Our brilliantly simple guide to commercial installation

Throughout the past year, plumbers were the most in demand trade, according to a survey by Rated People and Vanarama. With the domestic plumbing sector thriving, you may be looking to expand your operations with a mix of domestic plumbing jobs and light commercial work. 


A different set of skills?

Essentially, domestic and commercial jobs involve the same skills. They both use the same materials and fulfil the same basic function. However, the biggest difference is the scale of the job. Commercial plumbing jobs involve environments that cater for lots of people, such as public washrooms.

There will also often be multiple floors and complex plumbing systems. Trade bodies such as the Chartered Institute for Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE) should be able to provide advice and guidance around specific training or qualifications required for commercial plumbing work.


Commercial products

Installers contracted for commercial work will find that their client must adhere to stringent budgets. Facilities managers need reliable products that balance compliance and safety with cost and efficiency.

At Bristan, we support installers taking on light commercial work by offering a wide range of commercial products, suitable for healthcare, education environments and washrooms. We’ve recently given our OPAC TMV3 showering range a customer inspired upgrade. So, whether you’re fitting out a school, care home or leisure centre, the new and improved OPAC range is the ideal safer showering solution.

The upgraded OPAC TMV3 range has been designed with unique adjustable elbows (140mm – 160mm) that make installation a breeze, as well as allowing for easy retrofitting. The products also have the ability to work at a very low pressure (0.2bar), making them ideal for commercial premises with more complex plumbing systems. 


Guaranteed safety 

Safety is a top priority when fitting out bathrooms in commercial sector environments. With a patented built-in thermal flush mechanism, the OPAC TMV3 range is designed for easy infection control and anti-legionella regimes.

The newly upgraded products also come with a filter change incorporated into the elbows for easy cleaning and replacement. And for guaranteed user safety, every product in the range meets TMV3 compliance, offering the highest level of protection against scalding from hot water.


A wealth of choice

No matter what commercial project you’re working on, there is an OPAC option to suit you. Across the five products in the range, you can find exposed and concealed options, handwheel or lever operated, and an option for built-in flow limiters for economy and water conservation. 

Our commercial and domestic products are made from high quality materials, designed to last, and endure rigorous testing in our UKAS accredited in-house testing facility. With the option to replace parts or retrofit a new product, we can support installers to work within budgets, while also ensuring the safety of users.

Not only that, but the showers are also fully compliant to the UK Water Regulations, which guarantees specifications fall in line with regulations and bylaws. 


Keep it interesting 

Light commercial work, such as installing utilities in office blocks or public sector buildings, will often involve long-term contracts. It is these ongoing relationships that will help plumbers to fortify their revenue stream and gain a greater sense of job security.

Diversifying the work mix not only enables plumbers to maximise job opportunities, but also keeps boredom at bay. A variety of jobs and new challenges means that installers are less likely to feel fatigued by the same type of work or environment. Commercial work can help installers to build new sets of skills and open doors to other markets, keeping work life interesting and profitable.

Find out more about our range of OPAC TMV3 commercial showers, or alternatively take a look at our video below: