While the basics of plumbing for residential and commercial are similar, it is important to remember there are a lot of differences in the usage of the plumbing systems. Commercial plumbing is used at a much greater volume than residential plumbing, meaning your pipes need to be stronger or replaced and repaired more frequently.
If your commercial business already has plumbing installed there’s not much you can do until it’s time to replace it. However, if you have a new build and are having new plumbing installed, or having your current plumbing replaced, it’s good to choose your pipe wisely. Choosing the right pipe means you will get more use out of your plumbing and ultimately save yourself time and money.
There are a variety of pipe materials to choose from, but which is really the best for commercial plumbing? Let’s explore a few of the options.
Copper Pipes: Pipes made of copper are extremely durable and quite resistant to corrosion. They are safe for both hot and cold water and can be used with high-pressure water. Copper pipes are also one of the most expensive kinds of pipes, so that is something to consider if you’re working on a budget.
Stainless Steel Pipes: While stainless steel is a great option if corrosion is a big concern, the high cost of stainless steel might make them a little less favorable on your budget.
Cast-Iron Pipes: Built to withstand high pressures and carry large amounts of liquid, cast iron pipes are a popular choice for places like apartment buildings, condominiums and hotels.
Brass Pipes: Pipes made of brass are among the most durable and long-lasting options for the metal pipe. They can safely be used for both hot and cold water and are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. This makes them a top choice for commercial plumbing.
Plastic Pipes: Available in a variety of materials, plastic pipes are often inexpensive, can be utilized for both hot and cold, and are easier to maneuver than metal pipes. However, their durability isn’t always to the same caliber as that of metal pipes.
A closer look at plastic pipe options
Plastic is a broad category, and the differences between options matter when you’re sizing a system for a commercial building. Three types come up most often:
- PVC is rigid, inexpensive and very common for cold water supply, drain lines and waste lines. It’s not rated for hot water on its own.
- CPVC is chemically similar to PVC but treated to handle hot water. It’s a frequent pick for hot water lines in low-rise commercial buildings.
- PEX is flexible cross-linked polyethylene that handles both hot and cold, snakes through walls without as many fittings and resists scale buildup.
Each has tradeoffs. PVC is the cheapest but the most limited. CPVC adds heat tolerance at a higher price. PEX installs quickly with fewer joints, which can lower labor costs, but the long runs need to be supported correctly so they don’t sag.
Factors that should drive your pipe choice
Material is only one piece of the decision. The way the building uses water matters at least as much. Before settling on a pipe type, think through:
- Peak demand and how many fixtures will run at the same time
- Water temperature, including any equipment that needs higher than household temps
- Local water chemistry, since hard water and certain mineral content can shorten the life of some metals
- Exposure to weather, sun or temperature swings if any of the run is outside
- Floor plan and how often walls or ceilings will need to be opened for service
- Long-term ownership plans and whether the building owner or tenant will pay for future repairs
The cheapest pipe at install isn’t always the cheapest pipe over twenty years. It pays to think one or two replacement cycles ahead.
Building code and inspection considerations
Commercial plumbing carries stricter inspection requirements than residential. Local code may rule out certain pipe types for specific applications, especially where fire-rated assemblies, food service or medical use are involved. Some materials need fire stopping at every wall and floor penetration. Others may not be approved for use behind specific occupancy classifications.
Before any pipe is ordered, the design needs to clear the local plumbing inspector. A licensed commercial plumber will know what passes in your jurisdiction and what triggers a redesign on inspection day.
Maintenance differences across materials
Maintenance demands track the material. Copper and brass tend to be quiet and forgiving but show issues at fittings when they do fail. Stainless steel rarely fails but is unforgiving when something does happen, since the same hardness that makes it durable also makes it harder to cut into and repair. Cast iron is heavy and lasts decades, but corrosion at joints can produce slow leaks that stain ceilings before anyone catches them.
Plastic pipes are easier to repair on the fly. A leaking section can be cut out and replaced without specialty tools. The flip side is they’re more sensitive to UV exposure and impact damage, so any run inside a parking garage or mechanical room needs careful routing.
Plumbing for the Mississippi Gulf Coast climate
Salt air and high humidity along the Gulf Coast accelerate corrosion on any exposed metal. Commercial buildings in Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach, Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis often see the back-of-house mechanical rooms get the worst of it. That’s a strong argument for either a corrosion-resistant material like brass or a non-metallic option like PEX in the runs that aren’t behind sealed walls.
Hurricane season is another factor. Buildings sometimes lose power for days, which means hot water systems sit idle and any moisture in the lines stays put. Pipe materials that handle stagnation well, and that can be flushed and brought back online quickly, save downtime when the power comes back.
Every commercial plumbing system is different, so the best way to find the right solution for your business is to consult the experts. At ASAP Plumbing, we have a team of knowledgeable plumbers who can help you find the right fit. Give us a call at (228)-865-ASAP for a free estimate.