Commercial vs. Residential Plumbing Services: Understanding the Major Differences

To some extent, we all take plumbing for granted until it stops working. Most people assume there is no difference between commercial and residential plumbing. This blog has highlighted a few points to define how both differ.

Plumbing problems can occur anytime and anywhere, whether you are living in an old home or a newly built home. For most of us, plumbing is the necessity of every space, but have you ever thought about why this service is differentiated into two parts: Commercial Plumbing San Diego?

Most homeowners don’t even care about the plumber they have hired for commercial plumbing repair or residential plumbing repair. They choose a plumber to fix their plumbing system quickly at a reasonable price.

Most assume that any plumber can fix the leaky faucet or clogged drain. Sometimes it works well, but commercial plumbing systems need a different level of expertise than residential plumbing repair.

Therefore, hiring the right plumber is always essential. Let us find out what is commercial plumbing and what is residential plumbing.

Commercial and Residential Plumbing

Commercial plumbing is the plumbing task mostly carried out in the commercial environment. Commercial plumbers work in environments like shopping malls, office buildings and warehouses, non-residential buildings, and large apartments. The plumbers are licensed to work in the larger pipes and complex plumbing systems in commercial plumbing. They need to follow stringent rules, codes, and norms related to commercial plumbing installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement.

Residential plumbing is limited to plumbing installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement in residential properties like apartments and houses.

When you need the services of a plumber at your home or business premises, you need to first check whether the company you are contacting offers which services: residential plumbing repair or commercial plumbing repair, or both.

Always contact a commercial plumber to fix plumbing issues at a commercial building. But how do you differentiate between a residential plumber and a commercial plumber? What are the differences? Find answers to the questions.

Here Are The Top 10 Differences Between Commercial & Residential Plumbing:

Daily usage of plumbing systems

When we talk about commercial space, the daily use of plumbing systems is higher than in residential areas. In commercial space, clients and multiple numbers of employees use plumbing systems. But in residence, only a limited number of people in your house use it. The family resident only depends on the system, so it requires fewer fittings.

Durability and size

In commercial plumbing, large and long-lasting fixtures are only installed. Commercial plumbing requires high-grade materials, so the chances of breaking down should be minimal. Due to strain and high pressure, commercial plumbing equipment costs more than residential plumbing tools. If we talk about a residential plumbing system, the types of pipes and their fittings and dimensions differ widely from that used in commercial buildings.

Differences based on complexity

When you talk about commercial buildings, it has multiple floors and sinks and toilets, so the process of the plumbing system is quite complex. The faucets used in the bathrooms in a cinema hall and the way the entire plumbing system is configured in those bathrooms are far more complex than those in an apartment or loft.

The efficiency of the plumbing system

Commercial water heating systems, water filtration systems, and water supply sources have to be such that it meets the needs of hundreds of people in a day. The kind of plumbing fixtures required also differ. Commercial plumbing installation and repair should be done only by licensed commercial plumbers to ensure efficient and durable solutions.

Chances of damage

The complicated plumbing system of commercial areas has higher chances of damage. The residential plumbing systems are less complex, and that’s why anyone can handle them. Damages to residential plumbing are limited because of the smaller size. But small damage in a commercial building can easily turn into the biggest disaster if you have a workspace on multiple floors.

Water heater tendency

The water heaters installed in commercial places mostly have large storage tanks with better input gas levels. In a commercial building, more people are using hot water compared the residential space. The tanks installed in the commercial space contain 250 gallons of water, while the residential heater tank contains 100 gallons of water.

The chances of health issues

Any plumbing problem in a commercial building can cause leaks and hygiene issues for hundreds of people. Fewer occupants can easily maintain the residential plumbing system and cleanliness. The commercial building requires a set of plumbing fixtures so that the drainage and cleanup can be done efficiently.

The difference in work scope

The scope of work in commercial plumbing repair, installation, and replacement is much more than in residential plumbing repair and installation. The size and dimension of pipes alone are a point of difference when you compare the drainage system of a hotel with that of a house.

The time graph

Most residential plumbing work can be completed within hours. The commercial plumbers will give a certain period for completing a project. Many people depend on the plumbing system in commercial buildings, right? So, a little delay can make their lives hectic and inconvenient.

Drainage service

Commercial drain and sewer lines are massive. Fixing and cleaning commercial drain lines require more complex equipment. It is a time-consuming task that can take up a whole day. It requires a crew of plumbers to ensure each unit is clear, which is unnecessary for the residential plumbing system.

The inspection of dripping

Inspecting the smaller holes and leakage is easier in residential plumbing than in commercial buildings. The residential homeowners use their plumbing systems regularly, so they can easily notice the small burst in pipes or leakage. In commercial buildings, it is tough to inspect leakage, which ultimately turns into larger bills and waste of water.

You can now clearly understand the difference between commercial and residential plumbing. Choosing the right plumber is essential for long-term benefits.

There are separate licenses and certifications for a residential and commercial plumbing expert. Leading plumbing companies also conduct multiple certification and training programs for their employees to keep them up to date.

Find out if the plumber you are hiring for commercial plumbing repair has the license to carry out commercial plumbing work. Check experience and background and get a few references.

Before investing money, find out what kind of commercial plumbing work has been done by the plumber, starting from the process of inspection to upgrading and installation. Now the question in your mind is, where should I find a company that offers the services of licensed commercial plumbers and licensed residential plumbers?

Don’t worry. All Star Plumbing & Restoration is here to help you! This company has separate crews of commercial and residential plumbers. Every All Star plumber is background-checked. Their experience is tested and enhanced through regular training and workshops. They are provided access to the latest equipment for the best-quality repairs.

Finding the right plumber for commercial plumbing repair and residential plumbing repair makes all the difference between long-term solutions and savings and recurring plumbing crises. A licensed commercial plumber can help you save a lot of money by getting the right repairs done and preventing the frequent occurrence of problems. Similarly, a licensed residential plumber with many years of experience can quickly recognize any residential plumbing issue and offer the most simple and reliable solution.