Commercial vs. Residential Plumbing

Most people probably don’t think about what goes into modern plumbing systems. It’s one of those things you don’t notice until it stops working, despite the fact that modern life relies heavily on reliable and convenient water. What if your home was suddenly left without working plumbing? Think about how much your life would be interrupted. If that sounds like a problem, imagine what would happen if a commercial facility was in that situation. Plumbing systems in each scenario rely on similar principles. But they operate at very different levels.

| Pressure

Water pressure is what makes a plumbing system work. Without it, water follows gravity and flows to the lowest point it can find. In both residential and commercial systems, the pressure is typically between 30 and 80 psi. That’s considered safe for people to be around and is regulated by building codes.

The difference between residential and commercial water pressure comes in how it’s managed and maintained. For residential systems (except for multi-family buildings), the plumbing system is simple enough that the public water supply can provide reliable pressure to most homes. As a structure becomes larger or taller, the plumbing system becomes more complex in order to keep that pressure consistent throughout. This where you need a commercial plumber’s expertise. By correctly installing a series of valves or branching from the riser to create a pressure zone, water can be safely delivered to the highest levels of a building without creating unsafe pressure at the bottom.

| Demand & Durability

With the increased size of commercial structures comes an increase in the number of people using the plumbing system. That means more connections, more connection types, and thousands more feet of piping to serve employees, customers, equipment, appliances, and hundreds of fixtures. It could take years for a residential system to see the same level of wear and tear that a commercial system experiences in one month. Making complex systems like this stand the test of time requires heavy duty materials and thoughtful system design.

| Maintenance

Despite our best efforts, nothing lasts forever. Every plumbing system will eventually need some upkeep. In residential systems, that means calling any reputable plumber that you can find on Yelp. In commercial systems, you’ll want to make sure the plumber has experience with advanced plumbing. We’ve covered how the best commercial plumbers stand out before, but the main takeaway is they should have a track record of keeping these systems in good condition. Look for a company that offers these services on their website and can demonstrate their capability.

AAA Facility Services is an experienced, full-service commercial plumbing firm. Contact us today to learn more about our services.