In hotels and other hospitality facilities, guests often judge plumbing performance based on what they do not notice: no leaks, no odors, no slow drains, no restroom downtime, and no emergency calls after hours. However, the plumbing system is never invisible for cleaning and maintenance teams. It directly affects their daily routines and their ability to respond quickly when something goes wrong. The most useful plumbing improvements reduce the need for repeat maintenance, make problems easier to isolate, and provide better access before a small issue becomes a large disruption. 1. Install cleanouts for easy access Cleanouts in the sanitary system provide access points for snaking drains. If a cleanout is not already available in an area where a problem arises, it may be worthwhile to add one, perhaps under a sink or behind an access panel in a hallway. A plumbing access panel provides a simple, efficient way to reach essential plumbing components hidden behind walls, such as shut-off valves, drains, and cleanouts. Instead of cutting into and repairing drywall each time access is required, these panels offer a reusable, cost-effective alternative. Designed as doors or removable panels, they streamline maintenance and repairs. Plumbing access panels are typically installed between wall studs and can be either flush-mounted or surface-mounted during construction or rough-in. Common installation areas include behind bathtubs, showers, or even inside closets, ensuring discreet yet functional access. Often, these additions are made only after problems occur. If the wall is already open, it’s an ideal time to install a cleanout, add a panel, and discreetly paint or cover it. This way, if another issue arises in that area, adjacent to the area, or even below it, there is a convenient access point. With valves, the objective is to isolate specific areas rather than shutting off entire wings or floors. Older plumbing systems typically featured more isolation valves, whereas newer installations often have fewer due to cost-cutting measures. In the past, service plumbers routinely installed valves for individual fixtures in ceilings. This way, if an issue arose between the valve and the fixture, they could shut off just that one section, open the wall, and make repairs while keeping everything else operational. During service work, if the water is already turned off and the wall is open, facility managers can request installation of a valve. This proactive measure could allow for isolating a single floor or section in the future, minimizing disruptions throughout the building. 2. Consider tankless water heaters Water heating can also affect maintenance workload and operating costs. In some facilities, especially smaller commercial buildings, tankless water heaters may provide advantages. Although regular flushing is recommended for traditional tanks, most people don’t do it because they don’t want to deal with a long process involving a large amount of water. Tankless units are already set up for service. They typically come with valve kits that allow you to isolate the unit and flush it. The process takes about 45 minutes, and you don’t have to add extra valves. You can be finished within an hour. You don’t necessarily need an outside professional plumber every time you flush a tankless heater. Building maintenance crews can perform this task once they learn the process. A tankless descaler that includes a bucket, pump, and descaling solution makes the process very easy. You flush the tankless unit into the bucket. The process is less messy than draining a tank-type water heater, which usually requires a floor drain or another place to dump the water flushed out. The obvious benefit of tankless systems is that there is no tank. The bottom of a storage-tank water heater will have 18 to 24 inches of surface area where sediment can collect and eventually rot the tank. In a tankless unit, there is no sump-type area. Water is constantly passing through the tubing, so sediment has less chance to settle and accumulate. Tankless water heaters are wall-hung, which saves space in buildings with small mechanical rooms or cramped closets. Replacing an old tank with a wall-hung tankless unit creates more floor space for storage. 3. Simplify cleaning with removable drain components Restroom design directly affects the daily labor for cleaning teams. Choose drains, strainers, and stoppers not only for their appearance, but also for how easily they can be cleaned and maintained. Shower drains with removable debris baskets or accessible strainers can help capture hair and debris before they move deeper into the system. In the long run, these products can help cut down on plumber visits to cable or snake the drain. Facility managers can purchase aftermarket covers to place over drains, but having something designed to sit directly in the drain assembly is unique and much more presentable to guests. Ensure that drain maintenance, such as emptying the drain basket of hair and other debris, is a regular task included on cleaning team checklists. This task is easier with good lavatory drain design. Assemblies that allow cleaning teams to lift the stopper out from above the sink can simplify hair and debris removal without requiring staff to disassemble piping beneath the fixture. Any time you disturb plumbing that was not leaking by taking it apart, there is a chance it will leak when you put it back together. Cleaning the drain without disassembly can avoid that risk. Lavatory drains that sit completely flush with the sink basin can be a good choice for hotels. The drain creates a clean, uninterrupted surface that elevates the overall composition of the vanity. This helps prevent small items, such as jewelry, from entering the plumbing system, an important consideration in high-turnover hospitality restrooms. 4. Seal off drain odors Floor drain systems often include trap primers. These devices, often attached to sinks, release a small amount of water into the trap whenever someone uses the sink. Primers keep water in the trap so it does not dry out and allow sewer gas into the space. Trap primers are useful for floor drains that do not normally get
