The Main Differences Between Commercial vs. Residential Plumbing
Many homeowners assume that all plumbing is the same when it comes to residential and commercial. Professionals in the plumbing field are here to clear the air and fill them in on some of the biggest differences.
Residential and commercial plumbing is far from the same. Sure, the same concept is involved, but there are alternate requirements, risks, and complexities for each. When it comes to commercial plumbing, the pipes have to be more durable than residential ones because they are used more and in larger quantities. Additionally, water pressure requirements are different between commercial and residential plumbing.
Read on to learn more about residential versus commercial plumbing.
The Effort of the Work
Being a commercial plumber is a tougher job than a residential plumber. Commercial plumbers work on sewer lines, industrial equipment that requires plumbing, and large boilers. Their work is more repetitive than residential plumbing jobs.
Additionally, when it comes to their workday, residential plumbers work for 8 hours and do the occasional emergency service. However, commercial plumbers work any time of the day, weekends, and holidays. They utilize times when the businesses aren’t operating to work more efficiently and quickly.
Building Complexity
One of the most obvious differences between commercial and residential plumbing is the size of the structure. The larger commercial buildings will require a more intricate plumbing system, and are usually placed on the roof. Each floor has various branch lines, which are main water lines, that all go to one larger main line. The lines will have to go to multiple floors, which requires higher water pressure. In residential homes, the water lines are less intricate, and there doesn’t need to be as much water pressure since there aren’t as many lines for the water to go through.
Additionally, the pipes in commercial buildings differ from those in residential homes. Commercial buildings require industrial pipes. PVC is prohibited by most of the plumbing codes due to its poor exposure to extreme temperatures. This is why most commercial buildings have copper, stainless steel, and PEX lines. This increases the cost of material, and the drainage system won’t last as long.
Massive Risks
As mentioned earlier, one of the greatest risks that come with commercial plumbing is the breaking of a pipe. If any of the pipes within the plumbing system burst, especially a pipe that spans multiple floors, it can be catastrophic. Businesses and offices can be compromised and even destroyed. When it comes to businesses the serve food and beverages, the burst pipe can shut them down.
As for residential plumbing risks, they’re not as high as commercial. It doesn’t cost as much to repair the damage to a residential home if a pipe bursts, the water amount will be less, and the repair will be simpler.
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing proudly serves the areas in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They offer 24/7 services for all plumbing and HVAC issues, there is no use of subcontractors, they have flat-rate pricing, and they offer a satisfaction guarantee on their work. Call now for expert plumbing services!
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