Whether at home or at work, we all experience plumbing problems. And it is very common and reasonable to assume that a plumber who can deal with a plumbing issue at home can also deal with it in a commercial building or office. After all, the water runs through similar pipes. To an extent the tools and materials needed to solve plumbing problems are also similar. And at the end of the day, the techniques to solve plumbing problems of all sorts are also similar.
Unfortunately plumbing is not as simple as it appears. In fact, it is far more complicated than we think. Though there are numerous similarities when it comes to residential and commercial plumbing, there are many differences as well. In a commercial setting, the plumbing jobs are far more complex compared to a residential unit. This is because the plumbing system in a commercial unit is interconnected and if something goes wrong, it can affect hundreds of people. This is the reason why there is a huge difference in the scope of work when it comes to residential and commercial units. Below are some of the differences between residential and commercial plumbing.
The Scope of the Work
Commercial plumbing jobs are far more extensive than residential plumbing jobs. Commercial plumbers are required to work on large properties. This includes malls, businesses, restaurants, municipal sewer lines, apartment complexes and industrial sites such as large boilers and lift stations.
On large commercial properties, the plumbing system is also much more complex and is extensively used. In malls and offices, hundreds of people are washing hands and flushing toilets every hour. Therefore, the plumbing system in a commercial property is more complicated and require more pipes compared to a residential property. Also everything in a commercial property is interconnected. So if something goes wrong in a commercial property, it can affect all the people working in or occupying the building.
In contrast plumbing is residential unit is far less complicated. It generally requires less piping and outlets and the plumbing system in one residential unit is generally not connected with anyone else. Therefore, residential plumbing repairs are a lot faster and affect fewer people. This is the reason why residential plumbers often have a standard 8 hour shift. Whereas commercial plumbers end up working at any time of the day. Often times, to take advantage of time, commercial plumbers may end up working on weekends and holidays when the employees in the office or workers of the mall are not on job.
Complexity of Problems
Common plumbing problems which can arise in a residential unit including a leaking faucet or a clogged drain and toilet. The same kind of problems arise in a commercial unit. However, these problems arise on a much larger scale. Imagine the problem caused by a clogged toilet in a mall where hundreds of people need to use the toilet every day. If not treated well in time, this minor plumbing issue in a commercial building can quickly turn into a plumbing disaster. This can even lead to flooding affecting hundreds of people and can cost a significant amount to the owner of the property.
Therefore, it can be said that though the type of plumbing problems which arise in a commercial setting are similar to the plumbing problems experienced in a residential unit. However, there is a huge difference in the magnitude and complexity of these problems.
Training of Plumbers
While it is true that a plumber is trained to handle all sorts of plumbing problems however there is a difference in the training of plumbers when it comes to residential and commercial plumbing. This is because a commercial plumber performs more complex tasks compared to residential plumbers.
Just like residential plumbers, commercial plumbers are required to pass a plumbing test. All plumbers, regardless of the scope of the work, are also required to memorize codes for all plumbing jobs. There are different codes for residential and commercial plumbing. Therefore, in case of commercial plumbing, plumbers need to memorize codes specific for commercial units. As they get into the field, plumbers who regularly perform commercial work tend to gain experience and more hands on training for performing commercial plumbing.
Testing and Inspection
Once completed, all plumbing work is subject to testing and inspection. In case of residential plumbing, the plumber and the homeowner often inspect and test the work after it has been completed. This helps ensure that the problem has been completely resolved and the plumbing fixtures are safe to use.
In case of commercial plumbing, the plumbing work is often subject to more inspection and testing compared to residential plumbing. This is because inspection in a commercial unit is not as simple and easy as it is in a residential unit. Also the plumbing fixtures in a commercial unit can affect far more people compared to residential units. For example in an industrial setting, testing and inspecting a commercial water heater is important as it can affect the work and life of many people associated with the industrial unit.
Whether you own a restaurant, warehouse, mall or a commercial high rise, Mesa Plumbing Company understands all your special needs. From a simple clogged drain to installation and repair of a large scale plumbing system, our trained professionals have the knowledge and experience to make things happen for you. We aim to provide 100% satisfaction to all our customers whether residential or commercial. Our dedicated staff is available 24/7 to help identify and solve all sorts of plumbing problems in your commercial building. To know more about our services, visit our website or call now at 480-832-1660.