The Differences between Industrial, Commercial and Residential Plumbing

Regarding plumbing, there are significant differences between residential, commercial, and industrial applications. In a broad sense, it’s a matter of scale, with residential plumbing at the small end of the spectrum and complex industrial systems at the bulkier end. Each type of plumbing requires unique tools and parts. The team at Simlecco can help you learn the differences between the three types of plumbing systems, including what parts you’ll need for your home, company, or industrial facility. These are just some of the differences between the different kinds of plumbing.

What Is Residential Plumbing?

A residential plumber installs, maintains, and fixes water and sewer lines in single-family homes and apartment buildings. Residential plumbing systems are more straightforward than commercial and industrial ones. For example, homes have toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances; the valves and pipes consist of PVC or copper. Therefore, a residential plumbing system is easier to repair and maintain than complex commercial and industrial equipment.

Residential Plumbing Equipment

Here are some examples of valves and hoses frequently used in residential plumbing projects:

Gate Valves: These are for main shutoff valves in homes.
Stop Valves: This is for easy shutting off toilets and sinks.
Pressure Relief Valves: To release pressure on water heaters.
Ball Valves: These are for quick shutoff in various home applications.
Rubber Hoses: Flexible and durable, often used for washing machines.
PEX Hoses: Carry hot and cold water.
Stainless Steel Braided Hoses: Used in dishwashers and other appliances.

What Is Commercial Plumbing?

Commercial plumbing systems maintain hygiene and supply fresh water for offices, hotels, and retail stores. These buildings have high occupancy rates and heavy foot traffic. These systems require more frequent maintenance than domestic plumbing. Additionally, they must function at a high level and adhere to local building codes and health regulations.

Simlecco has a wide selection of hoses, valves, and other equipment to help commercial plumbers provide enduring solutions.

Commercial Plumbing Equipment

Examples of valves and hoses used in commercial plumbing include:

Ball Valves: Used to shut off plumbing fixtures in commercial buildings quickly.
Globe Valves: For precise flow control in heating and cooling systems.
Check Valves: To prevent backflow, safeguarding water quality.
Butterfly Valves: These are used by commercial plumbers who work on large-diameter pipes.
Metal Hoses: For high-pressure environments.
PEX Hoses: Perfect for corrosive environments.
Flexible Hoses: Provide versatility and flexibility when connecting commercial plumbing systems to water supply lines.

What Is Industrial Plumbing?

The main differences between commercial and industrial plumbing systems are scale and scope. Industrial plumbers work in huge factories or industrial complexes. These buildings use water for hygienic purposes and may use water and other liquids in industrial processes. That means you’ll need exceptional pipes, fixtures, and valves to keep your industrial facility running optimally.

The property you own or manage may feature multi-story plumbing, large-scale water heaters, and high-capacity fixtures.

Compared to residential and commercial plumbing, industrial plumbing:

Handles more water, liquid, and waste.
Contains boilers, chillers, and other large equipment.
Faces harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Must maintain compliance with safety and sanitation regulations.

Industrial Plumbing Equipment

Industrial plumbing installation and maintenance may require the following hoses and valves:

Gate Valves: Used in large-scale operations for high-pressure applications.
Ball Valves: Durable shutoff valves are used in industrial systems.
Butterfly Valves: Suitable for handling large volumes in industrial settings.
Pressure Relief Valves: To release excess pressure in industrial systems.
Check Valves: To prevent backflow in complex industrial plumbing.
Heavy-duty Hoses: Made of reinforced rubber or metal to handle high pressures.
Chemical-resistant Hoses: To resist corrosive substances.
Large Diameter Hoses: Support high volume and flow rates in industrial applications.
Stainless Steel Braided Hoses: Used for high-pressure applications and durability.

Industrial vs. Commercial vs. Residential Plumbing

Daily plumbing usage is much greater in industrial and commercial settings. Residential plumbing services include drain cleaning and pipe replacement. In contrast, residents, customers, and tenants use commercial plumbing more frequently. Conversely, industrial plumbing may incorporate massive cooling systems larger than many homes.

Let’s review some of the main differences among industrial, commercial, and residential plumbing systems:

Usage: Commercial and industrial plumbing often contain large fixtures to accommodate a high volume of liquid or gas. This reduces the likelihood of equipment failure. For domestic systems, residential plumbers can use lower-grade pipe fixtures suitable for less frequent use.
Complexity: Commercial buildings with vertical layouts contain many floors with sinks, toilets, and other appliances and fixtures. Smaller residential buildings have more manageable water and sewer systems and typically require less specialized knowledge to install and maintain.
Maintenance: Industrial facilities have complex plumbing systems that endure more wear and tear than residential ones. Broken plumbing can shut down production in the commercial and industrial sectors, while residential plumbing projects only impact single households.
Hot water systems: Residential plumbing often includes a traditional water heater holding less than 100 gallons or tankless water heaters that fit in compact spaces. Conversely, midrange commercial systems require 250-gallon heaters. Meanwhile, industrial systems may incorporate boilers holding much larger volumes of water and intricate plumbing systems.
Hygiene: Individual homeowners rely on residential plumbing systems to maintain health and hygiene at home. Restaurants and other food and beverage companies must meet strict health codes to stay in business. In industrial settings, custom systems meet specific requirements. Having a reliable company, such as Simlecco, to answer your technical questions makes it easier to maintain the highest standards and keep employees and customers safe.

Choosing the Right Plumber and Supplier

You wouldn’t hire a residential plumber to install large-diameter hoses and precision valves at your industrial facility. Similarly, you need a commercial plumber with experience in multifamily residential, retail, and other professional settings to maintain a clean, safe environment in your office or store.

After choosing the right plumber to do the job, contact the team at Simlecco to obtain cost-effective valves and hoses to keep your plumbing system in peak condition. We can also help you better understand the tools and practices for maintaining your residential, commercial, or industrial plumbing system.

Contact the experienced team at Simlecco to schedule a consultation on any of our parts and services related to industrial, commercial, and residential plumbing!