The Common Types of Plumbing Used in Commercial Buildings

Thomas S.

Choosing the plumbing components in a commercial building can seem daunting, but with the knowledge from a commercial plumber, you can rest assured that your plumbing system is reliable. In this article, learn about some of the common types of plumbing systems used in commercial buildings.

The Common Types of Plumbing Used in Commercial Buildings

1 – Galvanized Steel Pipe

Galvanized steel pipe is a very popular choice in commercial buildings because it is an affordable option and performs well in extreme temperatures. The galvanized steel pipe is made by coating the pipes in a layer of zinc, which is why it is also known as galvanized steel. Galvanized steel pipe is not a seamless pipe, so you will notice the end of the pipe is open on each end.

2 – Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are the most commonly used pipe in commercial buildings because these pipes are flexible and can be used in a wide range of temperatures. Copper is a malleable material, which means it can be bent into different shapes. This can be beneficial if you need to curve pipes around certain obstacles or angles.

3 – Plastic Pipes

Plastic pipes are a popular choice when water flow is needed, but space is an issue. Plastic pipes are available in different diameters to accommodate various plumbing applications.

4 – Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes are typically used to transport water. Cast iron pipes are known to be very durable and require little maintenance. The cast-iron pipes are also designed with a threaded end, so it is extremely easy to connect the pipe to another pipe.

5 – Brass Pipes

Brass pipes are a very affordable option for commercial buildings because brass is less expensive than copper. However, brass pipes are not flexible like copper pipes, so this material is not as commonly used in commercial buildings.

6 – PVC Pipes

PVC pipes are typically used in commercial buildings to transport water. PVC pipes are made from polyvinyl chloride, which is a material that is durable and easy to install. However, the pipes are only available in a limited number of diameters, so the pipes cannot be curved or shaped.

7 – PEX Pipes

PEX pipes are a form of plastic piping that is typically used to transport water in commercial buildings. PEX pipes have a special design that helps the water flow through the pipes. PEX pipes are very flexible and can withstand high temperatures, so they are a great option for commercial buildings that require plumbing in extreme climates.

8 – CPVC Pipes

CPVC piping is typically used in commercial buildings to transport water. CPVC pipes are available in a wide range of diameters, which makes it easy to use pipes in different configurations and curves. The pipes are also safe to use in extremely high temperatures, so this type of piping material is an excellent choice for commercial buildings in hot climates.

Conclusion

The type of plumber you choose to install your pipes can have a big effect on the overall health of your plumbing system. If you are unsure of what type of plumbing you need for your commercial building, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion from a reliable plumber.

If you need a plumbing company that offers all-in-one plumbing services , contact All City Plumbers. We offer emergency, commercial, and residential plumbing services in Birmingham, AL.

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Bathroom Water Hammer Explained and How to Stop the Loud Banging?

by Hadi Masood • 30 January 2026

Unpack bathroom water hammer—causes like sudden valve closures and high pressure—and learn proven fixes like arrestors and PRVs for silent pipes.

What Makes Showers Suddenly Run Cold and How to Prevent It?

