- HEP Plumbing
- Commercial Plumbing

Commercial Plumbing
Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Cleveland
From a single retail build-out to a full hospital campus, HEP’s Plumbing keeps Cleveland’s commercial properties flowing smoothly. Our licensed technicians are local experts who understand the demands our climate, codes, and aging infrastructure place on businesses. We arrive with fully-stocked trucks, industrial-grade equipment, and a problem-solving mindset that minimizes downtime and protects your bottom line.
Whether you need a design-build partner for new construction, a precision retrofit of high-efficiency fixtures, or 24/7 emergency response for burst mains and blocked sewer lines, we’ve got you covered. Backflow prevention, grease interceptors, water heater banks, hydro-jetting, camera inspections—name it, and our team delivers workmanship that passes every inspection the first time. Discover why facilities managers across Northeast Ohio choose HEP’s Plumbing as their long-term ally: schedule your consultation today and put our commercial expertise to work for you.
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The Role of Expert Commercial Plumbing in Cleveland’s Built Environment
Cleveland’s diverse commercial landscape—ranging from high-rise medical centers on Euclid Avenue to massive lakefront manufacturing facilities—relies on plumbing systems that operate flawlessly day and night. Any interruption in water delivery, drainage, or process piping can halt production lines, jeopardize public health codes, and erode a building’s reputation. Engineering those systems, installing them, and keeping them compliant requires a specialized discipline: commercial plumbing.
HEP provides that discipline throughout Cleveland and the wider Cuyahoga County region, supplying design expertise, code-compliant installations, ongoing maintenance, and rapid repair. The company’s comprehensive approach keeps businesses running smoothly, preserves property value, and supports the city’s continuing economic growth.
Why Commercial Plumbing Differs from Residential Work
Commercial projects demand a complexity far beyond standard residential plumbing jobs. Key distinctions include
- Higher pipe diameters and water volumes that serve large occupant loads
- Specialized fixtures such as service sinks, emergency eyewash stations, and commercial-grade restrooms
- Integration with HVAC, fire protection, and control systems
- Strict Ohio building codes, municipal regulations, and industry-specific standards (e.g., ASSE, UPC)
- Continuous operation expectations—shutting down a retail floor or surgical wing is not an option
HEP’s licensed commercial plumbers understand these nuances. By tailoring system design and service protocols specifically for commercial settings, they mitigate downtime and ensure every component performs at peak efficiency.
Comprehensive HEP Commercial Plumbing Services in Cleveland
Design-Build and Pre-Construction Planning
A successful plumbing system begins long before pipe meets wrench. HEP’s pre-construction team collaborates with architects, mechanical engineers, and facility managers to create drawings that integrate
- Water supply and distribution schematics
- Sanitary and storm drainage layouts
- Natural gas and process piping routing
- Backflow prevention and cross-connection safeguards
- Flow calculations that anticipate future expansion
By employing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3-D coordination, HEP detects clashes with structural elements or electrical conduit early, eliminating costly rework in the field.
New Construction Installations
Whether a 20-story downtown office tower or a single-floor warehouse, HEP installs piping systems to exacting standards. The company’s field crews hold OSHA certifications, maintain rigorous safety procedures, and leverage high-efficiency tools such as press-connect fittings and pro-press machines to accelerate timelines without sacrificing quality.
Installations routinely include
- Domestic cold and hot water mains
- Booster pump sets for high-rise pressure management
- Circulating hot-water loops to ensure rapid delivery at distant fixtures
- Cast-iron, PVC, or stainless sanitary stacks engineered for Cleveland’s freeze-thaw cycles
- Grease interceptors for commercial kitchens
- Sump pumps and storm detention systems to mitigate Lake Erie’s heavy rain events
Retrofit and System Upgrades
Cleveland’s industrial heritage has left many facilities with decades-old plumbing infrastructure. Aging galvanized lines, cast-iron drains, or inefficient fixtures can inflate utility bills and risk code violations. HEP specializes in retrofitting occupied buildings, employing phased shutdowns and temporary water bypass piping so businesses continue operating.
