Commercial vs. Residential Plumbing: What’s the Difference?

For the average person, it’s easy to assume that residential and commercial plumbing are the same thing. After all, doesn’t water just run through the same kind of pipes, no matter what type of building it is? If it’s all pretty identical, then why can a plumber who is qualified to stop leaks in a home, often can’t do the same in a commercial building? 

In actual fact, plumbing problems in residential and commercial buildings are not the same. When you take a closer look, there are plenty of small differences that set these two fields apart. This is important because it directly impacts what kind of plumbing contractor you should hire for an issue, and making the right choice is crucial to ensure your issue is resolved properly. 

So, what actually sets residential and commercial plumbing apart? Read on to find out. 

Mechanical Parts

Mechanical equipment that is used in residential settings is simply not the same as that used in commercial ones. For instance, in many apartment buildings, a gas or electric water heater is installed. The same type of heater will be used in commercial buildings too, but they will often be installed alongside a storage tank to ensure the whole building is heated sufficiently. Naturally, the installation process for these systems is different to the installation of a standard water heater. This goes to highlight the different types of skills and experience required by different types of plumbers. 

Problem Complexity

A commercial building’s plumbing system is much more complex than that of a home or flat. More people occupying the building means more pipes, and more pipes means more pressure on the building’s plumbing system and more complex issues as a result. 

The complexity often boils down to the sheer size of a commercial building. Mapping out the plumbing system of an office tower block, for example, is much more difficult compared to the planning required for a home. While the plumbing issues of both types of buildings tend to look similar, the truth is that problems found in a commercial building take a lot more work to fix and require a more detailed approach. 

Risk Factor

Because commercial plumbing systems are so complex and require additional care, the risks associated with this type of work are higher. Plumbing mishaps are always a headache, but the cost of something going wrong in a commercial setting will be much more serious than an issue in a residential building. Plus, the safety codes and laws surrounding a commercial building’s plumbing are generally more strict because of the amount of people who are at stake if something goes wrong. Commercial plumbers are well-versed in these regulations and can ensure that all repairs made are done safely and up to code. 

Commercial Plumbing & Heating Services in Scotland

At Caledonian Heating & Plumbing, whether you have a pre-arranged contract or it’s a one off emergency commercial plumbing call-out to repair a burst pipe, we have the experience and technical expertise necessary to assist with your needs in a skilled and efficient manner. As commercial plumbing and heating specialists, we know what it takes to fix problems at your commercial property, so get in touch with us today.