22 Jan Commercial Kitchen Plumbing Vs Conventional Kitchen Plumbing
For many centuries, plumbing and sanitation has been part and parcel of human life. Regardless of culture and race, we have integrated such systems into their homes and cities to increase their quality of life.
In the most basic sense, plumbing is a system of pipes and fixtures that create and maintain sanitary conditions in buildings. It can be defined as the act of installing, repairing and servicing pipes, fixtures and appurtenances. Such system is integral to a building as it helps to bring in water supply and remove liquid and water-borne wastes.
As you might already know, plumbing is as important to residential and commercial buildings as the circulatory system is to the body. Without proper plumbing systems, your household or establishment may experience some bad plumbing incidents. For instance, a faulty pipe or leakage can cause excessive moisture inside the building. This can result in the growth of unwanted mould and fungus. While a clogged toilet or sink can hinder your daily routine, from the simplest task such as washing your hands to brushing your teeth.
Evidently, good plumbing is an important component in providing us with a clean and comfortable environment to live and work in. This is especially true for kitchen plumbing, where we should be able to cook up a storm without worries.
Efficient plumbing systems are a joy to have in the kitchen. However, you would probably be surprised that there is a distinction between commercial and conventional kitchen plumbing. Below, we will dive into how different plumbing systems can be for commercial and conventional use.
The Key Difference Between Commercial Kitchen Plumbing & Conventional Kitchen Plumbing
Water Supply
Every water supply network offers a variation of water pressure, temperature and flow, depending on what the consumer wants. Commercial kitchens house appliances that require different pressures and temperatures to operate. Essentially, this makes constructing the water supply network much more technical and complex.
Based on the water demand of each individual outlet, the fixtures and pipes used in the network may change accordingly. Subsequently, this determines the materials and size of the pipes needed to be installed.
In comparison with residential kitchens, commercial kitchens generally used water at higher temperatures, which affects the choice of materials and piping design. Components such as isolation valve, missing thermostatic valve and pressure vacuum relief valves will need to be integrated into the system. Conventional kitchens, however, do not require any additional settings to operate hot and cold water.
Gas Supply
All kitchen equipment is typically designed to use gas, electricity or both. While building gas supply lines for a commercial kitchen, gas pipes need to be measured accurately. It varies from different sizes depending upon the gas pressure and volumetric flow rates. Unlike commercial kitchens, conventional kitchens do not need special plumbing for gas pipes.
If you plan on switching your conventional kitchen into a commercial one, it is best to call in a professional. As the process would require professional consultation and workmanship.
Use Of Grease Interceptors
It is essential for a commercial kitchen to have grease interceptors. This efficient plumbing device is installed to prevent grease and food bits from reaching the main sewer line. Such system is unnecessary for home kitchens as you would not be doing that much cooking.
Whether a commercial kitchen has a direct or indirect discharge line to the public sewerage, grease interceptors are crucial for preventing blockages.
Waste Drainage Systems
Waste drainage systems play a crucial part in commercial kitchen plumbing. It is commonly used to dispose of liquid waste out of the kitchen. When properly built, it can channel out various liquid by-products produced in commercial kitchens. Some of these by-products are drained fluids from sinks, cooking products, ice machines, fridges, air conditioners, etc. Conventional plumbing systems however do not need such a special drainage system.
Another important part of the commercial kitchen plumbing system the incorporation of plumbing vents. These vents are designed to get rid of the sewage gases, helping your indoor space stay clean and fresh.
How To Fix Clogged Commercial Kitchen Drains
A drain clogged by grease is probably the most common plumbing problem that a restaurant will face. However, this can be easily avoidable if your drains are cleared routinely every month. A simple combination of bio-cleaner and high-pressure water flush is effective in keeping things flowing.
Taking preventative maintenance on grease regularly is extremely critical. A well-designed plumbing system will not direct cold water, for instance, from a cooler flowing into the grease lines. When grease comes out of drains, it is hot, thus allowing the liquid to flow smoothly through the system. Eventually, hot grease will be directed all the way out to the grease interceptor. When it gets cold, however, the grease will solidify in the pipes. As the liquid tries to make its way out, it collects in the grease trap, causing blockage.
What Makes Good Plumbing So Important
Ensures You Have Clean Water
It is important that you have a certified plumber check your water supply system on the regular. By doing so, you can minimise any contamination in your system that could cause harm to people. Moreover, this also ensures the cleanliness of your kitchen’s water supply.
If cost is your main concern, it is better to settle any plumbing issues as soon as possible. As small issues can lead to costly problems in the long run. Keeping an up-to-date plumbing system can help you save on water bills and hefty repair rates.
Ensures The Safety Of Your Home
A poorly maintained plumbing system poses serious risks to your home or establishment. If water leakage occurs, there are the possibility of accidents. This includes the risk of electrical fires, electrocution or slipping due to unresolved leaks. Such dangers can be easily avoided when plumbing is properly done and maintained.
The Island’s Best Plumbing Service
KC Plumbing is a leading plumbing company in Singapore. With 15 years of experience, you can rest assured that our service is done professionally and fuss free.
KC Plumbing provides plumbing services in Singapore for industrial and commercial areas. Here, we make it our priority to satisfy the needs of our customers by providing our expert knowledge and solutions in the plumbing department. Make an appointment with us today for your plumbing and maintenance needs.