Plumber works on plumbing systems that serve multiple occupants instead of a single family. These systems are more complex, requiring different materials to handle increased usage.
For example, a small leak in a high-rise building could affect many floors and cause expensive damage. A commercial plumber is familiar with these issues and can repair them quickly.
There are a number of codes that commercial plumbers must follow in order to complete their work. These are designed to protect the health and safety of occupants, visitors and the public. In addition, they provide a minimum standard for building features such as structural integrity, water supply, sanitation, means of egress, fire prevention and control, and energy conservation.
Plumbing codes vary by state, but the general ones include rules and regulations regarding excavation, laying of pipes, safety and proper installation of plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets and showers. They also specify how to drain sewage and waste waters. They are also required to maintain a plumbing system by testing for any past or present leaks and blockages, ensuring that appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and commercial refrigerators function properly.
Since they are required to work on large scale buildings that have a lot of plumbing fixtures, commercial plumbers need to be familiar with the local codes for the areas where they operate. This is especially true if the building has multiple stories because any damages to a pipe at one floor could affect those below it.
Besides plumbing, commercial plumbers are also required to install and repair other systems in a building. For example, they might need to install gas lines for heating and cooking appliances, as well as air conditioning units. It’s important for them to keep up with the latest codes and regulations to avoid fines from their local government agencies.
A commercial plumber must be knowledgeable about a variety of other trades and the related skills needed to complete each job. They are often required to read blueprints, and must be able to work with a team of people such as painters, builders and electricians. They must be able to communicate clearly with each person on the team in order to get the work done quickly and efficiently.
A commercial plumber will also be required to deal with the general issues that come up in high-rise buildings such as clogged bathrooms, blocked drains and faulty water heaters. These problems can cause serious damage if not fixed right away. The good news is that these problems can be easily resolved by a professional commercial plumber.
Negotiating with Owners
A residential plumber deals with all kinds of plumbing issues at homes, but a commercial plumber is responsible for much larger properties. These can include retail shops, hospitals, restaurants, and office buildings. Often, these facilities must comply with strict health care laws and have highly efficient systems in place. These systems need to be able to handle much more water usage than a typical home.
As such, there are many different factors that can make the job of a commercial plumber more challenging than a residential one. The plumbing layout might be complex, and the piping system may have to meet higher water pressure standards. The plumber also has to be familiar with the different building codes that might apply to each facility.
Additionally, the plumber might have to negotiate with a building owner or manager to get the okay for the work. In some cases, a commercial property will have an on-site maintenance staff to deal with these matters, but in others, the plumber will need to be able to convince someone at the business that it is in their best interest to let them work on the pipes.
A clogged toilet at a home might just affect the household, but at an office building it could cause a huge disruption. As such, problems at a commercial property need to be dealt with much faster. Moreover, there may be multiple toilets or other fixtures that need to be fixed at once in a large building.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways that plumbers can improve their efficiency and help to ensure that they can handle more projects. For example, using project management software can help to streamline the process of distributing work and communicating with contractors.
By keeping all records in a single place, the software can help to eliminate communication errors. In addition, it can provide a clear picture of the status of each job and its timeline. This can allow the plumber to prioritize jobs that have the potential to have the biggest impact on the client’s business.
Working in High-Rise Buildings
Residents in high-rise buildings depend on their plumbing to keep water flowing properly. Regular inspections and timely repairs can prevent small problems from turning into big ones, which can affect multiple apartments or storeys at once. These building types have different plumbing code requirements, and they need more sophisticated equipment than single-family homes to maintain the plumbing systems. For example, commercial kitchens need grease traps to prevent fats and oils from clogging pipes and causing sewage backups. Hospitals also need special valves to shut off the water supply when a problem occurs so that patients do not receive dangerously low levels of blood pressure.
While residential plumbers often encounter clogged drain lines in their jobs, the scope of the issue is usually much smaller than that of a commercial plumbing concern. A clogged drain line in a large commercial space can cause sewage back-ups in several units and even damage the floors below. This is a very serious problem, and commercial plumbers must address it as soon as possible to avoid costly and embarrassing issues for everyone.
Likewise, water use is higher in commercial spaces. A leaky faucet or inefficient heater in a restaurant or office building can waste huge amounts of water, leading to expensive monthly bills and possible health violations. This is why it is important for commercial plumbers to have the latest in plumbing technology, such as sensors that can detect water leaks and automatically shut off the water supply.
Leaky toilets, drains and fixtures are the most common plumbing concerns in high-rise buildings. This is because gravity plays a major role in these types of structures, and even a small leak can have a huge impact on other parts of the building, such as floors, walls, and ceilings. These plumbing concerns require attention from expert plumbers, and the issues are typically addressed as a priority in high-rise buildings that have many employees or tenants.
Commercial spaces also have different plumbing codes than residential ones, and plumbers working in these settings may need to have a specialty immunization or certification to be allowed to work on the premises. They must also ensure they are not working during operating hours to avoid disrupting the business or causing an interruption in daily operations. Commercial plumbers must also be familiar with the building’s specific water usage needs, including the number of restrooms and sinks that need to be serviced. This is why many plumbing companies choose to specialize in commercial and industrial clients.
Health and Safety Regulations
Health and safety regulations are a major consideration when working as a commercial plumber. These rules ensure that buildings are safe, that water is clean, that waste is disposed of properly, and that emergency systems like fire sprinklers work. Failure to follow these rules can result in building shut downs, disruption of operations, unnecessary servicing and maintenance costs, and the threat of litigation.
Unlike residential plumbing jobs, which are mostly centered on home and garden fixtures, commercial plumbing deals with large-scale water supply and drainage systems that service many people. This makes them more complex and requires a higher level of expertise to handle than smaller jobs. This is why it’s important to find a licensed professional who has experience in the specific needs of commercial plumbing.
One of the biggest concerns is dealing with raw sewage, which poses several health risks. It can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and infections. It also contains harmful substances such as asbestos and lead, which pose potential hazards to those who come in contact with them. To avoid this, plumbers should learn to identify confined spaces and follow specialized procedures when entering these areas to limit exposure. They should also keep a supply of hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes handy to protect themselves from contamination.
Other potential health concerns include working with chemicals such as solder, adhesives, and solvents. These can cause chemical burns, eye irritation, and asthma. They should wear protective equipment, including rubber gloves and face shields to prevent these injuries. Also, they should be aware of ergonomic issues and take regular breaks when working for long periods in contorted positions or confined spaces.
Finally, commercial plumbers should be familiar with electrical safety. This is especially important when working on electric devices, such as water heaters, and in wet environments. It’s crucial to use heat-insulating gloves and wear electrical safety goggles when handling power tools in these conditions. It’s also important to keep an eye out for stray voltage, which can cause electrocution. It’s best to stay away from live wires when possible and work with a partner in case of an emergency.