WHAT IS RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING?

Water, drain and sewer lines, water heaters, and all fixtures related to plumbing are included in residential plumbing services. 

WHAT IS COMMERCIAL PLUMBING?

Installation and repair of faucets and pipes are complex tasks in commercial plumbing. The industry covers many different types of businesses as well as large housing complexes, as well as extensive waste removal and water supply systems. You should hire a commercial plumber in Singapore rather than a residential one if you have a commercial building. 

11 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING

• Daily usage of the plumbing system

Commercial spaces use more plumbing on a daily basis than residential spaces. This is due to more clients and employees frequenting them. Residential installations require less pipe fitting and outlets because only the family is dependent on the system.

• Size and durability of the plumbing system

As a result of more usage of commercial plumbing, large fixtures with longer durability and high grading should be used. This will reduce cases of break down due to strain and pressure. For household systems, plumbing systems are smaller, and low-grade pipe fixtures might be used as they do not undergo such frequent use.

• Difference in complexity

Residential buildings typically have a simple layout with easy access to toilets and sinks, while commercial buildings typically have multiple floors. Therefore, commercial plumbers need to know how to deal with more complex building structures.

• The efficiency of the plumbing system

There is no perfect system, and damages can occur at any time. Many people might have difficulty using a clogged bathroom in a commercial system, and this needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Professionals with experience in dealing with commercial plumbing are advisable since damage that appears small can create a problem throughout the entire piping system.

• Probability of damage

Commercial facilities have more complicated plumbing systems that are more likely to be damaged than residential plumbing. In contrast, damage to a residential plumbing system is limited due to the smaller size of the plumbing system, whereas damage to a commercial plumbing system can be disastrous, especially if there are multiple floors to the building. 

• The difference in water heaters

There are more people in commercial buildings who require more hot water than in residential homes, which requires large storage tanks and higher gas input levels. Tanks for commercial use are typically larger and can hold up to 250 gallons, while tanks for residential use are typically no larger than 100 gallons.

• Health issues

More people tend to visit commercial buildings, especially places like restaurants, so there’s a need to follow strict health care laws and ensure good hygiene in your plumbing system. Homes are more easily manageable due to fewer and more controllable occupants. As a result of this, commercial plumbing requires different sets of plumbing fixtures which are easy to clean and drain off quickly.

• The difference in work scope for the plumber

Commercial plumbing jobs are more repetitive because they can be done on large plants with equipment used for larger applications, unlike residential plumbing which may require different applications on different sections of plumbing. Residential plumbing involves a standard eight-hour work – except for emergencies – while commercial plumbing takes place at any convenient time of the day. At times, commercial plumbing needs to be done during the weekends or holidays when employees aren’t at work. 

• Job knowledge prerequisites

Commercial plumbing is more schedule oriented, for instance, a repair to be done on an existing building has to be done well within the time frame as more people depend on it, and delays can lead to losses. 

• Drainage services

Draining residential plumbing is relatively straightforward compared to commercial plumbing. For instance, in multiple storage buildings snaking drain lines is complex and time-consuming, as it requires a plumber to snake from each unit and confirm any clogs are cleared down to the main sewer line. In residential plumbing, commercial issues are simpler to solve. 

• Cases of dripping and running water 

Determining small leakages and running water is much easier in a residence than in commercial space, because homeowners use the majority of their home plumbing regularly and will notice small leaks. In commercial buildings, especially those with multiple floors, leaks are more easily missed, which might lead to serious dripping, wastage of water and large bills.