The Difference Between Commercial and Domestic Plumbing

Knowing the difference between plumbers and the services they provide can give you a good idea of what kind of plumber you will need for your property. 

Different plumbers specialise in different areas. Although the fundamentals are the same, how they apply their plumbing skills will differ depending on the type of plumbing service that is performed.

What jobs do commercial plumbers do?

Commercial plumbers work on large and complex plumbing infrastructures, dealing with water supply, pressure and waste, as well as installing and maintaining safety features.

They will also work with drawings and plumbing designs, and plan commercial plumbing installations including boilers, pipework, waste and sanitary installations. 

Commercial plumbers will work on sites such as:

• Schools
• Residential care homes
• Hotels 
• Shops 
• Office buildings 
• Public houses and restaurants

What jobs do domestic plumbers do?

Domestic plumbers work on a much smaller scale compared to commercial plumbers, mainly working in homes and smaller residential buildings. 

They have the skills and qualifications to work within homes, maintaining and installing the following:

• Boilers and heating pipework
• Radiators
• Domestic appliances like showers and taps
• Sanitaryware like toilets, baths and taps

Domestic plumbers also respond to emergency call-outs like boiler breakdowns or leaking pipes. They will also conduct annual servicing on a variety of different boilers. 

What is the main difference between commercial and domestic plumbing?

The main difference between commercial and domestic plumbing is the scale in which plumbers work on. Commercial plumbing often requires a lot more pipework and deals with everything on a larger scale.

Plumbing in commercial properties has a lot more demand and usage than that of residential properties. 

In domestic properties, there tends to only be two to three floors that only require pipework, toilets, sinks and showers, whereas commercial properties can have many stories with plumbing facilities on each floor, with lots of pipework. 

Commercial plumbers have the experience and knowledge to maintain, repair and install large and complex plumbing and pipework systems throughout larger properties. They also have the necessary training to work with industrial grade boilers, pipes and sewers.

It is often the case that commercial plumbers will also have a project manager to quote, plan, design and co-ordinate the work within a commercial premises.

How do I know what type of plumber I need?

Generally speaking, you should be able to get a good idea of what plumber you need based on the type of building you’re in. 

However, if you’re not sure or you’re looking for someone with industry-specific experience, our team at Lacey Plumbing & Heating are highly experienced in both the domestic and commercial sector.