The United States is in the middle of a demographic shift that no business can afford to ignore. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, adults aged 65 and older now make up the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population and control more than US$85 trillion in assets. The Federal Reserve System reports that U.S. senior citizens have more wealth than any other age group. They’re active, they’re spending, and they’re visiting restaurants, retail centers, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions in growing numbers. But a quiet barrier stands between this powerful demographic and full participation in public life: the public restroom. A 2025 global survey from Tork found that half of adults aged 66-69—and one-third of those aged 70 and older—avoid using public restrooms even when they need to. Rather than complaining or leaving a negative review about an uncomfortable or dirty public restroom, they simply visit it less often, limit food and drink purchases, and eventually stop coming back to the venue. For facility managers, that silent exit is both a warning and an opportunity. By providing three core restroom qualities—a clean and safe environment, privacy and comfort, and spaces that signal care—facility managers can meet older adults’ hygiene needs. Ensure cleanliness Older adults often avoid public restrooms due to basic hygiene issues such as unsanitary conditions, empty soap or toilet paper dispensers, and unpleasant odors. Only one in five public restrooms consistently meet these essential expectations, according to Tork’s 2025 survey. When encountering a restroom that doesn’t meet these expectations, older Americans often choose not to return to avoid a repeat of the uncomfortable experience. Facilities that meet these fundamental expectations follow three practices: Reliably stock soap, toilet paper rolls, and paper hand towels in high-capacity dispensers that control usage and are equipped to handle peak foot traffic. In addition, these facilities rely on data-driven cleaning workflow systems to give staff a real-time view of service needs across the facility, ensuring stocked dispensers and minimizing refill gaps. Minimize high-touch surfaces by installing hands-free dispensers to limit germs spreading and signal that the restroom is a safe, hygienic space. A 2024 Tork survey found that 44% of people feel anxious when using public restrooms. Grime and wet spots on restroom surfaces caused by malfunctioning soap dispensers can increase anxiety among older restroom patrons with compromised immune systems. Ensure frequent trash removal and proper ventilation to keep the restroom pleasant smelling. Facilities can maintain freshness between scheduled trash removals by strategically deploying automatic air freshener systems that eliminate odors rather than mask them. Addressing these hygiene basics encourages older adults to use public restrooms, but covering the basics alone isn’t enough to make them feel fully safe and welcome in the space. Provide a “rest” room For many older adults, privacy and comfort are equally critical. Some need assistance from a spouse or adult child, while others manage mobility or health considerations that require additional time in a larger space. These requirements call for three restroom design practices: Design for dignity. Ensure stalls have adequate space for mobility aids such as walkers or canes, along with grab bars positioned for stability. Larger, accessible stalls with dependable support features help reduce anxiety for both users and the caregivers assisting them. Reduce sensory overwhelm. Harsh lighting, loud hand dryers, and strong chemical odors can be disorienting for older adults and aggravate sensitivities, especially for those with vision or hearing impairments. Choose softer, even lighting to improve visibility and navigation, and use neutrally scented cleaning products to create a more comfortable, welcoming environment. Provide adequate seating and rest areas. A nearby bench or seating area outside the restroom serves a dual purpose: Older adults can rest before or after their visit, and caregivers have a place to sit comfortably while waiting for the person they’re caring for to exit the restroom. When people feel respected and comfortable in a restroom, they’re more likely to engage with the venue, make a return visit, and recommend it to others. For those with specific health and mobility needs, these small changes can be even more impactful. Create a cared-for vibe Older adults recognize a well-cared-for environment when they see it. Whether it’s transparent communication about cleaning practices within a public restroom, clear labeling of products and features, or genuine openness to feedback, these signals tell users that the facility prioritizes their needs. Communicating care starts with transparency. Signage posted in a restroom detailing cleaning schedules and including signatures from the workers who took each shift builds trust with guests and reinforces the human element behind the space. Beyond cleaning frequency, facilities can highlight restroom accessibility features and product information. Label soap and sanitizer dispensers with ingredients, and consider products that are gentle on skin, which is critical for older adults—or anyone—with skin sensitivities such as eczema. Ensure any posted directions reduce confusion, not create it. Finally, make it easy for older adults to share feedback. Simple mechanisms like comment cards ensure this demographic has a voice in how spaces are designed and maintained. When users see that their input leads to visible improvements, it builds confidence and encourages repeat visits. Enhance the experience For older adults, the condition of public restrooms can determine whether they feel safe, healthy, and confident enough to stay engaged in public life. To ensure your facility isn’t driving the older generation away, start with the restroom fundamentals that prioritize cleanliness. Then layer in design enhancements that elevate privacy and accessible hygiene. This incremental approach is manageable and effective, ensuring facility guests see progress along the way. Older adults don’t have complicated restroom needs. They’re seeking cleanliness, dignity, and a signal that someone cares enough to get it right. Facilities that deliver these restroom essentials not only gain loyalty from this important customer group, but they also experience better overall business performance.
