10 Differences between Commercial and Residential Plumbing

1) Maintenance

Commercial properties present unique challenges because their facilities are used 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Commercial residential plumbing systems need to be durable, reliable, and able to withstand constant use by multiple people. This can make them more complicated to maintain than residential systems that aren’t being used as often. 

3) Sizing

Commercial plumbing fixtures are usually more than three times as powerful as residential units, so they can handle high flow rates without issue. They’re also larger, which means fewer fixtures are needed to service a building, saving you time and money. This is especially important for restroom facilities; one bathroom for five hundred people is far easier to manage than one bathroom for fifty people. 

Additionally, commercial pipes are often made from galvanized steel or other thick metals that can withstand corrosive chemicals found in many commercial buildings. 

5) Permits

To construct a commercial or residential building, you must obtain a permit. Many residential permits are obtained at City Hall. Commercial building permits are handled by your local building department.

2) Location

Another difference between commercial and residential plumbing is where each is installed. As their names suggest, commercial systems are for larger buildings, such as offices or schools, while residential systems are for smaller buildings, like private homes. Commercial plumbing focuses on efficient use of space. Because it needs to serve multiple people at a time, it’s likely to be modular; many different pieces can be put together in order to make one system that meets all of its needs.

4) Materials

The materials used in commercial residential plumbing fixtures are a little different than those used in residential. The following is a list of different materials: Materials like CPVC, ABS, PVC, Stainless Steel, Brass and Copper can be found in commercial residential plumbing fixtures; however, you would not find these same types of materials being used for such things as your kitchen sink or bathroom fixture at home. 

6) Budgeting 

A good place to start for most commercial plumbing jobs is your budget. Whether you’re installing a new water heater or upgrading an entire water system, it’s important to have a working knowledge of plumbing costs. While every project is different, there are certain plumbing projects that tend to be more expensive than others; if you know what those are before signing a contract with a plumber, you can make better-informed decisions about where to invest your money.