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Choosing the Best Commercial Piping Materials for Durability

November 6, 2024

When selecting piping materials for commercial buildings, durability and longevity are key. The right piping choice ensures your plumbing system is reliable, reduces maintenance needs, and helps prevent costly leaks or failures. Below is a guide to some of the most durable piping materials commonly used in commercial plumbing.

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1. Stainless Steel

  • Durability: Known for its high corrosion resistance, stainless steel piping is ideal for settings exposed to harsh conditions or chemicals.
  • Applications: Often used in industrial and commercial facilities, especially where exposure to water, high temperatures, or corrosive substances is common.
  • Benefits: Long-lasting, highly resistant to rust and corrosion, and provides a sleek appearance, often making it a preferred choice for visible installations.

2. Copper

  • Durability: Copper is incredibly durable, resistant to corrosion, and can withstand high temperatures.
  • Applications: Widely used in commercial properties for water lines, HVAC systems, and refrigerant lines.
  • Benefits: Known for its bacteriostatic properties (resisting bacterial growth), it’s an excellent choice for drinking water systems. Copper also has a long lifespan and can handle extreme temperatures.

3. PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

  • Durability: PEX piping is resistant to scale and chlorine, which contributes to its longevity, even in high-pressure environments.
  • Applications: Commonly used for water supply lines in both residential and commercial settings.
  • Benefits: PEX is flexible, easy to install, and resistant to freezing temperatures. It’s also relatively affordable and can withstand long-term usage without leaks.

4. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)

  • Durability: CPVC is designed to withstand higher temperatures than standard PVC, making it suitable for hot and cold water lines.
  • Applications: Ideal for water distribution in commercial facilities and industrial settings where temperature resistance is essential.
  • Benefits: Resistant to corrosion and degradation from chlorine, CPVC is an economical and durable choice for hot water piping systems.

5. Ductile Iron Pipe

  • Durability: Ductile iron is known for its strength and durability, especially in high-pressure and underground installations.
  • Applications: Often used in commercial water mains and sewage systems.
  • Benefits: Highly resistant to impact and pressure, ductile iron is ideal for areas where heavy loads or soil movement could compromise other materials. It’s also resistant to corrosion, especially when lined with protective coatings.

6. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

  • Durability: HDPE is highly resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and chemical degradation, making it suitable for harsh environments.
  • Applications: Often used for sewage and water mains, as well as underground piping systems.
  • Benefits: Flexible yet strong, HDPE is well-suited for environments prone to ground shifting or heavy loads. Its joints are also fused, reducing the risk of leaks.

7. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

  • Durability: PVC is resistant to corrosion and chemical damage, and it can handle various pressures depending on the pipe's thickness.
  • Applications: Commonly used for drainage, irrigation, and low-pressure water systems.
  • Benefits: Cost-effective and easy to install, PVC is lightweight and durable for low- and medium-pressure applications.

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Choosing the Right Material for Your Business Needs

Each material has its specific advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your building’s unique needs. Here are a few factors to consider:

  • Environmental Exposure: For corrosive or high-moisture areas, materials like stainless steel or HDPE are often best.
  • Temperature Requirements: In facilities requiring high-temperature water systems, copper or CPVC might be more suitable.
  • Pressure Needs: For high-pressure applications, ductile iron and stainless steel are often the preferred choices.
  • Budget Constraints: PVC and PEX offer durability at lower costs, making them economical for certain commercial applications.

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Selecting the right piping material is crucial for building a durable and efficient commercial plumbing system. At A.C.P.M., our team of commercial plumbing experts is ready to help you choose the best materials for your property, ensuring reliable and long-lasting performance tailored to your specific needs.

