Grease-clogged restaurant pipes, hospital plumbing systems that can’t be shut down for patient safety, and apartment complex mainline water repairs. These are only a few of the plumbing issues you’ll find yourself resolving if you specialize in commercial plumbing.
To address these and other commercial plumbing challenges, it’s important to have tools that will navigate through the longer, more complex pipe systems generally found in commercial settings, as well as operate well in heavier-duty tubing and piping.
For example, tools will need appropriate power and size capacity to complete jobs, enough cable to ensure they can reach the end of longer pipes and extra cable flexibility to allow navigation of longer pipe runs. Along with finding tools with these general features, here are some basic tools worth investing in for commercial work:
- Cable machine with 6-inch+ pipe capacity — Drain cleaners, whether it be a drum or sectional, are required to clean the tougher blockages found in large, commercial drains. The heavy-duty cable is designed to break up heavy debris such as tree roots. Identify the machines which have transport features such as built-in wheels or transport carts to aid you in getting your machine to the drain.
- Jetter — A jetter is effective at removing grease and soft blockages from drainlines and a particularly good initial investment if you’re working on grease-related restaurant projects. Make sure that you have a jetter designed for the areas you work. Gas-powered jetters need to be operated outdoors, but you can access drains indoors with a detachable hose reel.
- Press tool and attachments — Pipes and tubing in commercial settings cover a wide range of sizes and types of material. Look for a standard or compact press tool that offers a wide variety of jaw types and attachments like rings and cutters to easily adjust the tool based on the needs of the job site.
- Inspection camera and locator — Standard size inspection cameras give you the size and distance you need for most commercial applications. Essential diagnostic tools, including cameras and locating equipment, allow you to have a better understanding of the work needing to be done. They often pair well with equally versatile drain cleaning tools, giving you the right solutions to complete your drain cleaning jobs.
- Standard threading machine — Tight spaces tend to be less of an issue in commercial settings, making a standard threading machine a good investment. Additionally, you may be threading more pipe and larger machines can handle a large number of threads more efficiently.
The right tools will make all the difference in how confident you feel about resolving your next commercial plumbing project. Take the time to research your tool options, consider what types of job sites you frequent the most and then invest in tools that will enable you to complete jobs with efficiency and ease.
About the Author
Zach Mospens is a product manager for RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio that also includes the Greenlee brand. RIDGID is a global manufacturer of more than 300 dependable and innovative tools, trusted by professional trades in over 100 countries. Learn more at RIDGID.com.
