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The difference between Commercial Plumbing and Residential Plumbing

It comes as no surprise that commercial plumbing projects can require far more labor and resources compared to a residential job. This is partially due to the scale of the project, as well as the fact that you may have multiple contractors working towards the same goal.



That said, Jim and Sons Plumbing brings years of commercial plumbing experience into every job we undertake - so you can rest assured that your sensitive commercial projects are in the best hands possible


Our commercial experience allows us to address a variety of different buildings and structures, including:

  • Apartments

  • Condominiums

  • Office Buildings

  • Warehousing

  • Shopping Centers

  • Retail Stores

  • Super Markets

  • Restaurants

  • Hospitals

  • Sports Arenas

  • Fitness Centers

  • Movie Theaters

  • Theme Parks

  • Schools

  • Casinos

  • Hotels

But beyond the increased scale of commercial projects, what else makes them different from residential plumbing jobs that happen in homes and single units? In this article, we’ll be doing a deep-dive into what goes into these larger projects and how Jim and Sons can set you up for success for years to come.


What’s in a commercial property?


Let’s imagine a high-rise building that houses both residents and commercial facilities like offices, bathrooms, and cafeterias. A building of this size goes through hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per day - and requires functional distribution to each floor. This means design, planning, and execution must be seamless in order for the plumbing to function property.


Now, the average commercial plumbing project won’t require this much complexity, but a larger building like a skyscraper can give you a better idea of what’s required to make the building functional. And, as you might expect, more complex plumbing can lead to many small issues that add up over time - such as clogged drains, leaking or burst pipes, water heater issues, and routine maintenance and equipment replacement.


Commercial properties require extensive training and knowhow in order to get the best results. Water and gas are essential resources that need many moving parts to function correctly, which is why commercial plumbers are highly educated and experienced in dealing with a variety of issues - both routine and emergency. A commercial plumber, in a nutshell, is a master of his craft that has to balance excellent customer service and technical expertise.


What it Takes to be a Commercial Plumber


To become a commercial plumber, you will usually need to attend a trade school program or complete an apprenticeship with a master plumber. These programs typically last for at least four years and combine classroom education with practical work experience.


After completing your apprenticeship, you may need to apply for a journeyman license and pass an exam in order to be licensed as a journeyman plumber. This requirement may vary depending on the state you are in.


With additional experience and education, a journeyman plumber can become a master plumber, which allows them to run their own contracting business or supervise other plumbers. Most journeyman and master plumbers handle most of the work involved in commercial plumbing, but specialized fields such as industrial plumbing often require higher levels of training, such as special certifications or a college degree.


This may seem like a great deal of certification for what appears to be a simple job, but the background experience of a commercial plumber is what guarantees the work you are paying for is high-quality and lasting.


Understanding Commercial Plumbing


Commercial plumbers work with water supply and wastewater drainage systems for a variety of the reasons mentioned above, commercial plumbing is many times more demanding than residential plumbing. Larger buildings like corporate offices, apartment complexes, high-rises and municipal structures often have complex water and gas engineering that requires expertise and patience to truly understand.


Commercial plumbers are also responsible for the regular service maintenance and repair of these systems. The scope of work is almost unlimited, depending on the skill level and training.


At the same time, commercial plumbers are also responsible for regular maintenance, service and repair of these complex systems. There isn’t really a limit to the scope of a commercial plumber’s work, but what matters most is the skill level the plumber brings to the table. That’s why Jim and Sons is an excellent choice for any commercial project. We are eager to tackle your larger jobs and bring years of hands-on industry experience that will ensure the work is done properly and swiftly.


You can rest assured that your commercial plumbing projects aren’t too big or intimidating for our team of experts at Jim & Sons Plumbing. Give us a call today at: (951) 248-9134 and see how we can make a lasting difference in the function and safety of your commercial property.

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