Commercial plumbers offer a range of services from simple maintenance to complex installations. The services offered vary depending on who you hire, but some common ones include:

• Faucet and toilet repairs: Fixing leaks, clogs or malfunctions in high-use commercial fixtures.

• Drain cleaning and maintenance: Clearing blockages and ensuring proper water flow throughout the plumbing system.

• Water heater installation and maintenance: Installing and maintaining water heaters to ensure consistent hot and cold water for high-demand systems.

• Sump pump installation and repairs: Installing and maintaining sump pumps to prevent flooding and protect the property.

• Pipe repairs and replacements: Addressing leaks, bursts or aging pipes to maintain a reliable plumbing system.

• Backflow prevention testing and repair: Ensuring backflow devices work properly to protect water quality and meet regulatory standards.

• Grease trap cleaning and maintenance: Servicing grease traps in commercial kitchens to prevent clogs and maintain compliance with health codes.

• Emergency plumbing services: Providing 24/7 assistance for urgent issues like pipe bursts, sewer backups or major leaks.

If you're looking for a professional commercial plumbing contractor, certain qualifications should be considered non-negotiable. For example, the plumber should:

• Be licensed to work in your area.

• Be bonded and insured. They should have public liability insurance.

• Have training and certifications for specialized services you may need. This could include things like a backflow prevention certification if they will be working on anything sewer-related or a green plumbing certification if sustainable building is a must for your project.

Once you have confirmed the certifications and licensing for your list of plumbers, consider asking for references for similar projects and contacting them to assess the plumber’s past performance.

Thumbtack data reveals the national average cost to hire a plumber for a commercial building:

• Emergency services: $260-$760*

• Drain repairs: $235-$700*

• Plumbing inspections: $165-$910*

• Pipe repairs: $250-$815*

• Pipe replacement / installation: $560-$2,070*

• Sink or faucet replacement: $260-$680*

• Toilet repairs: $170-$415*

It's difficult to say exactly how much it will cost to hire a commercial plumber because prices vary depending on the services you need, the complexity of the project, your location and other factors. 

Here are a few cost factors a plumbing contractor will typically consider when creating your quote:

• Labor costs: Many plumbers charge an hourly rate. Some might also charge a base call-out fee if the job is unplanned.

• Material costs: Materials such as pipes, faucets, joins and seals often need to be purchased to complete a job.

• Travel costs: If a commercial plumber has to drive further to reach your commercial building, they may also add travel costs to the quote.

• Permit costs: Some projects require permits, and your commercial plumber might add these to your bill.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Yes, many commercial plumbers offer a 24/7 emergency line. 

Commercial plumbers often need to complete repairs and maintenance when businesses are closed. That means they're used to working flexible hours and completing jobs at night or on weekends when necessary. 

If you think you might need a plumber on short notice, it’s worth establishing a relationship with a commercial plumbing business before you experience an emergency. Find out what services they offer and how you can get a hold of them outside of their business hours.

Important note: If you call a plumber after hours for an emergency, you can expect to pay a higher rate than usual. It's important to discuss fees and the call-out rate before the plumber arrives. That'll help set everyone's expectations and avoid any surprises. 

How long it takes for a plumber to complete a job depends on the project. In many cases, disruptive projects such as repairing main water lines or upgrading plumbing systems are completed at night or on weekends. In any case, your plumber should be able to work to a tight schedule and provide the manpower needed to finish maintenance and repairs within an agreed-upon timeframe.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.