Top Plumbing Considerations for New Commercial Construction Projects
Why Plumbing Planning Defines Project Success
When you’re planning a new commercial building, every system matters—but none has more impact on daily operations than plumbing.
From water supply lines to drainage, water heaters to sump pumps, a building’s plumbing system is more than pipes—it’s the infrastructure that keeps businesses running smoothly.
At Affordable Plumbing Pros, we’ve worked with contractors, developers, and property managers across Johnsburg and McHenry County for over 25 years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top plumbing considerations for new construction projects, ensuring your investment is efficient, code-compliant, and built to last.
👉 If you haven’t already, check out our Complete Guide to Commercial & New Construction Plumbing for an in-depth overview of systems and services.
Step 1: Understand Building Codes and Permits
Every commercial plumbing project begins with code compliance. Local and state regulations in Illinois require:
Proper pipe sizing and material use
Backflow prevention systems
RPZ testing and certification
ADA-compliant fixture installations
Grease trap installation for restaurants
Failing to meet these codes can cause costly delays or rework. At Affordable Plumbing Pros, our licensed plumbers handle permit coordination and inspections, ensuring everything is approved before construction begins.
Step 2: Right-Sizing Your Plumbing System
One of the most common mistakes in new commercial construction is undersized systems. For example:
A restaurant may underestimate hot water demand for dishwashing and restrooms
An office building may not account for peak-time usage in multiple bathrooms
An industrial facility may need specialized drains and high-capacity piping
We work directly with builders to calculate flow rates, demand, and long-term capacity, so your system works just as efficiently in year ten as it does on day one.
Step 3: Commercial Water Heater Selection
Water heating is one of the largest plumbing expenses in commercial buildings. Choosing the wrong system can mean:
Higher energy costs
Insufficient hot water during peak times
Shortened equipment lifespan
At Affordable Plumbing Pros, we specialize in:
Tankless water heaters (Navien, Rinnai) for energy efficiency
Commercial-grade storage water heaters for large facilities
Power vent systems for improved performance
👉 Explore our water heater installation & repair services.
Step 4: Flood Prevention with Sump and Ejector Pumps
Illinois weather can be unpredictable, and flooding is a major concern for commercial buildings with basements or mechanical rooms.
We recommend:
Primary sump pumps for groundwater removal
Backup sump pumps for power outage protection
Ejector pumps for below-grade bathrooms or kitchens
👉 Learn more about our sump pump services.
Step 5: Backflow Prevention and Safety Systems
Commercial properties are legally required to prevent contaminated water from re-entering the public supply. That means installing and regularly testing:
Backflow preventers
RPZ valves
Safety shut-off systems
Affordable Plumbing Pros offers certified RPZ testing for Johnsburg and surrounding areas, ensuring compliance and safety.
Step 6: Designing for Future Growth
One of the smartest moves in new construction is planning for future expansion.
Examples include:
Running extra pipe chases for future bathrooms
Designing utility rooms with expansion space
Choosing scalable water heater systems
Adding secondary sump pumps in high-risk areas
Our team helps businesses think long-term so their plumbing systems can grow with them.
Case Study: Plumbing for a New Office Building in Johnsburg, IL
Recently, we partnered with a general contractor on a 20,000-square-foot office building. The project required:
A complete new construction plumbing system
Dual water heaters for consistent supply
Sump pumps and backflow prevention
ADA-compliant restroom installations
By collaborating early in the design phase, we helped the client avoid costly rework and ensured the building passed inspection on the first try.
How Commercial Plumbing Differs by Building Type
Different industries have unique plumbing needs. Here’s how:
Office Buildings: Multiple restrooms, break rooms, and consistent water heating demands.
Restaurants: High hot water usage, grease traps, and strict health code requirements.
Industrial Facilities: Heavy-duty drainage, chemical safety measures, and high-volume supply.
Retail Spaces: Flexible designs that can adapt for tenants.
Affordable Plumbing Pros brings the expertise to customize plumbing systems based on your business type.
Maintenance After Construction: Protecting Your Investment
The work doesn’t stop once the pipes are installed. Ongoing maintenance ensures your system lasts for decades. We recommend:
Annual inspections for leaks or wear
Regular sump pump testing
Scheduled water heater servicing
Pipe flushing to prevent clogs
Affordable Plumbing Pros offers maintenance contracts for commercial clients, giving peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Why Choose Affordable Plumbing Pros for New Construction?
When you need a commercial plumber in Johnsburg, IL, you want more than just someone to install pipes. You need a partner who understands construction, deadlines, and long-term performance.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ 25+ years of experience with commercial & industrial projects
✅ Licensed, insured, and code-compliant installations
✅ Expertise in sump pumps, water heaters, and safety systems
✅ Strong relationships with local inspectors and contractors
✅ Reliable service at competitive rates
Service Areas
We proudly serve:
Johnsburg
McHenry County
Fox Lake
Richmond
Spring Grove
Surrounding Chicagoland suburbs
Call to Action
Are you planning a new commercial construction project? Don’t leave your plumbing system to chance.
📞 Call 847-833-9338 or contact us today to schedule a consultation with Affordable Plumbing Pros.
FAQ: New Construction Plumbing
Q: When should a plumber get involved in new construction?
A: Ideally, during the design phase—before walls are up—so we can plan efficient and code-compliant systems.
Q: Do you install plumbing for industrial facilities?
A: Yes, we provide industrial plumbing services for factories, warehouses, and large-scale projects.
Q: What’s the difference between a residential and commercial plumber?
A: Commercial plumbers handle larger, more complex systems with higher capacity, stricter codes, and specialized equipment.
Q: Can you design plumbing systems for future expansion?
A: Absolutely. We often build in extra capacity to save businesses money down the road.
Q: Do you offer ongoing maintenance after installation?
A: Yes—we provide customized maintenance contracts for office buildings, restaurants, and industrial clients.
