As a local plumbing company that’s been serving Washington, DC businesses since 1909, we’ve seen firsthand how cold-weather plumbing issues can disrupt operations and cause costly damage. Frozen pipes don’t discriminate between restaurants, office buildings, or retail stores—they shut down businesses and drain budgets fast.

Winter is especially harsh on commercial plumbing systems. High usage demands, aging infrastructure, and sudden temperature drops create the perfect storm for backups, leaks, and equipment failure. The good news? Most of these problems are preventable with proper planning and maintenance.

In this post, we’ll break down what commercial plumbing service really means, how much you can expect to invest, and how regular maintenance can save you time, money, and headaches. Whether you manage a multi-unit property or own a small business, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to protect your property this winter.

Don’t wait—fix it now. Schedule your commercial plumbing service today.

What Does Commercial Plumbing Mean?

Commercial plumbing involves the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems in larger-scale facilities—like offices, restaurants, schools, apartment buildings, and retail stores. Unlike residential plumbing, these systems are more complex, with higher usage demands and stricter regulations.

A residential home might have two bathrooms and a single water heater. A commercial property could have dozens of toilets, multiple water heating units, industrial-grade fixtures, and miles of pipe running through the building. That’s a completely different level of responsibility.

Commercial plumbing also requires compliance with local building codes and health regulations. In Washington, DC, that means meeting standards set by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Non-compliance can lead to fines, failed inspections, or worse—business shutdowns.

At G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating, every commercial job is supervised by a Master Technician to ensure code compliance and quality workmanship. We’ve been doing this for over a century, so we know what it takes to keep commercial properties running smoothly.

What Is the Average Cost of Commercial Plumbing Services?

Costs can vary depending on the scope of work, building size, and complexity of the plumbing system, but here’s a general guide:

• Routine maintenance and inspections: $150–$500
• Drain cleaning or unclogging: $200–$800
• Water heater repairs or replacement: $1,000–$5,000+
• Pipe repairs or re-piping: $2,000–$10,000+

These ranges reflect typical projects in the DMV area. Of course, every property is different. A small office with a minor leak will cost far less than a multi-story building that needs new water lines installed.

Our pricing is transparent and upfront—no hidden fees, ever. We provide estimates before work begins and fully explain your options. That way, you can make informed decisions without worrying about surprise charges.

Put 115+ years of experience to work for you—request your commercial plumbing estimate today.

How Do You Price a Commercial Plumbing Job?

At G.A. Eberly, we base pricing on several key factors:

Type of service needed: Installation, maintenance, and repair all require different levels of labor and materials. A routine inspection costs far less than installing a new boiler system.

System complexity: The number of fixtures, pipes, or custom components affects the time and expertise required. A restaurant with grease traps and multiple sinks is more involved than a small retail store.

Accessibility and urgency: After-hours or emergency service may affect pricing. If a pipe bursts at 2 a.m., you need immediate help—and that comes at a premium.

Because we keep fully stocked trucks and experienced plumbers on call, we often complete repairs on the first visit. That helps you save time and money by avoiding multiple service calls.

We also offer flexible scheduling to minimize disruptions to your business operations. Whether you need service during off-hours or on weekends, we’ll work around your schedule.

What’s a Good Hourly Rate for a Commercial Service?

In the Washington, DC area, professional commercial plumbers typically charge between $120 and $250 per hour. Rates vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the job.

Our rates reflect the quality, safety, and expertise of our licensed, bonded, and insured team—plus the peace of mind that every job is supervised by a Master Technician. You’re not just paying for labor. You’re investing in longevity, reliability, and efficiency for your property’s plumbing system.

When you hire G.A. Eberly, you’re also getting over 115 years of local expertise. We’ve worked on every type of commercial property imaginable, from historic buildings in downtown DC to modern office complexes in Bethesda. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the job done right the first time.

Advanced Commercial Plumbing Solutions to Keep You Winter-Ready

Winter is the toughest season for plumbing systems. Frozen pipes, clogged drains, and overworked boilers can shut down a business fast. The key to avoiding these issues is preparation.

Our advanced commercial plumbing solutions help you stay ahead:

Preventative Maintenance Programs

Regular inspections catch small leaks, inefficiencies, or corrosion before they turn into major problems. We partner with property managers, offices, and restaurants to create custom maintenance plans that fit their needs and budgets.

