What is Commercial Plumbing and Why is it Important?

| Updated on March 28, 2024

Commercial plumbing is a particular field in plumbing that works essentially on commercial foundations, including support, fixes, and installation tasks. This field of plumbing mainly includes hospitals, high-rise offices, industries, and other commercial establishments. In these establishments, a proficient quality plumber is needed who knows about common plumbing problems and how to spot them. There is a high volume of plumbing tasks in the commercial sector.

Most of us think commercial plumbers are like residential or private plumbers. But they differ in many points like certification, job volume, etc. However, there are similarities in the extent of work, private and commercial plumbing actually has a huge difference. So, let’s begin with understanding the importance of commercial plumbing. And then, we’ll discuss the difference between commercial and private plumbing.

Commercial Plumbing and Why is it Important

Why Commercial Plumbing is Important?

Plumbing work is important in every building, whether it is residential or commercial. It ensures a regular water supply and fixes the issue to avoid any hindrance. But when it comes to the commercial sector, commercial buildings hold reputable businesses. It affects the image of the business owner if there is any leakage of pipe in the office, the sink is blocked, or the toilet is not working properly. That is the reason; a commercial plumber is always needed in such buildings to fix the problem.

Moreover, commercial plumbing is required for a scope of plumbing works in buildings, offices, and other establishments like multi-story plumbing frameworks, roof plumbing works, which requires a particular plumber with knowledge. If the plumbing frameworks get down or pipes are worn out, it becomes a great issue for a building owner. Having a commercial plumber on a 24/7 basis ensures there are no such issues or all the plumbing systems are working properly. That’s why commercial plumbing is important for such establishments.

For What Reason is Commercial Plumbing Diverse to Private Plumbing?

There are six main differences between commercial and private plumbing and they are portrayed as follows:

1. Job Volume

Both types of plumbers can do a wide range of plumbing tasks, for example, fixes, installations, and maintenance, but commercial and private plumbing services have differences. The main difference between commercial plumbing and private plumbing is the job volume.

Commercial establishments are planned with various plumbing frameworks and have numerous floors; the volume of issues that may emerge is extremely high. One has to be present at the earliest to fix the issue in the commercial sector. Otherwise, the problem gets worse or clients in a particular office may be disappointed. On the other hand, in private homes, generally, it only consists of two floors. And, if there is any sort of plumbing issue, one can wait for a plumber to arrive and fix it.

2. Complexity of Problems

Plumbing-related issues are undoubtedly complex to understand. But, the degree of complexity can significantly increase in commercial plumbing because of the various lines interconnected from one story to another and distinctive plumbing frameworks. And, there you spot the importance of high-quality plumbing.

These plumbing frameworks range from mechanical grade boilers, sewer, and pipes. Another factor that affects the complexity of the issue is the number of clients. That’s why a plumber is always needed in such establishments.

Since numerous people visit the building every day, the chances of fixtures and pipes getting worn out are high. Private home plumbing issues can also be complicated. However, because of its lesser number of plumbing pipes, lines, and installations, most plumbers consider it as a basic issue and less complicated.

3. Utilizing Particular Tools and Equipment

A plumber couldn’t fix anything without solid tools. The tools and equipment are practically similar, especially for general plumbing jobs, for example, unclogging the sink or toilet. A portion of these tools are:

  • Plungers
  • Sink snakes
  • Heat tapes and heaters (for frozen lines)
  • Toilet augers
  • Faucet packing and washers

This will change if the issue requires jobs like preparation, redesign, testing, and inspections. These jobs require large equipment or power tools to properly deliver the work. Here is a portion of the tools needed for commercial plumbing installation service:

  • Generators
  • Tile saws
  • Industrial wet dry vacuums
  • Cutting and boring tools
  • Pipe vises and support
  • Pipe cutting device (for plastic, steel, and copper)
  • Pipe bevelling

4. Local Codes

Whether it’s residential or commercial, all plumbers need to be licensed by the state to deal with properties. These licenses are different for commercial and residential plumbers because the state property codes are different for each framework. Thus, establishments need to ensure they are following commercial codes for any plumbing service to complete. If anything isn’t done up to code, the landowner not only pays for additional fixes but also could be subjected to huge fines.

Also, every state has its establishment and building codes in which only a particular type of plumbing framework can use. So, before starting, a property owner must verify that hired plumber has a valid commercial plumbing license holder or not.

5. Investigation Frequency

Unlike residential, there are more frequent and careful investigations in the commercial sector. This implies that commercial plumbers need to commit to bigger segments of their work plan, like installing pipe cameras, to satisfy these plumbing needs. And, check regularly so that the problem is fixed at an early stage. However, in household plumbing, this type of investigation is not needed. Some minor checks are enough to identify the problem. Also, there is no need for pipe cameras to install in residential pipelines as the framework is basic.

6. Working Hours 

The last thing is the working hours. Most plumbing organizations in different regions have working hours of 9 AM to 5 PM. But, commercial plumbers are not bound to these normal working hours. This is because commercial establishments needed 24-hour service. Also, commercial plumbing organizations like to plan the plumbing maintenance or fixes after the typical working hours to avoid inconvenience to their clients.

So, in such organizations, plumbers work in rotational shifts, and they ensure their availability 24/7. But on the other hand, in residential properties, plumbers come on clients’ calls at a particular time. Even the client can wait for the service for some hours unless there is an emergency.

Conclusion:

As said above, the concept of commercial plumbing is a little different from usual, and it is important for plumbing systems’ efficiency. On the other hand, private or household plumbing is a little more basic, and generally, there is no need for a 24-hour plumber. Some of the minor household plumbing works are DIY tasks, but in the commercial sector, only a highly knowledgeable plumber is needed. So, these two are a bit different from each other. Hopefully, before hiring the plumber for the commercial area, you’ll consider these points and make an informed decision.


John M. Flood

John is a crypto enthusiast, Fintech writer, and stock trader. His writings provide guides to perform your best in the crypto world and stock planet. He is a B-Tech graduate from Stanford University and also holds a certification in creative writing. John also has 5 years of experience in exploring and understanding better about the FinTech industry. Over time, he gained experience and expertise by implementing his customized strategies to play in the crypto market.

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