Maintenance in museums: How professional sanitary technology preserved art

Museums are much more than just locations of past epochs and top artistic performance. They are also highly complex technical constructs that are specially designed to preserve humanity.

An often overlooked but decisive aspect is professional sanitary technology . Without them, many of the magnificent exhibitions that we admire could be badly damaged or even lost.

The importance of professional sanitary technology

Now the season in which the powerful wind, persistent rain and the cooler temperatures can bluntly light the more sensitive areas of our buildings. While the summer heat can often hide potential problems well, the approaching cold months reveal the hidden weaknesses of roof, pipe and wall structures. During this time, the materials are increasingly moisture, which often leads to the dreaded phenomenon of "corrosion" or "drops" .

Another risk is clogged gutters and drains that are blocked by falling leaves and whirled dirt. As a result, rainwater can get into areas where it shouldn't go. The problem of frozen pipes and the special challenges of older buildings can also lead to considerable complications in autumn and winter.

Although it is always advisable to pack problems at the root, even a careful construction can favor water from water under certain circumstances. The subsequent repair of such damage is often not only expensive, but can also be extremely complex.

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

The problem with moisture

A high humidity can indicate a potential break in water , even if this is not always the case. Uncontrolled and unattended environments can lead to mold formation and the resulting insect infestation, which can have serious effects on valuable collections. It is particularly important in older buildings to continuously monitor air humidity, even if no problems are known before.

At the same time, it is advisable to regularly check drainage and gutters for possible constipation and to keep an eye on roofs and chimneys. In order to reduce the relative humidity, heating and dehumidifiers can be used; However, the cause of the excessive moisture should always be identified.

Adequate ventilation is often sufficient to prevent too high humidity. A simple example: Clogged ventilation bricks in buildings with suspended soils can result in an increase in the humidity in the interior.

Internet-based remote data loggers ideal for monitoring buildings, especially those that are not regularly accessible. You have access to the data logger via the cloud and can access data from a distance.

Precision and adaptability in climate control

Museums such as galleries accommodate sensitive works that have to be kept under strict climatic conditions. The preservation of these masterpieces and historical artifacts requires careful control of temperature and moisture. Sanitary technology plays a central role here, in particular through highly specialized heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC systems) .

State-of-the-art HVAC systems are able to precisely regulate the air humidity and temperature to one degree. This is crucial because even slight fluctuations can lead to irreversible damage to the objects. 

Water resource management

In addition to air conditioning, efficient water resource management essential. Museums need functional water systems, both for daily needs such as toilets and cafeterias as well as for special applications such as hydrocultures in botanical gardens or fire protection systems that protect artifacts from the flames in an emergency.

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

Fun fact: the water art of the past

Did you know that in the 18th century techniques for irrigation and moisture control were used in greenhouses and orangeries, similar to today in modern museums? These historical irrigation systems not only served practical purposes, but were also aesthetic miracles. The link between art and functionality has a long tradition.

Establishment, maintenance and repair of sanitary facilities and pipelines

The professional sanitary installation plays a crucial role in the establishment, maintenance and repair of sanitary facilities in a wide range of commercial facilities, including museums, galleries and other public areas.

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

Which sanitary systems are most often used in museums?

In museums, modern systems for drinking water supply, wastewater disposal and air conditioning are indispensable sanitary facilities that fulfill crucial functions to create an optimal environment for works of art and visitors. The drinking water supply systems not only ensure the functionality of toilets and drinking fountains, but also promote the comfort and well -being of the visitors.

At the same time, the waste water disposal system ensures hygienic handling of the sewage from sinks and other facilities, which promotes essential hygiene standards.

The air conditioning systems are particularly important because they are equipped with special sanitary systems that precisely regulate both the moisture and temperature. These measures protect sensitive works of art against harmful environmental influences and make a decisive contribution to their preservation.

The harmonious interplay of these systems not only supports the preservation of the exhibits, but also significantly improves the overall experience for visitors. In addition, reliable sanitary systems are essential to ensure smooth operation and the conservation measures in museums and thus to ensure high -quality experience for all art lovers.

Which tools are typically used in commercial sanitary installation?

In the commercial sanitary installation, a large number of specialized tools are part of everyday life. These include pipe tongs, pipe cutters, pliers, press fitting systems, drills and burners for pipe cleaning . These aids are indispensable for plumber and maintenance teams in order to effectively master 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?

The regular maintenance of commercial sanitary facilities is not only recommended by professionals such as pipe cleaning Berlin 24 , but is absolutely necessary to ensure that the systems in commercial buildings, including museums, work efficiently and safely. Potential sanitary problems can be recognized and remedied early through preventive maintenance measures.

This not only saves costs in the long term, but also ensures the optimal condition of the entire sanitary system. And if problems arise at short notice, a 24 -hour emergency service is available for reliable service providers.

Challenges of the "old trade"

Another important element is the historic buildings that are home to many museums. Here is the challenge of modernizing old installations and sanitary systems without destroying architectural integrity. This happened in the renovation of the new National Gallery in Berlin from 2015 to 2021. This building was designed almost 50 years ago by the famous architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and went into the list of monuments in Berlin.

The existing infrastructure from the 19th and 20th centuries had to be respected, while modern sanitary technology was still integrated. The engineers worked closely with historians and building artists to master this challenging task.

Integrated solutions

Through clever engineering solutions, such as invisible pipelines and tailor -made, historical fittings, managed to create a seamless interaction between old and new. In this way, the time -honored splendor of the building was able to preserve, but at the same time meet the requirements of a modern museum.

Sustainability in focus

Sustainability is also a hot topic in the museum world. Many museums rely on environmentally friendly solutions such as rainwater use systems, energy-saving HVAC systems and efficient wastewater treatment. These measures not only ensure more sustainable use of the resources, but also considerable cost savings.

Rainwater use and gray water recycling

One example is the Louvre Museum in Paris, which pursues a rigorous policy for water savings. The museum uses rainwater for garden irrigation and operates gray water recycling systems to use water again in the sanitary area.

These green initiatives show that large and traditional institutions can also contribute to environmental protection.

A lively story: technology and art hand in hand

Last but not least, I would like to add a personal story. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to take a tour behind the scenes in a well -known museum. It was astonishing to see that there is a lively network of vital pipes, pumps and switchgear in the inconspicuous technical rooms under the exhibition areas.

These invisible heroes work day and night to protect the precious cultural heritage. It was an eye opener who illustrated the deeper meaning and the essential contribution of commercial sanitary technology for our cultural wealth.

Professional sanitary technology is an essential aspect of the museum company that goes far beyond the obvious requirements. It contributes decisively to the preservation and presentation of works of art and helps to preserve historical treasures.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

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

www. kunstplaza .de/