The Differences Between Commercial and Residential Plumbing

If you are a property manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure all tenants have functional plumbing in their apartments. But the plumbing in your office isn’t the same as what your tenants use. With this in mind, let’s explore some of the differences between commercial and residential plumbing.

Defining Residential and Commercial Plumbing

In your home, you have a residential plumbing system comprised of your plumbing fixtures, drains and sewer lines, water heater, and water line. Commercial plumbing systems are a bit more complex.

First, there’s the faucet and pipe installation, which will be a little more complicated than ones for a residential property. Suppose the commercial space is larger, such as a stadium or concert hall. In that case, plumbers in the Sacramento area will need to install a more extensive water supply and waste removal system.

The Main Differences Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing

California commercial plumbing generally uses more water than residential plumbing due to increased use by employees and customers. Families usually use residential systems. They won’t use as much water as an entire company.

Since commercial systems have greater water usage, they require more durable fixtures and higher grading. Low-grade pipes should suffice for a residential system because they won’t be under as much strain.

Residential properties typically have similar layouts across the board as far as plumbing is concerned. However, commercial buildings come in many shapes and sizes, making navigation a more complex endeavor. California commercial plumbing also needs to account for gas lines, as some businesses use this type of fuel.

Additional Differences Between Commercial and Residential Plumbing

Both commercial and residential plumbing systems in Northern California are prone to damage from time to time. Nonetheless, a commercial plumbing system might have greater priority for a plumber because of the number of people it serves.

Due to greater demand, commercial water heaters use large storage tanks and have more gas inputs than residential ones. A residential heater tank can carry about 100 gallons max, but a commercial one may take up to 250 gallons. Commercial systems are also more susceptible to damage from drainage issues than residential systems.

Overall, water is water, but the way that it gets to your plumbing fixtures depends on the setting. 

Now that you know a few differences between commercial and residential plumbing make sure you reach out to a commercial plumbing expert like Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting to ensure your business is always up and running.

Fletcher’s has both residential and commercial services and can help you with anything you need! We have you covered, from pipe bursting and trenchless sewer repair to water heaters and re-piping. Give us a call today!