Operating your dental office provides you with the opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of your patients. But it can also bring some challenges and unnecessary stress – especially if the office plumbing is ineffective. Here’s a quick overview of dental office plumbing components and why they are so important for your business and your patients.
The Right Pipes and Drainage
The most important part of safe dental plumbing is drainage. Drainage can be quite complex, which is why it’s vital to ensure it’s done correctly by a professional commercial plumber.
Your office location and whether you have nearby neighbours are just two considerations to make when installing your plumbing system. Some other ones include:
- The layout of your building
- The foundation of your building
- If there is a basement present
- If there are offices below you
- Your flooring material
Taking the time to set up the right plumbing system can help prevent future problems down the line. These problems can include wastewater pipe blockages, one of the biggest headaches of operating a dental office. Sometimes, the buildup of cement and plasters from dental procedures can create these issues every few years. Properly installing and maintaining a plumbing system can help alleviate this risk.
Self-Contained Water Supplies
The next most important part of dental plumbing is self-contained water supplies.
From patients’ hygiene appointments to dental surgeries, water is necessary for virtually all dental office procedures. That’s why a consistent supply of clean and safe water is necessary. Instead of relying on your building’s water supply which can fluctuate depending on demand, you should invest in a self-contained water system.
Within your water supply, you also need to consider your basins. Every basin you install in your office will require its own water supply line. Each patient room usually has one patient chair and will need its own basin with a water supply. Your dental team will also need a designated area to wash their hands. Depending on how large your office is, the number of necessary basins can quickly add up.
Comfort, Care, and Safety
When considering all your plumbing needs, don’t forget about washrooms for both staff and patients, sinks in kitchens and break rooms, and access to water (ex. a fountain or cooler) to offer to patients while they wait.
Planning your dental office takes time, effort, and a lot of care. Hiring a commercial plumber that has the appropriate experience and knowledge can make this task seamless.
A licensed professional commercial plumber can save you thousands of dollars by preventing future damage. They can also help ensure you have a professional, functional, and safe office for your staff and patients. Plus, installing the proper plumbing systems may provide a discounted rate on your office insurance policy (you’ll have to inquire with your insurance provider first).
For more help with dental office plumbing systems, contact us today!