Commercial plumbers and domestic (residential) plumbers both work with plumbing systems, but there are several key distinctions between the two in terms of the scope of their work and the types of projects they handle:

1. Project Size and Complexity:
   • Commercial Plumbers: Commercial plumbers typically work on larger and more complex projects. They handle plumbing systems for commercial and industrial properties, such as office buildings, factories, restaurants, hotels, and retail spaces. These projects often involve more extensive and intricate systems due to the larger scale of the properties.
   • Domestic Plumbers: Domestic plumbers primarily work on residential properties, such as houses, apartments, and condominiums. Their projects are generally smaller in scale and involve simpler plumbing systems compared to commercial projects.
2. Types of Plumbing Systems:
   • Commercial Plumbers: Commercial plumbers are experienced in working with a wide range of specialized plumbing systems, including large-scale water distribution and drainage systems, commercial water heaters, industrial boilers, and complex pipe networks. They may also work on specialized equipment like grease traps for commercial kitchens.
   • Domestic Plumbers: Domestic plumbers focus on residential plumbing systems, which typically include water supply and distribution, sewer and drainage systems, water heaters, and fixtures like sinks, toilets, and showers.
3. Code Compliance and Regulations:
   • Commercial Plumbers: Commercial plumbing projects are subject to more stringent building codes and regulations due to the potential impact on public safety and health. Commercial plumbers must be well-versed in these codes and ensure that their work complies with local, state, and federal regulations.
   • Domestic Plumbers: Residential plumbing projects also need to adhere to building codes and regulations, but these are generally less complex than those for commercial projects. Domestic plumbers must still ensure compliance but within a different regulatory framework.
4. Specialized Skills:
   • Commercial Plumbers: Commercial plumbers often possess specialized skills and certifications, especially when working with industrial or commercial equipment. They may be required to install and maintain complex systems like backflow preventers, fire sprinkler systems, and water treatment systems.
   • Domestic Plumbers: While domestic plumbers have a broad range of skills, their specialization typically lies in residential plumbing systems. They are experts in installing and repairing fixtures, addressing common household plumbing issues, and maintaining residential water heaters.
5. Tools and Equipment:
   • Commercial Plumbers: Commercial plumbing projects often require specialized tools and equipment, such as large pipe wrenches, industrial-grade pipe materials, and heavy-duty drain cleaning machines.
   • Domestic Plumbers: Domestic plumbers use tools and equipment suitable for residential-scale projects, such as pipe wrenches, copper or PEX piping, and residential drain cleaning tools.
6. Working Hours:
   • Commercial Plumbers: Commercial plumbers may work on larger projects that require extended hours, night shifts, or weekend work to minimize disruptions to businesses.
   • Domestic Plumbers: Domestic plumbers typically work during regular business hours and may handle occasional emergency calls for residential clients.

Both commercial and domestic plumbers play vital roles in maintaining plumbing systems, but their areas of expertise and the nature of their projects differ significantly due to the varying demands of commercial and residential properties.