When you’re looking to improve your commercial plumbing business, you’ll want to use operational software, such as BuildOps. This tool is built specifically for modern commercial plumbing teams and includes tools to help you manage your field teams, track customer interactions, and streamline office tasks. You can even use BuildOps to help you grow your bottom line. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features of BuildOps.
Less common materials used in commercial plumbing
Copper pipe is a popular material used for domestic water systems. It is also commonly used for refrigerant lines in HVAC systems. Copper pipes are categorized into three types: type K has thicker walls and is used for underground service lines, type L has intermediate walls, and type M has thinnest walls. PVC is another popular material used in commercial plumbing. There are two types of PVC pipe: schedule 40 and schedule 80. The former is more durable and can last 50 years or more.
PEX is an excellent material for plumbing. It is easy to weave through walls, and is strong enough to withstand water pressure. ABS is similar to PVC, but has greater flexibility and is available in black. ABS pipes are durable and resistant to cold temperatures and are commonly used for drain and vent lines. These materials have many benefits, but aren’t the most versatile. So, choose wisely! If you’re in a pinch, don’t use copper.
More complicated to install
When it comes to a building’s plumbing system, commercial buildings are significantly more complex than residential homes. Not only do these buildings require more plumbing, but they usually house more people and more outlets. As a result, commercial buildings have more pipes and more pressure on the system, which means more frequent maintenance and repairs. Because of these differences, plumbers must be more prepared for commercial projects. Here’s a look at some of the main differences between residential and commercial plumbing.
In residential buildings, plumbing is comparatively easy to install. Most plumbing systems are installed inside a building’s carcass, which makes installation and repair easier. In commercial buildings, however, there are several floors and extensions, as well as multiple plumbing fixtures and high water pressure. That makes commercial plumbing installations and repairs more complex than residential work. Fortunately, there are several reasons to hire a commercial plumber. Listed below are some of the most common reasons why commercial plumbing needs a professional plumber.
More likely to cause fires
If you are a business owner, you probably know that a fire is one of the most common causes of property damage. Fires start when plumbing leaks, corrodes unprotected wires, and catches fire. Similarly, fires can be caused by heat tape used to protect pipes. Unfortunately, heat tape can overheat and catch fire, so you’re best off wrapping pipes in foam pipe insulation instead.
The difference between residential and commercial plumbing is that commercial buildings tend to have more people visiting them. Therefore, there is a need for more stringent health and hygiene regulations. That means commercial plumbing must be more efficient at cleaning, draining, and preventing odors. Also, commercial buildings use different plumbing fixtures than do homes. Fires in these buildings are more likely to be caused by plumbers using torches to solder metal pipes.
More expensive to maintain
In a commercial building, the plumbing system needs to be more extensive, as there are more people using it and more pipes. Commercial plumbing also needs to be kept clean and hygienic, because a clogged toilet can affect many people. To maintain the plumbing system in a commercial building, you need to make sure that all of the tasks in the project are included. For this reason, a building quote for a commercial project must itemize each task.
In addition to these differences, commercial plumbing is more difficult to maintain than residential plumbing. The main water supply lines, for example, are owned by the city, and the responsibility for repairing them ends where the water meter meets the house plumbing. Nonetheless, a plumber can often snake out a clogged drain for around $150. Regardless of whether or not your property is large or small, it’s important to know that your plumbing system is in good shape.