Although most plumbing systems operate the same way, residential and commercial plumbing systems have a few differences. At MN Plumbing & Home Services, we personalize every plumbing service because we know no two plumbing problems are the same.
So, what makes a residential plumbing system different from a commercial one? Learn everything you need to know in this guide by MN Plumbing.
1. Commercial Buildings Require More Plumbing
One of the most notable differences between commercial and residential plumbing systems is their size. Since commercial buildings tend to be larger than houses, they require more plumbing fixtures, drain lines, and pipes.
Commercial systems also see more use from customers and employees. Meanwhile, only household residents use residential systems.
2. Commercial Buildings Require a More Complex Plumbing System
In addition to having a larger system, commercial plumbing requires a more complex setup. For instance, many buildings have multiple floors and drainage systems, resulting in more complex plumbing systems.
Meanwhile, residential plumbing is simpler because houses tend to have fewer bathrooms and smaller systems overall.
3. Residential Systems Are Less Prone to Damage
Since a residential system is less complex than a commercial one, it's not as prone to damage. Additionally, a residential plumber can often repair common plumbing problems more quickly and efficiently.
Unlike residential plumbing systems, commercial plumbing can experience a wide range of complicated issues.
4. Commercial Plumbing Services Are More Frequent
A commercial building needs more frequent plumbing inspections than a home because its plumbing sees greater wear and tear.
5. Commercial Spaces Need Larger Water Heaters
A commercial plumbing system requires a significantly larger water heater. For example, a commercial building may have a water heater tank that holds up to 250 gallons, whereas a residential water heater is typically no larger than 100 gallons.
6. Residential Buildings Have Simpler Drainage Systems
Residential plumbers can perform routine plumbing tasks like snaking drains much quicker and more easily than commercial plumbers. Since a commercial drainage system is more complex, plumbers must spend extra time snaking different drains and addressing multiple plumbing parts, like backflow preventers.
7. Commercial Systems Require a Deeper Skillset
A commercial plumber often has a more advanced skillset than a residential one because commercial plumbing projects are more complex. For instance, a skilled commercial plumber must know how to repair, maintain, and replace multiple types and parts of commercial systems. Commercial plumbers know how to fix issues that many residential plumbers may never even encounter.
8. Commercial Plumbing Repairs Take Longer
Both commercial and residential plumbing systems need repairs at some point, but it takes longer to repair commercial plumbing problems. While most residential plumbing repairs only take a couple of hours, some commercial projects can last days. When that happens, plumbers often provide temporary plumbing facilities.
9. Commercial Systems Carry Greater Health Risks Without Proper Maintenance
Since commercial systems serve significantly more people than residential ones, commercial systems must follow stricter laws regarding hygiene to reduce illness-causing bacteria and other health hazards.
Whether you have a residential or commercial plumbing system, our MN Plumbing & Home Services team has you covered. Call (952) 469-8341 to schedule service.