Commercial and residential plumbing systems share the same function: supplying water and draining waste. But while the essential components are common to both systems, the size, complexity, and scale of commercial installations are different. Their pipes, fixtures, and drains are bigger. At the same time, these need to be more accessible for repairs and regular maintenance. Thus, commercial work requires a different level of planning and experience.
If you have a commercial property with water supply and waste draining needs, you should hire a professional with extensive experience working on commercial properties.
What’s The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing?
1. Size and Complexity
Commercial establishments require a larger network of pipes to accommodate a higher and more consistent volume of water usage. Furthermore, the intricate layout of buildings with multiple floors requires specialized equipment and knowledge to plan, install, and eventually, repair and maintain.
2. Water Usage and Drainage
At home, the drainage and water pipes aren’t used when everyone’s asleep or when no one’s at home. But at your favorite restaurant, they are under constant stress. They need to handle heavy traffic and consistent loads every day for years.
Different states have specific regulations regarding sanitary waste and rainwater drainage as well.
3. Fixture Types and Regulations
Because of their high-volume use, commercial equipment and fittings have to be more durable. Thus, they are also more expensive.
Finally, state-licensed plumbers capable of handling commercial jobs face stricter regulations and more stringent permitting processes before installation. This can take more time than your regular residential call.
4. Material Selection
For homes, the material used is often subject to budget. Many times, they are interchangeable. This isn’t the case for systems used in buildings, stores, and large structures. These complicated installations require specialized materials for different applications. The cost implication of securing heavy-duty variants designed for these settings further separates them.
5. Maintenance Needs
Most homeowners can get away with forgetting about preventative maintenance and regular inspections. Commercial properties are subject to government-mandated regular inspections, which means they have to comply. In addition to the potential penalties incurred for neglecting maintenance, the costs of disruptions and repairs due to negligence are several times higher.
There’s a smaller margin for error for professionals dealing with commercial contracts.
6. Codes and Permits
Commercial pipework requires specialized permits. In certain states and cities like Sacramento, government-mandated codes are more complicated. In some cases, multiple rounds of inspections by qualified professionals are necessary. This adds to the amount of work professionals have to do before they can proceed and finish the installation.
7. Professional Expertise
The heightened risk and complexity associated with commercial systems make experience paramount when hiring plumbers for commercial waterworks. Their specialized knowledge is necessary for safe troubleshooting and proper repairs when problems arise.
8. Cost Considerations
The complex labor involved, the specialized materials necessary, and the larger scope of systems combine to make the plumbing needs of commercial clients significantly more expensive compared to residential ones.
A leak at home is easier to see. In buildings with multiple floors, a leak is easy to miss. This is why these professionals emphasize prevention, regular maintenance, and check-ups to prevent unnecessary large bills and water wastage.
Why Professional Expertise Matters More
Hiring qualified and experienced plumbers is a must for home and commercial plumbing. However, the risks associated with DIY repairs and hiring unqualified personnel are much higher when dealing with intricate commercial systems. The cost of trying to save money when dealing with commercial breaks setbacks can balloon faster.
At home, a leaking pipe means you can try your luck by repairing it yourself and turning off your water lines. At a business establishment, this is a big no-no. These systems underwent meticulous planning before installation. An expert will know which goes where and how to proceed with the repair without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Can you imagine if you tried fixing a leaking pipe yourself at a restaurant and it had to close down for the day?
This is why it isn’t worth trying to spend less when a water system emergency arises at a commercial place.
Conclusion
Now that you know the eight key differences between commercial and residential plumbing, it should be easier to understand why one is more expensive. But, you shouldn’t risk a drainage system disaster by hiring unqualified help. It doesn’t matter if it’s at home or in a commercial space. Hiring professionals for sanitary work ensures quality and cost-effective solutions that bring you peace of mind – not higher bills.
Here at Sacramento Repipe & Plumbing, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned business with over two decades of industry experience servicing resident and commercial clients. You can trust us to provide timely solutions for different plumbing emergencies at the right price.