Commercial plumbing covers a vast range of jobs that involve more than just toilets and sinks. For instance, a commercial plumber might service restaurants and other establishments that follow strict health codes.
This means that a commercial plumber must be more comfortable working with different types of plumbing systems and codes than in homes. Contact Plumber Topeka KS for professional help.
The size of commercial buildings often entails bigger plumbing systems and more complicated equipment. Moreover, commercial spaces have many more people than residential properties, which creates greater wear and tear on pipes and fixtures. Regular maintenance is essential to avoid any major issues that can disrupt a building’s use and lead to costly repairs.
Leaky taps, burst waterworks, and inefficient water heaters are common household problems, but these issues can be more significant when they occur in a business setting. In addition to the potential monetary costs of these repairs, they can cause significant delays and affect productivity in a workplace. Commercial plumbers can fix these issues promptly and efficiently to minimize disruptions to a business’ operations.
Large-scale buildings also present unique challenges to plumbing systems that require specialized expertise. For instance, a high-rise building with multiple floors requires plumbing that can accommodate varying water usage demands throughout the structure. Moreover, water has to overcome gravity when traveling upwards, which increases the pressure of the pipes. The design of piping, tanks, and drainage systems is critical to ensure that water can flow smoothly in these types of structures.
Aside from this, high-rises need to incorporate specific safety measures that protect the inhabitants from fire hazards and other risks. Plumbers who have extensive experience working in high-rises can quickly and efficiently handle these complex projects while adhering to all relevant regulations.
In addition to high-rises, commercial plumbing involves a lot of work in industrial settings as well. These spaces have a higher reliance on plumbing systems, especially when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms. In these environments, it is important for plumbers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and hygiene to ensure the health and safety of occupants.
This is particularly crucial when it comes to restaurants and hospitals, where a number of people are using the same kitchen and bathroom facilities on a daily basis. It is also vital for industrial spaces, where the effects of leaking taps and inefficient heaters are multiplied by several times. It is therefore essential for commercial plumbers to have the knowledge and skills to tackle these specialized projects.
Building Code Requirements
In many states, commercial plumbers need to have state-issued licenses to work on plumbing projects. The requirements and exams for these licenses vary by state. However, many municipalities also have their own licensing standards and regulations that need to be met. It is important that commercial plumbers check with the city or county offices in the areas they are planning on working to ensure they meet municipal standards.
Plumbing systems in restaurants and hospitals must meet strict specifications to prevent health code violations. For example, the temperature of water for drinking must be regulated, and leaks are not allowed to contaminate food or water supplies. These systems are also often under much more intense use than residential systems. That’s why it is particularly important that commercial plumbers keep up with regular preventative maintenance schedules.
The pipes in a commercial plumbing system must be placed with proper clearances, and the joints must be properly sealed to protect against water seepage. For example, water, soil and waste pipes should be a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) below grade for underground installations. In addition, any pipe that passes through a foundation wall must be protected by a relieving arch or by a sleeve pipe built into the wall that is at least two pipe sizes larger than the pipe passing through it.
In addition, commercial plumbing systems have to be designed and installed to be resistant to freezing conditions. Whether in a restaurant, office building or hospital, these plumbing systems are under constant use and must be able to cope with high-usage situations without failure. This is why many commercial plumbing companies offer maintenance contracts, ensuring that their customers have regular maintenance visits to help them avoid large-scale issues in the future.
To become a licensed plumber, most states require that candidates complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam. The specifics of the requirements and examination vary by state, but most include a combination of classroom study, practical training and on-the-job experience. To find out more about the requirements for becoming a plumber in your state, contact your local licensing board or visit the website of your state’s department of labor and workforce development.
Health Code Requirements
Most areas require that any plumbing-related work done within a commercial building be inspected by the local health department. This is especially important if the project involves food preparation or storage, where any contamination could lead to serious health issues. The code also requires that all wastewater be collected and discharged through a system that connects to the municipal sewage system, rather than being deposited directly into the environment. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) sets these standards, which are usually enforced by local governing bodies.
Most states and cities require plumbers to be licensed, though this varies by state and city. Generally, this means passing a test and completing certain coursework or on-the-job training.
Colorado, for example, licenses plumbers on the state level through the Division of Professions and Occupations. In this state, you must register as an apprentice and spend two years of documented work under a licensed plumber to get your journeyman license. Then, you must spend five years of work to become a master plumber.
Nevada requires licensing at the state level for journeyman and master plumbers, as well as plumbing contractors. However, the state also regulates backflow prevention devices through its Water and Sewer Contractors Board.
Arizona’s license requirements for plumbers are stricter than most, requiring both a college degree and on-the-job experience. Applicants must pass a background check and take drug tests to get a license, which is valid for four years.
In South Carolina, you must be a licensed commercial plumber to work on any construction that costs more than $10,000 in labor and materials. In addition to a license, you must have a bond and insurance coverage of at least $100,000.
Similarly, Florida requires plumbers to be licensed at the county level through the Office of Professional Licensure and Consumer Affairs. This is in addition to obtaining a national certification from ASSE International.
Customer Service
Commercial plumbers need to be jack-of-all-trades in order to satisfy different customers. For example, a hospital has its own unique plumbing system that a residential plumber wouldn’t be familiar with, while a skyscraper may have many toilets and sinks that each need to be maintained. Additionally, the systems in different businesses can have varying building codes that they must meet, and a commercial plumber needs to know these codes well in order to keep all of their clients up to code.
A plumbing emergency in a commercial property can have serious consequences, such as closing down an entire business or damaging equipment. A professional commercial plumber can quickly respond to these emergencies and prevent the situation from worsening.
Preventive maintenance is another way that a commercial plumber can save businesses money. They can check up on potential problems, such as clogged drains and leaky pipes, before they become bigger issues. This can help a company avoid costly repairs and even reduce their utility bills.
The best way to find a reliable commercial plumber is by asking for referrals from other business owners. However, it’s also important to do your research and read online reviews about the various companies in your area. Look for a plumber with a proven track record of recommendations and work standards, as this is a good indication of the quality of their services.
Finally, a great way to grow your commercial plumbing business is by networking with other industry professionals and attending trade shows and events. These can provide a great opportunity to expand your customer base and increase sales.
In addition, commercial plumbers can improve their productivity by using field operations software that helps them stay on top of their schedule and job details, manage invoicing and payroll, and communicate with both their office and field teams.