CMM spoke with Leland Bonaparte, a hospital division manager at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego with 20 years of environmental services (EVS) experience, about the challenges of maintaining restrooms during peak hospital operational hours. How many restrooms are you in charge of maintaining? Which are the most difficult to keep clean? Leland Bonaparte: We have 1,900 restrooms in the hospital to maintain. The two most difficult restrooms are in the pharmacy and the gym locker rooms, which are both extremely high-traffic areas. Guests are constantly interrupting the EVS techs as they are trying to service these restrooms. What are your facility’s biggest restroom challenges? Bonaparte: Our biggest challenges are keeping the customers out of the restrooms while we service them and making sure the restrooms are stocked properly. How do you overcome these challenges? Bonaparte: We have set specific times to clean the restrooms, so guests know when to avoid certain restrooms and visit others. We also have employees clean the restrooms for their specific gender so a bit of overlap between guest visits and restroom servicing doesn’t affect guest comfort and privacy. To keep on top of stocking, we do steadfast restroom policing, which entails daily repetitive checking to make sure we have enough toilet paper and paper towels and that the restrooms meet our quality assurance standards during operational hours. Do you use automatic or smart dispensers in the restrooms? Bonaparte: We use automatic soap and paper towel dispensers because that is the best way for our restroom guests to practice good hand hygiene without spreading germs. Currently, we are not using any smart dispensers or innovative technology to alert custodians of restroom shortages. But this is something that we are looking into, and we recently tried some of these systems. What advice would you give to EVS leaders on keeping up with restroom maintenance? Bonaparte: The most important thing is to ensure that custodians are properly trained. Custodians also need to realize that the policing of restrooms is just as important as cleaning them. We have gotten more complaints about the restrooms not being stocked than not being clean.
Tork PeakServe® Continuous™ Hand Towel System sets a new standard for high-traffic dispensing, delivering a better-quality experience for guests and for cleaning staff. Research shows that dirty, overcrowded restrooms are guests’ primary concern at high-traffic venues like arenas and transportation hubs—even more than long lines. Tork PeakServe is designed to better serve high-traffic venues and improve the guest experience. The system is fully compatible with Tork EasyCube® facility management software, the first to market smart facility management software using technology to drive operational efficiency, increase quality and customer satisfaction, and improve staff engagement. With continuous flow technology delivering a towel quickly and smoothly, the Tork PeakServe system serves guests in three seconds—quicker than jet air drying time—so guests spend less time in the restroom. And, with compressed towels, Tork PeakServe holds up to 2,100 towels per dispenser and serves up to 600 more guests between refills. This gives cleaners a peace of mind to focus on other important tasks, without fear of product runout. Get your restroom crowd-ready with Tork PeakServe! Visit torkusa.com today to learn more, stop by booth 6631 during ISSA, and vote for Tork PeakServe in the ISSA Innovation Awards!