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November 20, 2024
In today’s world, where hygiene, convenience, and sustainability are top priorities, touchless plumbing fixtures are becoming a must-have for businesses—especially in commercial spaces. From retail stores to office buildings and restaurants, installing touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and toilets can enhance your customers' and employees’ experiences while offering a range of other benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of touchless plumbing fixtures and why they’re a smart investment for any commercial property. 1. Enhanced Hygiene and Cleanliness One of the most significant advantages of touchless plumbing fixtures is their ability to promote better hygiene. In high-traffic areas such as public restrooms, kitchens, and break rooms, reducing direct contact with commonly used surfaces is crucial to minimizing the spread of germs and bacteria. No contact means fewer germs : Touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and toilets operate automatically, so users don't need to physically touch handles or levers. This reduces the chances of germs and bacteria transferring from person to person, creating a cleaner environment for both employees and customers. Ideal for high-traffic areas : In public restrooms, the high volume of foot traffic can lead to significant concerns regarding the cleanliness of touchpoints. Touchless systems offer an effective solution, keeping facilities more sanitary and reducing the need for constant cleaning. 2. Improved Customer Experience Customer satisfaction is key to any successful business, and providing a modern, convenient experience can make a lasting impression. Touchless plumbing fixtures contribute to a more seamless and user-friendly environment: Convenience and ease of use : Customers and employees don’t have to fumble around for handles or levers. With a simple motion or proximity sensor, touchless fixtures offer instant access to water, soap, and even automatic flushing toilets. This can be particularly beneficial for customers with disabilities, families with small children, or anyone who appreciates a hands-free experience. Elevated perception of your business : Offering cutting-edge amenities like touchless fixtures gives the impression that your business is modern, progressive, and customer-focused, all of which can improve your brand image. 3. Water Conservation and Cost Savings Touchless plumbing fixtures can help your business save money while being environmentally friendly. Many models are designed with water-saving technology, which makes them more efficient than traditional plumbing fixtures. Automatic shut-off to prevent waste : Touchless faucets typically have sensors that automatically turn off the water when hands are removed, helping to prevent wasteful running water. This can significantly reduce water consumption, especially in busy commercial spaces where faucets are frequently used. Low-flow options : Many touchless fixtures come equipped with low-flow technology, which reduces the amount of water used per cycle without compromising performance. This is a win-win for both your bottom line and the environment. With water-saving benefits, these fixtures can lower your water bills over time, providing a solid return on investment while contributing to sustainability goals. 4. Reduced Maintenance and Operational Costs Maintaining plumbing fixtures in commercial spaces can be costly and time-consuming. However, touchless plumbing fixtures often require less maintenance and fewer repairs compared to traditional models. Less wear and tear : Traditional faucets and toilets experience more wear and tear due to constant physical interaction, which can lead to issues like broken handles, clogged pipes, or worn-out parts. Touchless fixtures, on the other hand, are less likely to suffer from such problems because they don't rely on mechanical parts that are subject to regular handling. Fewer repairs and replacements : Since touchless fixtures have fewer moving parts, they generally require less frequent repairs, which means fewer service calls and maintenance costs for your business. This can extend the lifespan of your fixtures and reduce long-term operational expenses. Additionally, touchless fixtures are often equipped with smart sensors that monitor usage and alert you to any potential malfunctions, allowing you to address issues before they become bigger problems. a 5. Energy Efficiency Touchless plumbing fixtures are often designed to be energy-efficient, further helping to reduce utility costs and environmental impact. Many models are engineered to reduce the energy needed to operate them: Smart technology : Some touchless faucets and toilets come with built-in technology that optimizes water temperature and flow, ensuring that water is used only when necessary. This can reduce energy consumption, as the need to constantly heat water or run pumps is minimized. Longer lifespan : Many touchless fixtures are made from durable materials, meaning they tend to last longer than traditional faucets and toilets. A longer lifespan translates into fewer replacements and less waste, contributing to overall energy savings. a 6. Compliance with Health and Safety Standards Touchless plumbing fixtures can also help businesses comply with health and safety regulations, especially in industries like foodservice, healthcare, and education. For instance, touchless faucets are essential in commercial kitchens and restrooms, where sanitation is a priority. Reduced contamination risk : In foodservice environments, where sanitation is critical, touchless systems help eliminate cross-contamination risks. Employees and customers don’t need to touch faucets, soap dispensers, or toilet handles, which helps prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and other contaminants. Easier compliance with ADA standards : Many touchless fixtures are designed with accessibility in mind. This makes it easier for your business to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring your facilities are accessible to all customers and employees, including those with physical disabilities. a 7. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices Sustainability is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, and adopting touchless fixtures is a simple yet effective way to reduce your environmental impact. Water conservation : As mentioned earlier, touchless fixtures help conserve water, which is not only good for your utility bills but also benefits the environment by conserving an important natural resource. Reduced chemical use : With fewer areas requiring constant cleaning due to the reduced handling of fixtures, you’ll likely use fewer cleaning chemicals. This is an eco-friendly benefit that reduces the chemical footprint of your business and promotes a healthier environment for your employees and customers. a 8. Aesthetic Appeal and Modernization In addition to their functional benefits, touchless plumbing fixtures can contribute to a more modern and sleek aesthetic in your commercial space. Available in a variety of designs, finishes, and styles, these fixtures can complement the overall look of your restroom or kitchen while keeping things streamlined and contemporary. Sleek, minimalistic designs : Many touchless faucets and soap dispensers feature sleek, minimalist designs that can elevate the overall aesthetic of your space. Future-proofing your business : By investing in touchless technology, you’re staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that your business keeps up with the latest trends in both functionality and design. Is Touchless the Right Choice for Your Commercial Property? Touchless plumbing fixtures offer a wide array of benefits that go beyond just the convenience factor. They help improve hygiene, reduce water usage, lower maintenance costs, and contribute to a modern, sustainable business environment. Whether you’re looking to enhance customer experience, comply with health and safety regulations, or save on long-term operational costs, touchless fixtures are a smart investment for any commercial property.  If you’re ready to upgrade your plumbing system with touchless fixtures or have questions about how they can benefit your business, our team of expert commercial plumbers is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your options and get started on making your business cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable.
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