Commercial Plumbing in Washington, DC

Typical commercial calls

• Clogged restroom lines, urinals and floor drains.
• Kitchen drain backups and grease buildup in lines.
• Commercial water heater repair and replacement.
• Gas lines for ranges, fryers and heaters.
• Main sewer backups that shut down a whole building.
• Leaks in ceilings of mixed-use and apartment buildings.
• Backflow assembly testing, repair and replacement.

Backflow is an annual obligation

Most commercial buildings have at least one backflow assembly at the water service connection. DC Water's cross-connection control office requires these to be tested every year, with reports sent to that office. Fire sprinkler lines, boilers, irrigation and food service equipment are common reasons a building needs one. Keep the test schedule on the same calendar as other building maintenance so a deadline is not missed.

Permits through the Department of Buildings

The DC Department of Buildings issues Plumbing and Gas Permits for work such as new fixtures and new or replacement gas appliances, and Mechanical Permits for new or replacement HVAC equipment. Only a contractor holding a DC license for that trade can apply for a trade permit, and the plumbing application, which covers water heaters and backflow preventers, is signed by a DC Master Plumber or Gas Fitter. Tenant build-outs and kitchen renovations nearly always involve permits, so start that conversation early.

Sewer backups and storms

DC Water runs the public sewer system. About one-third of the District is on a combined system, where storm runoff and sewage share pipes, and heavy summer storms can overload drains and push water back into below-grade spaces. Restaurants and retail in basement-level units feel this first. A plumber can clear a blocked building drain, run a camera to find the cause and talk through backwater valves. If the problem is in the public sewer, call DC Water's 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400.

Gas safety on site

If anyone smells gas, get people out first, then call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1, from a safe place. A plumber can repair piping once the utility has made the site safe.

What drives commercial pricing

Cost depends on the scope, after-hours or weekend timing, access in occupied buildings, permit requirements, equipment size and whether work must be staged to keep the business open.