These programs typically include:

• Seasonal plumbing inspections
• Pipe insulation checks
• Fixture testing and adjustments
• Drain line cleaning
• Water heater servicing

Boiler and Water Heater Servicing

Cold weather puts extra strain on heating systems. A poorly maintained boiler or water heater can fail when you need it most, leaving tenants or customers without hot water.

We provide comprehensive servicing to improve efficiency and reduce heating costs. That includes flushing sediment buildup, checking pressure levels, and inspecting all components for wear and tear.

Drain Cleaning and Hydro Jetting

Clogged drains are more than just an inconvenience—they can cause backups, flooding, and property damage. Our high-pressure hydro jetting service clears even the toughest blockages, including grease, debris, and tree roots.

Unlike traditional snaking methods, hydro jetting cleans the entire pipe, not just the immediate clog. That means fewer repeat service calls and longer-lasting results.

Leak Detection and Pipe Insulation

Frozen pipes are one of the most common—and most expensive—winter plumbing issues. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. The resulting flood can damage walls, floors, equipment, and inventory.

We use advanced leak detection technology to identify hidden leaks before they cause serious damage. We also offer pipe insulation services to protect vulnerable pipes from freezing temperatures.

Stay warm this winter—schedule heating and plumbing service today.

How Regular Maintenance Saves Your Business Money

Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repair. It’s a simple truth that too many businesses learn the hard way.

Consider this scenario: A small leak in a commercial kitchen goes unnoticed for weeks. By the time it’s discovered, water damage has affected the flooring, cabinets, and electrical systems. What could have been a $300 repair turns into a $10,000 insurance claim.

Regular inspections catch issues like this early. Our technicians look for warning signs—corrosion, reduced water pressure, unusual sounds, or moisture buildup—that indicate a problem is brewing.

Maintenance also improves efficiency. A well-maintained water heater uses less energy and lasts longer. Clean drains reduce the risk of backups and slow drainage. Properly insulated pipes prevent heat loss and freezing.

We’ve worked with hundreds of commercial clients over the years, and the ones who invest in regular maintenance consistently save money in the long run. They also avoid the stress and disruption of unexpected breakdowns.

Schedule a preventative maintenance plan and protect your property all year long. Get started here.

Why Businesses Across the DMV Choose G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating For Reliable Plumbing Services

When it comes to commercial plumbing, experience matters. We’ve been serving businesses in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC since 1909. That’s 115+ years of trusted service, and we’re not slowing down.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Family-owned and woman-operated: We treat every client like part of our community. Old-fashioned values meet modern technology—from digital scheduling to fully equipped service trucks.

Master Technician oversight: Every project is supervised by a Master Technician to ensure it meets our exacting standards. You get quality craftsmanship and peace of mind with every job.

Flexible scheduling and fast response times: We understand that business disruptions are costly. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling and prioritize fast service to get you back up and running.

Fully licensed, bonded, and insured: We’re members of the Washington Suburban Master Plumbers Association (WSMPA) and comply with all local regulations. You can trust us to do the job right.

Upfront pricing: No hidden fees, no surprises. We provide clear estimates before starting any work, so you always know what you’re paying for.

Fully stocked trucks: Our technicians arrive prepared with the tools and parts needed to complete most repairs on the first visit.

We’ve earned a 4.7-star rating on Google from over 724 customers who trust us with their plumbing and heating needs. Whether it’s a routine inspection or an emergency repair, we show up ready to deliver reliable results.

Your local, family-owned plumber since 1909—schedule your service today.

Protect Your Property Before Winter Arrives

Don’t let the cold catch your business off guard. Now is the time to ensure your plumbing system is efficient, insulated, and ready for heavy seasonal demand.

Frozen pipes, broken boilers, and clogged drains don’t wait for convenient times to strike. They happen when you least expect it—and when the damage is most costly. A little preparation now can save you thousands of dollars and hours of downtime later.

At G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating, we combine over a century of expertise with modern technology to deliver reliable results you can trust. We’re here to help you stay winter-ready, no matter what the season brings.

Book your commercial plumbing service online in minutes. Click here to get started.

Need help right away? Call now for fast, reliable repairs: (301) 856-6900.

Trust the DMV’s plumbing experts for generations. Learn more about our services.