by Hadi Masood • 30 January 2026

Nothing disrupts a morning routine like a shower turning icy midstream, leaving you shivering and frustrated. This common issue stems from imbalances in your home's plumbing and heating systems, often triggered by everyday usage patterns or overlooked maintenance. Understanding the root causes empowers homeowners to diagnose problems swiftly and implement lasting fixes. This guide delves into the mechanics behind sudden temperature drops, explores diagnostic techniques, and outlines prevention strategies to keep your showers consistently warm. Common Causes of Sudden Cold Showers Sudden cold water in showers typically arises from water heater malfunctions or plumbing disruptions. Sediment buildup in tank-style heaters insulates the burner or element, causing inconsistent heating—over time, minerals from hard water accumulate at the bottom, reducing efficiency and leading to temperature fluctuations during peak demand. Similarly, a failing dip tube in the heater fails to direct cold incoming water to the top for proper mixing, so hot water depletes faster than it replenishes. High demand elsewhere in the home exacerbates this; simultaneous use of washing machines, dishwashers, or multiple faucets dilutes hot water supply. Pressure imbalances from clogged aerators or faulty mixing valves can also shift temperatures abruptly. In larger households, undersized heaters struggle with back-to-back usage, mimicking a sudden cold blast. Diagnosing Water Heater Problems Start diagnosis by checking the water heater's thermostat setting—most should hover between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and performance. Listen for unusual noises like popping or rumbling, hallmarks of sediment; if present, a professional flush resolves it. Test the heating element in electric models with a multimeter for continuity, or inspect the gas burner for a weak blue flame indicating dirty components. Expansion tanks play a crucial role here—they mount on the cold water inlet to absorb thermal expansion pressure, preventing relief valve drips that signal overpressure and potential cold surges. Without one, especially in closed-loop systems, heaters cycle inefficiently, dropping output temperatures. Monitor the pressure relief valve; frequent activation points to expansion issues. For tankless units, error codes on the display often pinpoint flow sensors or igniters as culprits. Identifying Plumbing and Pipe Issues Plumbing beyond the heater often hides the problem. Reverse flow from check valves or backflow preventers can introduce cold water into hot lines, especially if sediment clogs them. Undersized pipes struggle with volume, causing pressure drops that chill the stream. Air locks from recent repairs trap bubbles, disrupting flow until purged by running all hot taps sequentially. Leaky fixtures upstream siphon hot water unnoticed, leading to sudden cools. Inspect for hidden corrosion in galvanized pipes, which narrows passages over time. All City Plumbers emphasize tracing lines with a pipe camera for blockages invisible to the eye, revealing scale or debris that starves the showerhead. The Impact of Water Pressure Fluctuations Pressure swings directly affect shower temperature consistency. Municipal supply variations, like nighttime boosts or peak-hour drops, strain home systems. Faulty pressure regulators fail to stabilize incoming force, overwhelming the heater. Clogged showerheads or aerators restrict hot flow while cold rushes in unchecked. In multi-story homes, gravity amplifies upper-floor issues, where thinner pipes can't maintain velocity. Install a whole-house pressure gauge to baseline readings—ideal is 50-80 PSI. Fluctuations beyond this trigger mixing valve failures, designed to blend water but prone to wear. Step-by-Step Fixes for Cold Showers Addressing the issue begins with simple resets. Flush the water heater by attaching a hose to the drain valve and running it until clear, refilling slowly to avoid air pockets. Clean aerators by soaking in vinegar overnight, then reinstall for restored balance. Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves to minimize heat loss in unheated spaces. For persistent problems, replace the dip tube or upgrade to a higher-capacity heater. Adding or servicing expansion tanks restores pressure equilibrium. Test post-fix by timing recovery—hot water should resume within 30 seconds of demand spikes. Preventive Maintenance Strategies Prevention hinges on routine care. Annually flush tank heaters and descale tankless ones to banish sediment. Set programmable schedules to avoid simultaneous high-demand usage, staggering laundry and showers. Install low-flow fixtures that ease heater load without sacrificing pressure. Prepare your plumbing before vacations by shutting off the water main, draining lines, and setting the heater to pilot mode—this averts stagnant water growth and pressure builds during absence. Water softeners combat mineral buildup in hard-water areas, extending system life. Upgrading for Long-Term Reliability Consider modern solutions like on-demand tankless heaters, which heat water instantly without standby losses, eliminating cold-start woes. Hybrid heat pump models offer efficiency gains up to 300 percent. Whole-home recirculation pumps deliver instant hot water, minimizing waste and temperature dips. Smart thermostats monitor usage patterns, adjusting preemptively. Pair with pressure-balancing shower valves that auto-compensate for fluctuations, ensuring steady warmth. Conclusion Sudden cold showers disrupt more than comfort—they signal underlying issues that, if ignored, escalate to costly repairs. By pinpointing causes from heater sediment to pressure imbalances and embracing proactive maintenance, you safeguard reliable performance year-round. Implementing these strategies not only restores blissfully warm showers but also boosts energy efficiency and system longevity for peace of mind.