Common retrofit activities involve
- Replacing corroded domestic water risers with copper or PEX
- Installing low-flow faucets and flush valves to cut consumption
- Sweeping out mineral scale in heat exchangers with chemical flush processes
- Converting single-pass cooling loops to closed-loop recirculation for lower energy use
- Upgrading backflow preventers to meet updated City of Cleveland Department of Public Utilities requirements
Scheduled Maintenance and Inspection Programs
Preventive maintenance remains the cornerstone of system longevity. HEP crafts customized service agreements aligning with each facility’s operational calendar. Typical tasks include
- Annual backflow device testing and certification
- Hydro-jetting of main and branch sewer lines to prevent blockages
- Water heater anode rod assessments and sediment flushes
- Thermal imaging of piping chases to identify hidden leaks
- Valve exercising programs that keep isolation points functional in an emergency
Rapid Response and Emergency Repair
Burst fire risers at 2:00 a.m. or a restaurant grease clog on Sunday brunch service can cripple revenue. HEP’s Cleveland dispatch hub maintains standby crews equipped with
- Drain inspection cameras
- Hydro-jetters capable of 4,000 PSI
- Pipe-freezing rigs that allow repairs without complete drain-downs
- Fully stocked service vehicles carrying press fittings, couplings, and fixtures
Quick mobilization limits water damage, safeguards occupants, and restores operations faster than extended general contracting routes.
Industrial and Commercial Markets Served
HEP’s portfolio spans the breadth of Cleveland’s economy. Each sector brings unique system demands, and the company tailors solutions accordingly.
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Sterile environments, redundant water supply, and medical-gas integration define hospital plumbing. HEP ensures compliance with NFPA 99, Ohio Department of Health guidelines, and OSHA infection control protocols while installing:
- Thermostatic mixing valves that maintain safe hand-washing temperatures
- Laboratory grade acid-resistant waste lines
- Reverse osmosis (RO) loops feeding autoclaves and dialysis equipment
Manufacturing and Heavy Industry
From automotive stamping plants on the west side to food processing facilities along the Cuyahoga River, industrial clients need rugged piping networks that withstand chemicals, vibration, and thermal cycling. HEP supplies:
- Schedule 80 PVC or stainless steel chemical drain lines
- Compressed air and nitrogen piping for assembly lines
- High-capacity trench drains and oil/water separators for machinery wash-downs
Hospitality and Entertainment
Hotels, sports arenas, and concert venues undergo intense water usage spikes before games or conferences. HEP designs multiservice fixture banks, optimizes hot-water recirculation, and installs vacuum drainage systems for expansive floorplans.
Educational Institutions
Universities and K-12 districts in Cleveland Heights, Lakewood, and downtown rely on operational plumbing in science labs, cafeterias, and residence halls. HEP coordinates phased work during academic breaks and applies lead-free compliance strategies when replacing older lines.
Retail and Mixed-Use Developments
Shopping centers and mixed-use towers benefit from HEP’s ability to integrate tenant improvement projects without interrupting adjacent retailers. Coordinated night work, dust containment, and noise mitigation keep the public experience unspoiled.
Core Competencies That Distinguish HEP
Licensed Professionals and Ongoing Training
HEP’s plumbers, pipefitters, and apprentices complete state licensing programs and participate in continuing education covering:
- Ohio Plumbing Code revisions
- Emerging water conservation technologies
- Workplace safety best practices
- Confined space entry
- Brazing and welding certifications
Safety Culture Embedded in Every Phase
A jobsite is only successful when everyone returns home healthy. HEP’s safety protocol includes daily tool-box talks, site-specific risk assessments, and routine mock emergency drills. Safety managers conduct surprise audits, reinforcing compliance and cultivating proactive hazard identification.
Technology-Driven Solutions
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) for clash detection
- GPS-tracked service fleets for accurate arrival estimates
- Moisture sensors and remote leak detection integrated into building automation systems
- Trenchless pipe lining techniques that rehabilitate drains without extensive demolition
Code Compliance and Quality Assurance
From first blueprint review through final punch list, HEP verifies every fitting, slope, and vent meets Cleveland Department of Building & Housing criteria, state environmental regulations, and national standards like ASME A112. Rigorous checklists and photographic documentation accompany each inspection milestone, providing owners with a clear warranty trail.
