based on detailed programming and accurate documentation. The fundamental steps are:

• System census: identify all components and hydraulic networks present in the building.
• Definition of activities: list the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance operations necessary for each system.
• Intervention scheduling: establish the frequency and deadlines for each activity.
• Operational checklists: prepare checklists to facilitate inspections and verification of activities performed.
• Traceability and documentation: record every intervention, noting the date, outcome, and person in charge.
• Periodic review: update the plan based on results and any critical issues found.

A well-structured plan allows for the prevention of failures, optimization of resources, and extension of the useful life of the systems.

Digitalization and tools for maintenance management

The digitalization of maintenance offers decisive advantages:

• Data centralization relating to systems, interventions, and deadlines.
• Real-time monitoring of system status and scheduled activities.
• Automatic notifications for deadlines and detected anomalies.
• Detailed reporting for process analysis and optimization.
• Reduction of errors and management times thanks to automation.

The use of digital platforms allows for more efficient maintenance management and improves system safety.

How a digital platform can support hydraulic maintenance

A dedicated digital platform allows for simple and complete management of the maintenance plan. The main advantages include:

• Updated view of all systems and ongoing activities.
• Planning and tracking of interventions even remotely.
• Cost and time reduction thanks to process automation.
• Integration with IoT sensors to receive real-time alerts on leaks or anomalies.

These tools help prevent failures, optimize maintenance, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Best practices for plumbing system maintenance

For optimal management of hydraulic maintenance, it is essential to:

• Regularly plan inspection and maintenance activities.
• Document every intervention to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Rely on qualified professionals for more complex operations.
• Use digital tools to simplify management and improve efficiency.

By following these best practices, you achieve safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting systems.