Commercial buildings are designed to house businesses and industries that need special attention when it comes to plumbing issues. Because these buildings are used by multiple tenants, they are much more susceptible to malfunctions and breakdowns than residential properties. If plumbing systems in these properties aren’t properly maintained and serviced on a regular basis, they will become damaged and end up creating more problems than they solve. While commercial plumbing systems are more complicated than residential systems and require more attention, they can be made safer and more efficient with a little bit of planning and proper maintenance. However, before you dive in, keep in mind that the most common mistakes people make when servicing commercial plumbing systems include not having the right equipment, not knowing how to properly test water pressure, not knowing how to properly dispose of and dispose of items such as chemicals and cleaning products so they don’t cause damage, not hiring the right technician to perform the work, and not having a written contract for the work done.

Don’t skimp on the materials.

When it comes to servicing commercial plumbing systems, there are a few products and pieces of equipment that you need to make sure are on your list. The first thing you should have on hand is a high-quality shovel and pry bar. When you need to dig in the ground to repair a broken pipe, you don’t want to use a cheap shovel that will bend under the pressure of digging. You also want a pry bar that can easily break through old, corroded pipe and repair it without causing more damage. Next, you need to have a good set of wrenches and pliers on hand. You’ll also want to have an auger that can be used in deep holes and a pipe wrench that can be used to repair plastic and copper pipe.

Don’t skimp on safety.

When it comes to commercial plumbing systems, safety should be your number one priority. You should always wear protective clothing and use the right tools when working on a plumbing system. You also want to make certain you have everything you need to prevent yourself from falling and getting injured, including ladders that are the right height for working on elevated pipes. You also want to protect floors from damage by using a wet saw when cutting through floors since the sawdust can damage the floor. Finally, you should always wear the right footwear when working on commercial plumbing systems, such as steel-toed boots or work boots, and you should always use a ladder that is the right height for the work you’re doing.

Don’t skimp on knowledge.

Another common mistake people make when servicing commercial plumbing systems is not knowing enough about the systems they are working on. If you aren’t fully aware of the problems commercial plumbing systems are facing, you’ll be ill equipped to solve them. Before you start servicing commercial plumbing systems, you should make sure you understand the basics of plumbing and how they are put together. You also want to make sure you are familiar with the ins and outs of the local building codes. You never know when a code inspector will show up at your job site and you don’t want to get caught off guard.

Don’t skimp on time.

Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes people make when servicing commercial plumbing systems is not planning enough time into the job. If you don’t plan out the project and set aside enough time for the project, you’ll end up running behind. If you don’t have time to finish the job, you might have to pay for additional workers to finish the project, which can cost you more money in the long run. It’s also important to keep in mind that the longer you leave a job, the more likely it is that you’ll make mistakes and have to redo work to correct them. If you want to make sure the job is done right, you need to plan out enough time for the job.

Frequently Asked Question

A home plumbing installation isn't completed all at once but in 3 stages, to be exact: Underground rough-in phase. Aboveground rough-in phase (top-out or stack-out) Finishing phase (Trim-out or trim finish)
  • Automate your estimation process
  • Handle one task at a time
  • Set goals and work towards them
  • Delegate tasks
  • Eliminate non-performers
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) offers a unique benefit when used in commercial buildings. It is highly tolerant of heat and cold, and can, therefore, be used for different types of water supply applications.
Pliers are probably the most used tools in a plumber's arsenal. They offer leverage and allow you to move and grip small objects. Pliers also bend and shape wires and small rods. With pliers, you can stabilize, loosen, or tighten pipes.
PEX cannot be taken anywhere outside the house where it is directly exposed to UV for a long period. The synthetic material of the pipes can slowly disintegrate due to the light of the sun. Even light bulbs have been known to affect the lifespan of PEX water lines.