Plumbing Systems and Components Managed by HEP
Water Service and Distribution
Reliable water flow hinges on correct pipe sizing, booster pumps, and proper looping. HEP engineers account for fixture unit counts, Cleveland Water Department pressure zones, and rooftop mechanical load to ensure adequate delivery across multistory structures.
Sanitary and Storm Drainage
Cleveland’s aging combined sewer network poses challenges during heavy Lake Erie storms. HEP integrates storm detention tanks, sump pump redundancy, and sensor-activated overflow notifications to prevent basement flooding and city fines.
Grease Waste Management
Restaurants, catering halls, and university cafeterias must intercept fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to protect municipal sewers. HEP installs indoor or outdoor grease interceptors sized by flow rate, equips them with sample ports, and schedules pump-outs aligned with city inspection cycles.
Backflow Prevention
Cross-connection control guards public water supplies. HEP’s ASSE-certified testers size, install, and annually recertify:
- Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies
- Double check backflow preventers
- Pressure vacuum breakers for irrigation systems
Gas, Air, and Specialty Piping
Commercial kitchens, laboratories, and industrial plants often require natural gas, compressed air, or pure gases. HEP designs leak-tested, pressure-certified piping networks with isolation valves and emergency shutoffs meeting NFPA 54 and CGA guidelines.
Sustainability and Water Efficiency Initiatives
Low-Flow and WaterSense Fixtures
HEP replaces older 3.5 gpf commodes with 1.28 gpf WaterSense units, installs sensor-operated faucets, and uses low-flow prerinse spray valves in commercial kitchens. Over a single year, businesses can reduce water consumption by tens of thousands of gallons.
Rainwater Harvesting
Warehouses with extensive roof areas can collect thousands of gallons during a single rainfall. HEP sets up storage tanks, filtration, and pump stations that reuse captured rainwater for landscape irrigation or toilet flushing—easing demand on Cleveland’s municipal supply.
Greywater Recycling
Laundry facilities, gyms, and dormitories generate greywater suitable for reuse. HEP designs filtration systems adhering to Ohio regulations, diverting shower and laundry discharge to flush fixtures, trimming both water and sewer bills.
LEED and Green Building Compliance
HEP supports project teams pursuing LEED v4 Water Efficiency credits through submittal documentation, fixture count calculations, and commissioning reports. The company’s understanding of green codes helps owners meet sustainability targets without compromising performance.
The HEP Project Lifecycle
Initial Site Assessment
HEP engineers perform a walkthrough to document existing conditions—identifying shutoff locations, vent routing, and structural constraints. A detailed report outlines code discrepancies, fixture counts, and recommended corrective actions.
Engineering and Budget Alignment
A designated project manager aligns mechanical drawings with owner budgets, alternative fixture options, and permitting requirements. Value-engineering sessions optimize pipe materials, routing efficiencies, and prefabrication opportunities.
Prefabrication and Assembly
In HEP’s Cleveland fabrication shop, components such as water heater skids, valve trees, and restroom battery assemblies are pre-built under controlled conditions. Benefits include
- Reduced onsite labor hours
- Consistent weld quality
- Faster installation timelines
Installation and Coordination
Field foremen coordinate with other trades using weekly look-ahead schedules. Prefab modules lower crane time and minimize jobsite congestion—critical in downtown Cleveland’s tight urban spaces.
Commissioning and Handover
System start-up entails flushing lines, verifying pressure, conducting leak tests, balancing hot-water recirculation, and programming building automation interfaces. HEP supplies as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and training sessions for facility staff.
Preventive Maintenance: Protecting Cleveland Facilities Year-Round
Winterization Strategies
Lake-effect snow and sub-zero temperatures risk frozen pipe bursts. HEP wraps exposed lines with heat trace cable, insulates backflow preventers, and performs seasonal valve checks.
Summer Peak Demand Readiness
Cleveland’s summer events draw tourism uplifts in hotels and stadiums. HEP inspects booster pumps, replaces worn expansion tank diaphragms, and verifies chiller condensate drains to manage higher loads.
Legionella Risk Mitigation
Hot-water systems maintained between 120 °F and 140 °F deter bacterial growth. HEP audits temperature logs, calibrates mixing valves, and flushes low-use plumbing branches to comply with ASHRAE 188 recommendations.
