Plumbing problems arise at any given point in any building. It’s natural to think that one type of plumber can fix all your plumbing issues whether it’s at home or the office. After all, plumbing is simply water running through different types of pipes. However, that’s where you are wrong as all plumbers aren’t created equal.
To ensure you are getting the right plumber for your specific plumbing problem, you need to know the difference between commercial and residential plumbing. This will give you a better chance of getting your plumbing emergency fixed in a faster time period.
What Is Commercial Plumbing?
As the name suggests, commercial plumbing is a field in plumbing that requires specialized plumbers to work on commercial and industrial establishments. These commercial properties include restaurants, retail outlets, schools, universities, warehouses, manufacturing plants, hospitals, care homes and others.
A skilled commercial plumber is responsible for the installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing systems in commercial and industrial buildings. They can follow building plans and designs to work on larger and more complex plumbing systems than residential plumbers. They can work on water heating systems, boilers, fire sprinklers and more. Commercial plumbers can even design the plumbing infrastructure for some commercial establishments and always stick to the plumbing code.
What Is Residential Plumbing?
On the other hand, residential plumbing deals with plumbing trouble in residential homes. Residential plumbers can install, repair, fit and maintain pipes in a drainage system for residential buildings. They also deal with fixtures for water heating and cooling, water distribution as well as sanitation services.
Plumbing Jobs That Commercial Plumbers Can Do But Residential Plumbers Cant
There are a few jobs that require a commercial plumber to perform and not a residential plumber. Residential plumbers are not able to perform plumbing activities where different skill sets and technicalities are involved. This is usually due to a lack of sufficient exposure, training, and experience.
The plumbing jobs that commercial plumbers can perform but residential plumbers can’t include:
Installation Services
Just like residential plumbing, commercial plumbing systems also required the use of various types of plumbing parts and fixtures. However, commercial plumbers will need to be well versed In the installation of all the different types of commercial plumbing parts and fixtures on the market.
They would be able to tell which are the best plumbing fixtures for bathrooms, kitchens and other areas. Commercial plumbers can also help with the installation of new sewer lines at natural gas lines.
Pipe Upgrades
The plumbing systems in most commercial buildings are very old and can lead to breakdowns and leakage is due to damaged pipes. This is why it is essential for a commercial building to have a proper plumbing system in place to ensure everything works smoothly. If there is a broken pipe or damages to the pipe it can cause problems including water leaks and gas leaks.
To tackle this problem old commercial plumbing systems should be upgraded by a skilled commercial plumber. The commercial plumber can upgrade the pipes to eliminate any damage or breakdowns to save you from plumbing troubles. They can also check the gas lines that run through the building to ensure that there isn’t any leakage that can become a potential hazard.
Drain and sewer
Another job that commercial plumbers can do and residential plumbers cannot is the servicing of drains and sewer lines. Commercial buildings tend to generate a lot more ways than residential homes, and all that waste goes through the drain and sewer. if there is a block or blockage in the sewer lines, it can create a major plumbing issue since the waste will not be disposed of properly
Pipe snakes are commonly used to get rid of clouds and blockages in homes. However, they aren’t effective in cleaning drains and sewers of commercial buildings. Commercial plumbers are knowledgeable in how to properly clean commercial buildings drains and sewers to remove blockages and blockages.
In most instances, commercial plumbers will use the hydro jetting process which sees a large amount of water being pumped through a nozzle at a high pressure to remove debris. The water pressure may reach up to 4000 PS I which means blockages and blockages don’t stand a chance.
Hot Water services
Commercial plumbers can also repair and service water heaters in commercial buildings. Commercial water heaters are generally more complex and sophisticated than those used for residential purposes.
If handled incorrectly these commercial hot water heaters can have negative consequences on the commercial space. These water heaters can experience several problems including the inability to properly heat the water and may not operate efficiently causing an increase in utility bills.
Experienced commercial plumbers will be able to properly diagnose the commercial water heater and make the necessary repairs to ensure all problems are resolved. They can also help with the installation of a new water heater at the commercial building if the existing water heater is over 15 years old.
Cleaning and maintenance
The plumbing system of commercial buildings is very different from those used in residential settings. They require regular systematic cleaning and maintenance to keep working efficiently for long periods.
Qualified plumbers will examine the plumbing system and clean it accordingly. During the inspection, they will be able to tell if you need maintenance or if you have to replace the system entirely. They will ensure that everything is in working order and that they are no issues that may present themselves as a threat to the business in the future.
Why It’s Important To Hire A Commercial Plumber For Commercial Plumbing Jobs
It is important to hire commercial plumbers for commercial plumbing jobs because they are highly trained and experienced to solve complex commercial plumbing issues. They will see plumbing problems differently than those who work in residential homes.
Plumbing issues in the home can be a standard fix but if you’re in an apartment complex or office complex, the issue can be caused by various factors. Commercial plumbers will have the necessary skills to investigate different floors and bathrooms to discover any underlying problems with the plumbing system.
Commercial plumbers will also have the right tools for the job. Many tools are specific to commercial plumbing so you won’t find them in a residential’s plumber arsenal. Hiring a commercial plumber with all the right tools will save you time and money.
Do I Pay More If I Hire A Commercial Plumber?
You shouldn’t compare the pricing of residential plumbing and commercial plumbing since the scope of work differs greatly. Hiring a commercial plumber for your commercial plumbing needs will reduce costly repairs and save you money down the line.
Commercial plumbers not only resolve any existing plumbing issues but will quickly learn the intricate workings of your existing plumbing system and help you prevent problems in the future. They may offer to help with preventative maintenance which can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The differences between commercial and residential plumbing are many. The major difference between commercial and residential plumbing is that commercial plumbers deal with larger and intricate plumbing systems in commercial establishments while residential plumbers can handle the less complicated plumbing emergencies and smaller plumbing systems in your home.
