The different types of plumbing have significant impacts on both our day-to-day lives and the environment.   A lot can happen when you think about how much water goes through your home or business every single hour, but what do these differences mean? Commercial vs Residential Plumbing. The truth is that most people don’t give this important decision enough thought. But if we’re going to invest in something as costly (and necessary) as plumbing systems for buildings, shouldn’t you at least need to know the differences and their pros and cons?   In this blog post, we will explore just that! So, without further ado, let’s get started!  

What is Commercial Plumbing?

Commercial plumbing is a plumbing system used in businesses, large housing complexes, and other commercial establishments. Commercial plumbing systems are designed to handle high volumes of water. That’s why they are built more robust than their residential counterparts, meaning they are better equipped to handle heavy use and abuse. They consist of a complex network of faucets and pipe installations, and repairs. They are also fitted with additional features, such as backflow prevention devices, which help keep the water supply safe.  

What is Residential Plumbing?

Residential plumbing is a type of plumbing system used in homes and other residential dwellings. Residential plumbing systems are designed to handle moderate volumes of water, so they are often used in places like single-family homes. They also do not have additional features and are typically less robust than commercial plumbing systems. That means they are not equipped to handle heavy use and abuse.  

What Are the Differences between Commercial and Residential Plumbing?

Volume of Water:

One of the main differences between commercial and residential plumbing is the volume of water that each system can handle. Commercial plumbing systems are designed to handle high volumes of water, while residential plumbing systems are designed to handle moderate volumes of water. Commercial plumbing systems typically have a higher standard of functionality, as they are designed to support businesses.  

Durability:

Commercial plumbing systems are also more robust, which means they can better handle heavy use and abuse. On the other hand, residential plumbing is less functional because it was not designed for heavy usage or abusive conditions. Residential plumbing is also less robust than commercial plumbing systems.  

Extra Features:

Commercial plumbing systems often have additional features such as backflow prevention devices to keep the water supply safe from contamination and other issues. Residential plumbing usually does not have extra features besides a pipe wrench and plumber’s tape for drain maintenance.  

Complexity:

The plumbing in a commercial building is often more complex than what you would find at your house. Commercial buildings can have multiple floors, many sinks, and toilets for employees and visitors to use – all with their faucets! This means that commercial plumbers who work here need to understand how these structures are built to know where everything goes when fixing or installing new pipes.

Probability of Damage:

The plumbing in commercial facilities is more likely than residential to suffer damage. This can be challenging since you may have multiple floors of workspace that need upkeep and maintenance for customer use – not just one or two like with residential plumbing systems. And because of the complicated design of most company buildings, it means there’s greater risk involved when it comes to protecting their pipes against wear & tear caused by everyday usage.

Water Heater and Tanks:

Another difference between commercial vs residential plumbing is their water tanks. Commercial plumbing systems require larger storage tanks than residential ones. The tanks for commercial use can take up to 250 gallons, while residential use can take up no more than 100 gallons. Gas input levels are also higher in commercial ones because of their hot water demand.  

Health Issues:

The need for good hygiene in commercial buildings is of utmost importance. The plumbing system should be designed and maintained with strict health care laws at heart. This is mainly because more people are visiting commercial spaces. On the other hand, residential homes tend to be more manageable due to fewer occupants. This means taking care of plumbing is easier without worrying about hygiene and health issues.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Commercial Plumbing?

Pros: Commercial plumbing systems:

1. Are typically more robust than residential plumbing systems, meaning that they are better equipped to handle heavy wear and tear. 2. Often have additional features, such as backflow prevention devices, which help keep the water supply safe. 3. Can accommodate many people at once.  

Cons: Commercial plumbing systems:

1. Are more expensive because of more considerable complexity, size, and capabilities. 2. Require more maintenance than residential plumbing systems to maintain proper hygiene. 3. Cost more to repair and maintain   4. Have a complex system of pipes and faucets.   5. More susceptible to damage because of the amount of use.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Residential Plumbing?

Pros: Residential plumbing systems:

1. Are typically more affordable than commercial plumbing systems   2. Are easier to maintain than commercial plumbing systems   3. Cost less to repair and maintain  

Cons: Residential plumbing systems:

  1. Are not as robust as commercial plumbing systems, meaning that they are not as well equipped to handle heavy use and abuse.   2. Do not typically have any additional features, such as backflow prevention devices. 3. Can only accommodate smaller families or less number of people   Bottom Line: There are many pros and cons of commercial versus residential plumbing systems, but it’s hard to argue that one is better than the other. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about these two types of plumbing systems so you can make a well-informed decision for your home or business. If you need professional plumbers in Chatsworth, call us at (818) 292-8080 today! At Rooter Shark Plumbing, we offer residential plumbing and 24-hour plumbing services. When something goes wrong with your plumbing, we’ll always be available to help right away! Follow our Facebook page for more updates.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is residential maintenance plumbing?

Residential maintenance plumbing is the maintenance plumbing service offered to residential properties.