Differences Between Commercial Plumbing and Residential Plumbing

Commercial and residential buildings differ in function, size and infrastructure and one of these major differences is one of their plumbing. For those who are interested in the specifics when it comes to the difference between the two, here are several things worth keeping in mind.


Commercial and residential buildings differ in function, size and infrastructure and one of these major differences is one of their plumbing. Namely, due to the fact that commercial buildings usually receive much higher traffic, regardless if they’re industrial facilities or retail spaces, they usually have far more powerful and complex plumbing systems. The number of bathroom units and the flow of water through these two types of facilities are incomparable. Still, for those who are interested in the specifics when it comes to the difference between the two, here are several things worth keeping in mind.

The sheer size

The first major difference between commercial and residential buildings is their size. For instance, some of the largest residential venues are merely several stories high, while commercial buildings tend to be just huge. Bringing fresh water to high-rise buildings is an impressive feat, on its own, not to mention the quantity of water that is used by, let’s say a medical facility, in comparison to a residential block.

The frequency of maintenance

Let’s say that a residential home experiences a leak, a clog or a water shortage. What’s the worst thing that can happen? In a case of a leak, there’s a potential for some property damage and there’s a temporary inconvenience that you’ll be able to quickly overcome. After all, even in countries where tap water is safe for drinking, you always have the option of buying bottled water in the nearest store. As for taking a shower, you can always do it at the gym or even at work. 

However, imagine if such a thing were to happen in a medical facility or in a lab. This venue would be unable to carry on with its work which would cause temporary downtime. The biggest problem with this kind of downtime lies in the fact that it might lose you a small fortune and the fact that this might not be covered by your insurance. Therefore, when it comes to commercial plumbing, you might need more regular inspection and checkups.

Finding adequate specialists

Different plumbing agencies specialize in either residential or commercial plumbing. Now, keep in mind that it’s virtually impossible to imagine a property which, from time to time, doesn’t need some plumbing, therefore, you need to find the right person or agency for the job. For instance, as a homeowner, you need to look for a reliable local residential plumbing agency. As an entrepreneur, on the other hand, you need specialists in commercial plumbing. Needless to say, this is a contact that you need to acquire before you actually need it.

The scale

The last thing we have to mention is the scale of the problem, depending on whether it occurs on a residential or commercial plumbing system. First of all, we’ve mentioned the potential downtime which results in a major loss of resources. Sure, even in a residential property a leaky faucet will cause you to receive a somewhat larger utility bill but this is nothing in comparison to the likelihood that your entire production/service will be halted for several days. A problem with your commercial plumbing system might affect hundreds.

In conclusion

The very last thing you need to take into consideration is the fact that there are also some similarities that you need to take into consideration. First, it always ends up costing you more. Second, the sooner you fix it, the better. Finally, it’s something that a lot of people neglect until it fully escalates. Knowing that there is a trap is a first step in successfully evading it. So, knowing the specific needs of your property is what is necessary for your business to thrive and prosper.

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