Plumbers: Is a Commercial Plumber Better than a Residential Plumber?

Though it seems like plumbing just works the same in every place that we go, there is a big difference between the two. There are three types of plumbers on the job scale basis, commercial plumbers, residential plumbers, and service and repair plumbers. 

As you look at the different types of plumbers, the real question is, is a commercial plumber better than a residential plumber? We’re about to find out.

What is a commercial plumber?

Is commercial plumbing a good job? It depends on you really. They specialize in servicing plumbing fixtures in a commercial business setting. They could range from basic office buildings, large-scale commercial buildings or complexes, and any other buildings or structures with industrial-grade pipes and outlets.

What is a domestic plumber?

Domestic plumbers are the plumbers who have the skills and the qualifications to install, maintain, and repair home plumbing systems. They fix leaks, install boilers, central heating repairs and installation, and many other domestic plumbing installations and issues at home.

What is the difference between commercial and domestic plumbing?

1. Daily usage of the plumbing system

• Commercial Plumbing: The daily plumbing usage of commercial space is much greater than in a residential area because of the constant use of the plumbing system by the clients and the employees.

• Residential Plumbing: The family that lives in the house are usually the only people that are dependent on the plumbing system, so this requires less plumbing and outlets.

2. Size and durability of the plumbing system

• Commercial plumbing has larger fixtures with longer durability and they also have high grading, reducing the cases of breakdown that was caused by strain and pressure.

• Residential houses have much smaller, and low-grade piping fixtures because they are not as frequently used compared to the commercial plumbing system, but it also means it could break easily, needing more repairs.

3. The efficiency of the plumbing system

• It is more difficult to do plumbing work in a commercial building. A clogged bathroom might pose a difficulty to many people and it needs to be fixed quicker because a lot of people use it.

• In residential houses, on the other hand, it’s not as urgent as the commercial ones and you could take a look at it at your own pace.

4. Job knowledge prerequisites

• Commercial plumbing is more schedule-oriented since a lot of people that are working in that building depend on it.

• Residential plumbing, on the other hand, is not as strict and could be flexible.

5. The difference in water heaters

• Commercial heaters are large storage tanks (could take up to 250 gallons) and they put more gas input levels because commercial buildings have more people, hence needing larger amounts of hot water than residential homes. 

• Usually, residential homes have heater tanks that are no larger than 100 gallons because fewer people are dependent on them for hot water and the space is much smaller than commercial buildings.

6. Probability of damage

• Commercial facilities have a much more complicated plumbing system. The damage to a commercial plumbing system could be a disaster, especially if the building that you have has multiple floors.
• Residential plumbing systems on the other hand are much less complex. The damage is limited because of the smaller size of the plumbing system.

7. Health issues

• Because commercial buildings have more people going in and out, there are more health care laws that they have to follow to ensure hygiene in your plumbing system. They require different sets of plumbing fixtures to make it easier to clean and drain off quickly.

• Residential homes, on the other hand, are much easier to manage because of the fewer and more controllable occupants that are living in the house.

8. Differences in complexity

• Since commercial buildings have multiple floors, a lot of sinks, and multiple toilets and urinals, commercial plumbers need to further understand the more complex building structure.

• Residential houses typically only have a simple and easy to navigate plumbing system, residential plumbers have an easier job navigating the problem.

9. The difference in work scope for the plumber

• Commercial plumbers have a much more repetitive job because they can be done on large plants with larger applicants. They also take place in any place at any convenient time of the day.

• Residential plumbers require different sections of plumbing, involving a standard eight-hour work, except for emergencies.

10.  Drainage services

• Commercial drainage services are much more complex, seeing as there are multiple storage buildings snaking drain lines. It is much more time-consuming because the plumber has to snake from each unit and confirm any clog is cleared down at the main sewer line.

• Residential plumbing draining services are much more simple to solace and are relatively straightforward.

Do commercial or residential plumbers make more money?

Commercial plumbers generally make more money than residential plumbers because they know how to work in larger buildings so they are very likely going to know how to fix anything that might go wrong with a residential plumbing system. And since they are fixing much more things in the plumbing system, hence the higher pay.

The next time you need a plumber, you have to analyze the problem and see whatever plumber would be able to help you with your problem, and choose which would be able to do the best job at it. There’s a lot of commercial plumbing installation in New Orleans, hire the right type of plumber that could help you fix your plumbing problems.