Maintenance in museums: How professional plumbing preserves art

Museums are far more than just venues for past eras and artistic achievements. They are also highly complex technical structures specifically designed to preserve humanity's heritage.

An often overlooked but crucial aspect is professional plumbing . Without it, many of the magnificent exhibits we admire could be severely damaged or even lost.

The importance of professional plumbing technology

Now is the time of year when strong winds, persistent rain, and cooler temperatures starkly expose the more vulnerable areas of our buildings. While the summer heat can often effectively mask potential problems, the approaching cold months reveal the hidden weaknesses of roofs, pipes, and walls. During this time, materials increasingly absorb moisture, frequently leading to the dreaded phenomena of corrosion or leakage .

Another risk is clogged gutters and drains, blocked by falling leaves and stirred-up debris. As a result, rainwater can end up in areas where it shouldn't. Frozen pipes and the specific challenges of older buildings can also lead to significant complications in autumn and winter.

Although it's always advisable to tackle problems at their source, even careful construction can, under certain circumstances, facilitate water ingress. The subsequent repair of such damage is often not only costly but can also be extremely complex.

As the person responsible for a museum or gallery, what proactive steps can you take to protect your property from the unpleasant effects of autumn weather conditions?

The problem with moisture

High humidity can indicate a potential water leak , although this isn't always the case. Uncontrolled and unattended environments can lead to mold growth and subsequent insect infestations, which can have serious consequences for valuable collections. Especially in older buildings, it is crucial to continuously monitor humidity levels, even if no problems have been previously observed.

It is also advisable to regularly check drains and gutters for blockages and to keep an eye on roofs and chimneys. To reduce relative humidity, heaters and dehumidifiers can be used; however, the cause of the excessive moisture should always be identified.

Often, adequate ventilation is enough to prevent excessive humidity. A simple example: Blocked ventilation tiles in buildings with suspended floors can lead to increased indoor humidity.

Internet-based remote data loggers are ideally suited for monitoring buildings, especially those that are not regularly accessible . You can access the data loggers via the cloud and retrieve data remotely.

Precision and adaptability in climate control

Museums and galleries house delicate works of art that must be stored under strict climatic conditions. Preserving these masterpieces and historical artifacts requires careful control of temperature and humidity. Sanitary engineering plays a central role in this, particularly through highly specialized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems .

State-of-the-art HVAC systems are capable of regulating humidity and temperature to within one degree. This is crucial, as even slight fluctuations can lead to irreversible damage to the objects. 

Water resource management

In addition to climate control, efficient water resource management essential. Museums require functional water systems, both for everyday needs such as restrooms and cafeterias, and for special applications such as hydroponics in botanical gardens or fire protection systems that protect artifacts from flames in an emergency.

In order for the water systems in the exhibitions to function efficiently and safely, a museum needs the necessary water supply, drainage and filtration through suitable pipelines.

Fun Fact: The water features of the past

Did you know that as early as the 18th century, techniques for irrigation and humidity control were used in greenhouses and orangeries, similar to those used in modern museums today? These historical irrigation systems not only served practical purposes but were also aesthetic marvels. The combination of art and functionality thus has a long tradition.

Installation, maintenance and repair of sanitary facilities and pipelines

Professional plumbing installation plays a crucial role in the setup, maintenance, and repair of sanitary facilities in a wide variety of commercial establishments, including museums, galleries, and other public areas.

These systems are essential for a reliable water supply and disposal system and enable the smooth operation of toilets, drinking fountains, cafes, restaurants and HVAC systems.

Which sanitary systems are most commonly used in museums?

In museums, modern drinking water supply, wastewater disposal, and climate control systems are indispensable sanitary facilities that fulfill crucial functions in creating an optimal environment for artworks and visitors. Drinking water supply systems not only ensure the functionality of toilets and drinking fountains but also promote the comfort and well-being of visitors.

At the same time, the wastewater disposal system ensures hygienic handling of wastewater from sinks and other facilities, promoting essential hygiene standards.

The climate control systems are particularly important because they are equipped with special sanitary facilities that precisely regulate both humidity and temperature. These measures protect sensitive works of art from harmful environmental influences and contribute significantly to their preservation.

The harmonious interplay of these systems not only supports the preservation of the exhibits but also significantly enhances the overall visitor experience. Furthermore, reliable sanitary systems are essential to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of museums, thus guaranteeing a high-quality experience for all art lovers.

What tools are typically used in commercial plumbing installations?

In commercial plumbing installations, a wide variety of specialized tools are part of everyday work. These include pipe wrenches, pipe cutters, pliers, press-fitting systems, drills, and pipe cleaning . These tools are indispensable for plumbers and maintenance teams to effectively meet the challenges of water supply and wastewater disposal, as well as the maintenance of sanitary facilities and systems in museums.

Is regular maintenance of commercial sanitary facilities necessary?

Regular maintenance of commercial plumbing systems is not only recommended by professionals like Rohrreinigung Berlin 24 , but is absolutely essential to ensure that the systems in commercial buildings, including museums, operate efficiently and safely. Preventive maintenance measures allow potential plumbing problems to be identified and resolved early on.

This not only saves costs in the long run, but also ensures the optimal condition of the entire plumbing system. And should problems arise at short notice, reliable service providers offer a 24-hour emergency service.

Challenges of traditional crafts

Another important element is the historic buildings that house many museums. The challenge here is to modernize old installations and plumbing systems without compromising the architectural integrity. This was the case during the renovation of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin from 2015 to 2021. This building was designed almost 50 years ago by the famous architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and is a listed building in the state of Berlin.

The existing infrastructure from the 19th and 20th centuries had to be respected while integrating modern plumbing technology. The engineers worked closely with historians and architectural experts to master this challenging task.

Integrated solutions

Clever engineering solutions, such as concealed piping and custom-made, historical fittings, made it possible to create a seamless interplay between old and new. This allowed the building's venerable splendor to be preserved while simultaneously meeting the requirements of a modern museum.

Sustainability in focus

Sustainability is a hot topic in the museum world as well. Many museums are implementing environmentally friendly solutions such as rainwater harvesting systems, energy-saving HVAC systems, and efficient wastewater treatment. These measures not only ensure more sustainable resource use but also significant cost savings.

Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling

One example is the Louvre Museum in Paris, which pursues a rigorous water conservation policy. The museum uses rainwater for garden irrigation and operates greywater recycling systems to reuse water in sanitary facilities.

These green initiatives show that even large and long-established institutions can make their contribution to environmental protection.

A vivid narrative: Technology and art hand in hand

Finally, I'd like to add a personal anecdote. A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to take part in a behind-the-scenes tour at a well-known museum. It was astonishing to see that in the unassuming technical rooms beneath the exhibition spaces, a vibrant network of vital pipes, pumps, and switchgear exists.

These unsung heroes work day and night to protect our precious cultural heritage. It was an eye-opener that clarified for me the deeper meaning and indispensable contribution of commercial plumbing to our cultural wealth.

Professional plumbing is an essential aspect of museum operations that extends far beyond the obvious requirements. It makes a crucial contribution to the preservation and presentation of artworks and helps to safeguard historical treasures.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/