Consistent access to hot water is something most of our customers take for granted—whether they’re at home, at the office, dining at a restaurant or shopping at a retail store, they expect to be able to turn on a faucet and get water at a desirable temperature.

Temperature-controlled water doesn’t happen by accident, of course, but rather through the use of state-of-the-art water heaters. Water heating needs can vary depending on the nature of the facility, and it’s important to remember that residential and commercial units differ in important ways. 

Commercial water heaters tend to be more intricate, and the installation process can be more challenging. Even professional plumbers who are well-versed in residential water heater installation may benefit from reviewing some commercial-specific tips and best practices.

Location is critical

Everyone knows the adage about real estate—location, location, location! The same could be said of commercial water heater installation: ensuring the right location is the first step in any successful project.

Location matters for a few reasons: One, it’s important to station the water heater somewhere that is accessible, with ample space around it. Not only does this make ongoing maintenance easier, but it ensures compliance with local building codes and safety regulations.

Something else to remember during installations is that commercial water heaters tend to be significantly heavier than residential ones, making it necessary to ensure they have adequate support. Positioning them on a ground- or basement-level floor is almost always a safe option.

Safety concerns loom large

Safety is a key consideration with any water heater installation. Lack of adequate temperature controls can increase the risk of scalding hot water exposure. Simply due to their high capacity, commercial heaters come with a heightened level of safety considerations.

To ensure that water temperature is both consistent and safe across many access points, it’s important for installers to include either a specialized mixing valve or sophisticated temperature control technologies.

A related concern is leakage; simply put, if high-capacity water heaters leak or if the temperature/pressure safety releases water, suitable drain pans and/or discharge lines should be part of the installation when the water heater is put into service.

The plumbing infrastructure can be complex

Because commercial water heaters supply water to a number of fixtures and appliances, spread across a larger physical space, the plumbing infrastructure they require can be complex—more so than with a typical residential install.

Pipe sizing and flow rate are both particular points of concern. Standard pipe sizes usually accommodate residential water usage, but commercial buildings experience higher demand—making it necessary to install larger pipes. Generally, commercial water heaters call for piping that’s at least one inch, and in some cases, it may be necessary to install even larger pipes in order to ensure consistent water pressure and flow.

A related concern is pressure management. Residential water heaters require only a standard pressure valve, but commercial units must maintain high levels of pressure to accommodate more widespread usage—making it necessary to install multiple pressure-reducing valves. The installation of an expansion tank may also be warranted.

Condensate management is another critical issue. Condensation involving flue gases can be inherently acidic, causing metallic piping to corrode. A condensate neutralizer balances the pH of the condensate produced, thereby mediating the acidity. Note that condensate neutralizers must be right-sized to fit the BTU/Hr. of the water heater or how much condensate is able to be produced in gallons per hour). 

Don’t forget about ventilation and exhaust

For gas-powered water heaters, installers must plan ahead for ventilation and exhaust systems—something that can be more complicated than it first seems.

It’s important to get ventilation right, as the accumulation of dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, can pose serious health and safety issues. To avoid these hazards, it’s important to ensure adequate ventilation. Ventilation systems made with high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, help to guard against deterioration or blockage.

One thing that can make ventilation challenging is the complexity of the infrastructure—again, commercial facilities tend to be larger and more complicated than residential dwellings, which means an effective ventilation system can be exceedingly long and intricate. A well-designed ventilation system requires correct vent lengths, diameters and angles, all of which call for careful planning.

Simply finding the space for ventilation can be challenging, especially when retrofitting ductwork into an older facility. Plumbers should be ready to recommend alternative ventilation options, which include direct or power vents.

A final consideration: ventilation and exhaust systems can be noisy, especially when they are servicing robust commercial water heaters. Insulating materials can be used during the install process to muffle the sound and minimize any distractions for office workers, shoppers or other commercial tenants. Again, this calls for a little advanced planning on the part of installers.

Think strategically about commercial water heater installs. Not all water heaters are created equal—and commercial projects can involve some unique challenges. Professional installers should be ready to meet these challenges with strategic thinking, advanced planning and problem-solving skills—ensuring a final outcome that meets the extensive needs of the commercial facility.

Keith Kuliga is the mechanical sales support – commercial products for Bradford White Water Heaters, a leading American manufacturer and five-time ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year.