Evolve with EcoShell™ The stylish & wholly unique EcoShell™ universal air freshener provides flexible fragrance options using revolutionary Clip and go, clip and throw™ technology. The stylish EcoShell™ universal air freshener is a non-aerosol, VOC exempt scent solution that brings a variety of locations ‘out of their shell’ – evolve your space with EcoShell™. Eddie World chooses Vectair for their visitor experience Eddie World, based in Yermo, CA, labeled as ‘California’s sweetest destination’ is the premier travel center in the United States. At Eddie World, they want to completely redefine how people perceive gas stations. Hence, the biggest passion for them is their extreme dedication to clean and comfortable bathrooms. Ed Ringle, Owner of Eddie World, says; “We want our customers to have a pristine and perfect restroom experience each and every time they visit.We chose Vectair as their products work, we have no bad odors in the restrooms and our bathrooms smell great.” Recyclable vs. Biodegradable – what’s the difference? Here at Vectair, we recognise that the environment is important, and dedicate our time ensuring our products and industrial processes are recyclable where possible, ethical, environmentally friendly and economically viable. With that in mind, what is the difference between recyclable materials and materials that are biodegradable? Both sound good and both usually come with green, eco-friendly looking labeling, so where do the differences lie? Presenting the Professional Passive Program™ Vectair Systems Inc., has launched the “Professional Passive Program™”. The program includes VOC exempt products that all provide fresh fragrance without the need for batteries, aerosols, harmful solvents or propellants. These are Airloop™, Vectair Wee-Screen™, the World’s first triple action & dual fragrance urinal screen - Vectair P-Screen™, VAZE™ and the multi-award winning Vectair V-Air® SOLID. Vectair ‘Nose’ how to attract visitors with scent Attract new customers. Reach new audiences. It’s all about creating memories & moments that stay in the mind for more than a few hours. Could it be, that scent is the most powerful sensory trigger? With scent marketing, we can create scents to connect with a brand, allowing brands to reach new audiences, in new ways. Scent Marketing is an ever increasing tool that’s used to engage and attract new audiences – but how does it work?
Tork PeakServe sets a new standard for high-traffic dispensing, delivering a better quality experience for guests. With continuous flow technology delivering a towel quickly and smoothly, dispensing serves guests in three seconds—quicker than jet air drying time—so guests spend less time in the restroom. And, with compressed towels, Tork PeakServe holds up to 2,100 towels per dispenser and serves up to 600 more guests between refills. Get your restroom crowd ready with Tork PeakServe! Visit torkusa.com today to learn more, stop by booth 6631 during ISSA Show 2018, and vote for Tork PeakServe Continuous Towels in the ISSA Innovation Awards!
On Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation to strengthen California’s long-term wildfire recovery system, building on the state’s work with survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires, and producing tools for wildfire survivors across the state. The new laws create first-in-the-nation standards for testing and remediating hazardous wildfire smoke contamination for future fires and require insurers to cover qualifying smoke-damage testing, remediation and restoration. The bills also permanently extend mortgage forbearance protections for disaster-affected homeowners. In the wake of the 2025 firestorms, families and communities continue to rebuild after the Eaton and Palisades fires. These new protections will make insurer obligations clearer and give homeowners more financial flexibility when they need it most. As fire seasons across the West become a year-round reality, California’s commitment to recovery must be just as enduring, the government said. The California Department of Insurance estimates that more than 13,000 of the roughly 40,000 insurance claims filed after the January 2025 fires involve smoke damage to homes that never burned. Until now, no state in the country had enforceable standards for how those homes should be tested, cleaned or restored. Assembly Bills 1642 and 1795 direct the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the California Air Resources Board to develop the state’s first protections for testing, remediation and restoration of lead and asbestos contamination from wildfire smoke, for homes within a fire’s zip codes. The bills require DTSC to issue guidance to help schools recover after a wildfire. The legislation also requires insurers to pay for lead and asbestos testing and remediation in smoke-damaged homes within a wildfire zone, cover full cleanup and restoration to pre-loss condition and bars insurers from cutting off Additional Living Expense coverage until a home is actually remediated and safe to occupy. “AB 1642 will set a new national precedent on scientific standards for clearing a home for occupancy after a wildfire,” said California Assemblymember John Harabedian. “Science, not an insurance company’s opinions, will determine whether a home is safe. AB 1842 creates a national model for granting mortgage forbearance to future wildfire survivors, so no family has to immediately pay a mortgage for a home that no longer exists. AB 1847 extends the Mortgage Relief Act (AB 238, Harabedian) for an additional year for survivors of the Los Angeles Fires who are still desperately trying to rebuild.”
ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, launched ISSA Academy, a reimagined online learning experience designed to provide cleaning and facility solutions professionals with a clearer path to career advancement while helping organizations build stronger, more skilled workforces. Built around the idea that professional development should be a journey, not simply a catalog of courses, ISSA Academy brings together industry education, training and certification in an intuitive learning environment. The Academy centers around Career Pathways, structured learning journeys designed to guide professionals from foundational knowledge and front-line skills through advanced expertise and enterprise leadership. “With ISSA Academy, we are creating a clearer roadmap for professional growth while giving organizations flexible tools to develop their people,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. “Whether someone is beginning a career in the industry, building specialized expertise, or preparing for a leadership role, we want them to be able to see what comes next and have the education to help them get there.” ISSA Academy’s Career Pathways provide a five-level framework that helps professionals progress from frontline fundamentals to technical expertise, supervision, management and enterprise leadership. Along the way, the pathways incorporate many of ISSA’s recognized education and certification programs, giving learners a clear understanding of how individual courses and credentials can contribute to long-term career growth. For example, front-line professionals can build foundational skills through the Cleaning Management Institute’s (CMI) Certified Custodial Technician (CCT) Basic program and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) Trained Technician education program before progressing to advanced CMI training. As professionals move into supervisory roles, pathways incorporate programs such as the CMI Custodial Supervisor Certification, with increasingly advanced education supporting continued progression into management and leadership. By connecting these established programs within a structured framework, ISSA Academy helps professionals understand where they are in their careers, what skills they need to develop and what learning opportunities can help them take the next step. ISSA Academy is designed to serve professionals throughout the cleaning and facility solutions industries, including frontline cleaning professionals, building service contractors, facility managers, manufacturers, distributors, residential cleaning professionals and emerging industry leaders. The platform organizes learning around industry sectors and career development needs, making it easier for users to identify education relevant to their role and professional goals. Current sector-specific areas include building service contractors, healthcare, residential cleaning, K-12 and higher education, manufacturers, distributors, emerging leaders, and advocacy and government affairs, with additional areas planned. Beyond individual professional development, ISSA Academy provides organizations with flexible options to support employee onboarding, ongoing training, career development and workforce advancement. Organizations can use ISSA Academy to create more consistent learning experiences across their teams, identify training aligned with employee roles and career goals, and provide employees with opportunities to continue building their skills throughout their careers. Solutions range from individual courses and career-focused learning bundles to team training subscriptions and enterprise learning options, allowing organizations to develop an approach that fits the size and needs of their workforce. The launch of ISSA Academy reflects ISSA’s continued commitment to advancing the cleaning and facility solutions industry by strengthening the knowledge, skills and professional development opportunities available to the people who power it. To explore ISSA Academy and available learning opportunities, visit academy.issa.com.
Held every year during the second full week of September, Environmental Services Week (EVSW)/International Housekeepers Week (IHW) is dedicated to recognizing the efforts of hard-working custodial staff members globally. The true heroes of any building operation, cleaning employees have one of the toughest and most important jobs. Buildings that aren’t properly cleaned can lead to illness and productivity loss for the people who visit, eat, live, work and play there. The Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA) is the official sponsor of EVSW/IHW since its founding in 1981. IEHA is a 1,300-plus member professional association devoted to helping managers of facilities such as hospitals, hotels and schools maintain cleaner, safer and healthier buildings. According to IEHA, the week is celebrated in thousands of facilities worldwide. The week offers the perfect opportunity for facilitators to show their gratitude for the efforts of their environmental services (EVS) workers, housekeepers and custodians. IEHA suggests these ideas to help make the week a success at your facility: Host a team celebration. Share staff stories and achievements. Present awards or certificates. Provide meals, treats or appreciation gifts. Highlight team members on social media. Encourage leaders to share messages of thanks. Sign up your team to compete in the 2026 Housekeeping Olympics, taking place on Nov. 16 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. No matter how you choose to celebrate, taking time to acknowledge housekeeping and EVS professionals can make a meaningful impact.
As a building service contractor (BSC), you face daily challenges in serving the needs of your clients while meeting your bottom line. From dealing with labor shortages and high-traffic facility areas to navigating the latest cleaning equipment and technology, it can be helpful to see where you stand amid your BSC colleagues. Join CMM on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. CT for a free webinar— The BSC Blueprint: Trends, Tech, and Top Challenges— to learn the results of our 2026 BSC Benchmarking Survey. Released every autumn, the survey report details the role of BSCs in managing budgets, equipment, clients and employees. CMM Managing Editor Kathleen Misovic and CMM Editor Elizabeth Christenson will guide participants through the survey results including BSC: Offerings beyond cleaning and disinfecting. Hiring trends including worker pay and benefits. Growth and plans to expand their client base. Preferences regarding training and sources of industry knowledge. Views on autonomous cleaning equipment and other smart technology. The 30-minute webinar will conclude with a Q&A session allowing participants to delve deeper into the survey results. Don’t miss this opportunity to examine the thoughts and actions of your BSC colleagues. Click here to register for CMM’s BSC Benchmarking Survey Report webinar today.