While residential and commercial plumbers install and maintain pipework, they differ in their scope and size of work. Residential plumbers provide plumbing services for homes, while commercial plumbers focus on commercial buildings, like high-rise corporate offices, hotels, and apartment buildings. Understanding these differences helps determine which services to choose when experiencing a plumbing issue or undertaking a project. Here are some of the differences that set apart these two types of plumbing specializations:
Size of Work
Residential plumbers work on plumbing systems in homes. Common tasks include installing, replacing, and repairing plumbing systems and appliances. Commercial plumbing professionals work with larger buildings and more complex plumbing systems. They deal with multiple bathrooms, each with several stalls and sinks. Apartment buildings also use commercial plumbers since multiple bathrooms and kitchens on each floor require specific knowledge to repair.
Complexity and Scale
Plumbing systems in residential settings are much simpler than those in commercial spaces. The work is done in a small area with fewer pipes and fixtures to work around. Commercial plumbers work on a larger scale with more complex issues. If a toilet is clogged, it may take more tools than what a residential plumber would need for a single home. Installations will also take longer than residential due to the amount of work that is required for the building.
Codes and Regulations
Residential plumbers must follow the codes and ordinances that provide safety and reliability but are more flexible. Due to a commercial building’s high usage, plumbing professionals are bound by strict codes and laws that differ from those in residential areas. Since commercial buildings have multiple floors, they have regulations for issues like water pressure and how gravity may affect each floor.
Depending on the type of commercial building, some regulations cover health and safety measures, while others cover environmental laws. Following these laws helps avoid legal complications and protects the lives of the people occupying commercial places during construction.
Tools and Equipment
The tools and equipment used by residential plumbers are often suited for small-scale operations. They include pipe wrenches, plungers, hand augers, and small inspection cameras. Commercial plumbing professionals employ more sophisticated equipment and tools to work on larger systems with more complicated installations or repairs. These may range from heavy-duty pipe-cutting tools to large drain-cleaning machines, hydro jetting equipment, and advanced diagnostic equipment.
Work Hours and Environment
Residential plumbers have a more fixed working schedule, often adapting to the homeowner’s timetable. Their work environment is also less strenuous and entails working within indoor spaces. Commercial plumbing professionals may be required to work at night or on the weekends. This is because business establishments may require that their plumbing systems be fixed or installed without interfering with normal operations. The work environment for commercial plumbing professionals can also be more demanding because the work is often performed in busier and sometimes more dangerous environments.
Problem Solving and Specialization
Residential plumbers encounter issues that are often basic and may be easily solved using generic approaches. They specialize in particular products like water heaters and toilets, but their work is still limited to home systems.
Commercial plumbing professionals should be able to address a variety of complex issues they encounter in large public facilities. They may need to deal with lower water pressure issues, boilers that go out, and large pipe systems. They require more knowledge to repair, as the problems are more involved than they need to know for a residence.
Style of Work
Residential plumbers often work independently but may sometimes collaborate with one or more colleagues, depending on the complexity of the job. Installation will take more employees than doing simple repairs in either case.
Commercial plumbing professionals work in groups so they can make sure everything ties together between the fixtures and the pipes. They may work independently if the task involves simple repair or maintenance tasks within the commercial building.
Seek the Services of Commercial Plumbers Today
Commercial plumbers can help install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems within your commercial business settings. These professionals handle complex plumbing tasks without interfering with the operations and safety of the commercial building’s users. Contact these plumbing professionals today to help you address your commercial plumbing needs.
