The use rate of plumbing systems in high-rise office blocks, commercial businesses, housing developments, hotels, malls, and large-scale buildings is way higher than that of residential homes. The systems need regular and frequent service and maintenance to ensure that they are running efficiently, making a commercial plumber in Melbourne a vital part of their life.
When a plumbing issue emerges in a commercial space, the impact affects a large group of people. Commercial plumbers are thus likely to be familiar with, among others, health codes, complex water supply systems, and an increase in the wear and tear the system experiences. They are also tasked with general maintenance, cleaning drains, and replacing and making new installations.
The differences between commercial and residential plumbers
Both commercial and residential plumbers undergo training to develop the knowledge and skills needed to carry out plumbing services effectively, but their experiences and specializations vary greatly. While the residential plumber might tend to pay more attention to clogs, leaks, and installations, the commercial plumber mostly works on more sophisticated and larger systems, which operate according to the specific codes and regulations in the building. Their main differences show in areas like:
- The job volume varies greatly. In commercial spaces, showers, sinks, and toilets are used by hundreds of people daily, meaning commercial buildings need more fixtures and plumbing than residential buildings. This means that additional maintenance is required, in addition to fixtures and pipes that are more durable, to prevent breakdowns. Thus, a commercial plumber in Melbourne has a larger work scope, affecting a larger group of people.
- The complexity introduced by multiple floors in commercial buildings and the extra plumbing fixtures means that leakages might be hard to spot compared to residential buildings, which might cause unnecessary water damage. Commercial plumbers must be well-versed with permit requirements and codes for various commercial enterprises like wineries. They also need to have experience servicing and maintaining complex and large-scale systems.
- The specialized equipment and tools set commercial plumbers aside. All plumbers need general tools like safety gear, wrenches, snakes, and plungers. Still, the commercial plumber needs equipment such as large drain cleaners, wet/dry vac, Jetter, locator, inspection camera, and the standard pressing tool and its attachments.
- A commercial plumber in Melbourne experiences an increase in risks and regulations. The health of a community requires proper sanitation and clean plumbing. In their maintenance of plumbing systems, the plumbers risk exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, sewage, and biohazards, among others. Also, commercial plumbers are better off if they choose to work for companies that operate on regulations, codes, and permits they are familiar with. Also, some buildings, such as restaurants, have strict code laws on health that commercial plumbers need to be aware of.
The working conditions of commercial plumbers
The working hours of commercial plumbers vary from those that residential plumbers operate under. Residential plumbers normally work for the standard workday of eight hours, five days a week, except in an emergency. When commercial plumbers are concerned, their work schedules are irregular. Since plumbing problems can impact businesses and large groups of people, commercial plumbers are required to work on weekends, nights, holidays, or any time that the building is not being used to reduce the inconveniences. Also, commercial plumbing jobs tend to be larger and more complex, which means they can take several days to complete, requiring the plumbers to have more flexible schedules.
Choosing a reliable commercial plumber
With the choice of a commercial plumber in Melbourne being hard to make, there are some things you should look at before hiring one. It would be best if you always went for a plumber with credible commercial experience. This will mostly be the difference between a job that is done well and completed on time and one that is poorly done. Those with proven track records give you a peek into their previous works and how satisfied their customers were, while those willing to stand by their work are insured, licensed, and bonded. This gives them confidence in their work quality while also providing warranties for labor and parts.
As a commercial property owner in Melbourne, you will find no better company to handle your plumbing issues than Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing. We have experience in carrying out all sizes and types of work, including fixing blocked drains, damaged hot water systems, leaking taps, and burst pipes. We avail our services at reasonable prices. Contact us at 1300 931 384 for high-quality plumbing services.