The Differences Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing
It may seem that plumbing functions the same everywhere we go, but there are actually some significant differences between residential and commercial plumbing. To understand this better, we must look into what separates the two plumbing apart.
The Main Contrast Between the Two Plumbing Systems
Commercial plumbing works with significantly more complicated piping systems, higher maintenance standards, and stricter repair laws than residential plumbing. Because of this, expert assistance is usually needed with commercial plumbing. Hospitals, office buildings, shopping centers, and other commercial areas require this kind of plumbing service.
On the other hand, residential plumbing is done for family homes, small apartments, partially-detached townhouses, and even condominium buildings. The plumbing requirements in a home setting differ depending on the layout and other related utilities at home. Here are a few major factors that separate the two:
- Complexity and Dimensions of Work Area
Commercial plumbing covers a higher number of tasks and a bigger dimension of work area due to the size of most commercial buildings, which require larger fittings that can stand repeated use. Also, the number of users in these infrastructures increases the complexity of any repair or maintenance work. In addition, fixtures and pipes get worn down faster in commercial premises because there are more people using them.
Meanwhile, in most residences, it’s more common to use smaller fixtures, and these last longer than those in commercial establishments as they don’t get used often. Only the family or occupants of the home are the main users of this kind of plumbing system, which is clearly less than the amount of usage seen in commercial spaces. - Guidelines and Laws
Regulations are substantially more stringent in commercial plumbing than in residential. This is because more people tend to visit commercial establishments, especially places like hospitals, offices, and restaurants.
Strict health care and safety laws must be followed to ensure good hygiene and sanitation in the plumbing system. Meanwhile, residential properties house a more manageable number of occupants, which is why their plumbing laws and codes are not as comprehensive as commercial plumbing. - Professional Tools
Plungers, toilet augers, and pipe wrenches are common specialty tools that are used by most residential plumbers. These can be sourced by anyone who wants or needs to perform plumbing repairs at home.
Commercial projects, on the other hand, require a separate set of other equipment to get the job done. These usually consist of tile saws, huge drain cleaners, industrial-level wet and dry vacuum cleaners, and even generators. - Maintenance Regulations
To avoid significant issues, commercial plumbing relies on professional preventive maintenance. For instance, a hospital or a high-end commercial facility like a shopping center or a big office building cannot afford any of its systems to fail. Their plumbing systems should be able to withstand continuous use as they operate nonstop throughout the day or even the week.
Meanwhile, a residential plumbing system can be easily maintained by residents because it has parts that are commonly available in home improvement and hardware stores. This makes it easier to source for components that could break once they’re used up. - Effectiveness and Work Schedule
In corporate offices and industrial warehouses, the effects of leaking faucets and ineffective heaters are more pronounced. A leak in any commercial building can result in more problems in the future if left untreated, which would be costly and time-consuming to repair.
Residential plumbers can come in at any time of the day that both the contractor and homeowner agree on. Commercial plumbing contractors, on the other hand, frequently operate after operating hours to avoid having their work interrupted by the establishments’ operations.
Get Commercial Plumbing Services for Your Office or Warehouse Today
Plumbing problems at home can be dealt with with the help of a residential plumber, or you can also go the DIY route if they are quick and easy to do. A commercial building with leaking fixtures or broken pipes is a different discussion.
It would be best to hire a commercial plumber to check your building’s plumbing system if you’ve experienced any plumbing issues in your commercial space. Reach out to the nearest plumbing company that offers commercial plumbing. You can ask more about the commercial plumbing services they offer to get a quote for their services.