The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Plumbing

Plumbing isn't all made equal. Plumbing problems range from minor drain clogs and faucet leakage to major gas line repairs and slab leak detection and repair. The plumbing in a room or structure might also vary. Plumbing service and repair in a business location vs. a residential environment differs significantly and sometimes necessitates a professional plumber.

What is Commercial Plumbing?

Plumbing services performed in a commercial environment such as hospitals, high-rise office or multi-use buildings, offices and strip malls, warehouses, and anything else that isn't a simple residence are referred to as commercial plumbing. Some of the larger apartment or condominium complexes may be classified as commercial. Commercial plumbing involves larger pipes, more complicated systems, and, in certain circumstances, operations within specific operating hours.

Commercial places, such as hospitals or medical facilities, also require specialty immunizations. Most of the time, the building owner is not present during repairs, so plumbers must contact on-site property managers or other means.

When there are employees, most commercial locations require higher insurance coverage and workers' compensation.

What is Residential Plumbing?

Residential plumbing is everything done for single-family homes, semi-detached and townhouses, and small apartments and condominium complexes, as opposed to commercial plumbing, which encompasses all sorts of plumbing in a non-residential environment.

Depending on the systems and architecture of the home, residential plumbing may not be as complicated, and most homeowners do not need specialty documentation for plumbers to work on site.

Residential and commercial property owners and managers, on the other hand, should demand that their plumbers be licensed, insured, and bonded. This will protect the homeowner, the property, and the plumber and/or their staff will all be safe.

Drain Services

The process of snaking a drain for a residential house is quite simple. Plumbers will auger a toilet, snake shower/bath drains, lavatory and kitchen sinks, and main sewer lines with little difficulty. More significant concerns, such as broken lines or root infiltration may be encountered, but the process is simple.

Large commercial locations, especially those with numerous stories, can have various snaking drain lines. All staked drain line obstructions must be snaked from the impacted drain down the line. This means plumbers must go to each unit below and either snake the line or double-check that the clog has been cleared down to the main sewage line. If it isn't checked, it might cause issues in downstream units, including flooding.

Water Heaters

The most common residential water heaters are traditional tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. While different home and family sizes need different layouts and sizes, there is no significant difference in water heater size from a smaller to a bigger gallon size.

Commercial water heaters are not the same as residential water heaters. They'll usually be a different style, be considerably larger, have a recirculation pump installed, and require specialty parts as well as knowledge of how to service and repair them.

Leak Detection

Leak detection in a residential home is far from simple, but it can be easier than in a huge business environment. Plumbers can swiftly rule out what isn't leaking or perform leak location in most homes when it comes to slab leaks.

Commercial plumbing leaks are more difficult to detect since they can occur almost anyplace. With wider spaces, a leak in the lobby could originate anywhere in the building, making pinpointing the source of the leak more difficult.

Furthermore, if the leak goes from upper to lower, such as between residential apartments or office spaces, the plumber will need to work with various owners and/or renters to find it. This may necessitate cutting through ceilings or walls for which another party is responsible. While trying to locate a leak, it takes coordination and experience to keep neighbors pleased and relieve stress.

Dripping Fixtures and Running Toilets

In a home, detecting tiny leaks and/or running toilets is considerably easier than in a commercial setting. Because most homeowners use their plumbing regularly, they can be more watchful for minor leaks that waste water and money. When there are multiple floors, multiple fixtures, and renters who may not have a vested interest in getting them fixed or do not notice as they would at home, it can be more difficult in commercial buildings.

Maintenance

Plumbing maintenance should be performed regularly in both home and commercial settings. For homeowners, it's about making sure their home is flood-proof and that all of their plumbing is in good working order to avoid costly repairs later on.

In terms of keeping the structure leak-free, commercial maintenance is similar to residential maintenance. On the other hand, building maintenance is more helpful in determining what building inhabitants may not be aware of. It gives property managers and building owners peace of mind by ensuring that objects in their commercial space are being checked off in an organized manner.

At Order a Plumber, we take the guesswork out of everything and help you with all your service needs. When you need help keeping your home comfortable this winter, we are here for you. If you have problems or would like to install a new boiler we are here for you., Contact Us at Order A Plumber today for all your home plumbing needs..

If you are in need of plumbing help, call (631) 234-0687 now or schedule a service online!