Do you know? Or do you think you know?

I call this lack of systems knowledge. Here’s why it’s important.

Every piece of your building is made up of systems. Each system has pathways and pipes that make that system whole. I love when people generalize the term “plumbing”, when there are really multiple facets of systems that make up the plumbing.

There are domestic water systems, storm water systems, sanitary systems, etc.

Now, with that said, are you waiting until you have a major problem with your system to
Look at it? Like a don’t ask, don’t tell type of scenario?

Problem is, these systems almost always find themselves in peculiar locations, level 5 finished walls, columns with marble on them, walls with expensive finishes etc. Like when the kitchen of the tower club is located above the law offices really fancy conference room. (More on that story later).

The design of these systems is like the veins in your body, they hide discretely under the surface of your skin, and as long as everything is running smooth, no reason to investigate or research right?

Wrong.

Each one of these systems has a life expectancy for failure, and the longer the life, the higher the risk. When you wait till the system is failed, it usually always ends up
Costing more in the end.

For this condo in Fort Lauderdale, they unfortunately deferred maintenance, waited until it was too late, and the entire system needed to be replaced, as an emergency.

Had a thorough camera work up and report been done 5 years ago, they could of budgeted for this, and been more prepared.

As the story goes, just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Underground utilities are a part of your buildings critical infrastructure, you must prioritize it, or it will bite you in the ____.