Common Commercial Plumbing Challenges in Cleveland and HEP Solutions
Aging Infrastructure
Many downtown buildings date back to the early 20th century. Deteriorated cast-iron drains may crack under extended road vibration or mineral buildup. HEP employs:
- Epoxy drain liners for trenchless rehabilitation
- Cutting-edge robotic cutters to remove intruding laterals
- Spot repairs utilizing stainless full-wrap clamps
Freeze-Thaw Damage
Winter freeze followed by rapid thaws stresses exterior and parking garage piping. HEP designs heat-traced loop systems and uses glycol mixtures in exposed hydronic lines to prevent rupture.
High Mineral Content
Cleveland’s water can exhibit hardness levels over 120 ppm. Scale buildup hampers heat exchangers and restricts flow. HEP installs:
- Water softeners sized by grain capacity
- Electronic anti-scale devices for process water lines
- Scheduled descaling flushes for tank-type heaters
Regulatory Changes
Periodic updates to the Ohio Plumbing Code introduce new compliance challenges. HEP stays ahead by attending code council meetings and implementing revisions into every new drawing set.
Collaboration with Construction Stakeholders
General Contractors and Construction Managers
HEP integrates with project scheduling software, participates in pull-planning sessions, and uses real-time progress dashboards to align with critical path milestones.
Architects and Mechanical Engineers
Early stage coordination removes conflicts around chases, soffits, and equipment rooms. BIM clash detection reports eliminate rework and keep fabrications accurate.
Facility Managers and Building Owners
Post-handover, HEP provides cloud-based service portals where facility teams log issues, schedule maintenance, and track warranty records. Transparency fosters long-term operational efficiency.
Tools and Technology Powering HEP’s Field Excellence
Video Pipe Inspection
High-definition push cameras and crawler units map drain conditions up to 1,000 feet—capturing footage for precise repair planning.
Hydro-Jetting and Mechanical Cleaning
Water jets at pressures up to 4,000 PSI scour grease and scale, while mechanical chain flails remove concrete or root intrusions.
Trenchless Pipe Repair
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners restore structural integrity without excavation, ideal for urban sidewalks or landscaped malls.
Press-Fit Joining Systems
Copper and stainless press fittings create secure joints faster than soldering, reducing fire risk and downtime in occupied buildings.
Building Automation Integration
Flow sensors, smart valves, and remote leak detectors tie into BAS dashboards, alerting maintenance teams before minor drips escalate into major shutdowns.
Workforce Development and Community Engagement
Apprenticeship and Training
HEP partners with local trade schools and unions, offering apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with supervised field hours. Graduates emerge as journeyman plumbers, sustaining Cleveland’s skilled labor pipeline.
Diversity and Inclusion
The company fosters an inclusive workplace, encouraging participation from underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Diverse perspectives enhance problem solving and innovation on complex plumbing projects.
Environmental Stewardship
By championing water conservation and green building techniques, HEP contributes to Cleveland’s sustainability goals, reducing strain on Lake Erie and lowering energy use across commercial properties.
Cleveland Projects Illustrating HEP’s Capabilities
Downtown Office Tower Restroom Upgrades
A 25-story office building required fixture modernization without interrupting tenant operations. HEP deployed a rolling floor-by-floor schedule, prefabricated multi-fixture carriers, and nighttime shutdowns. Result: each floor completed in three nights, no daytime disruption, measurable 35 % water savings.
Manufacturing Facility Process Water Renewal
An aging industrial campus faced corroded carbon-steel process water lines causing production stoppages. HEP replaced 1,500 feet of pipe with stainless schedule 10 tubing during a two-week outage, integrating VFD-controlled pumps to stabilize flow rates and reduce energy consumption.
University Science Lab Expansion
A Cleveland university expanded chemistry labs needing acid-resistant waste, RO water feeds, and emergency shower stations. HEP coordinated with campus facilities, installed glass drain piping, and executed rigorous pressure/acid compatibility tests before commissioning.
Hotel Boiler and Domestic Hot-Water Plant Replacement
A downtown hospitality property suffered insufficient hot-water recovery at full occupancy. HEP engineered a modular condensing boiler skid, installed plate heat exchangers, and balanced recirculating loops. Guests experienced uninterrupted service, and energy costs dropped significantly.
Retail Center Stormwater Management Retrofit
Persistent flooding plagued a lakefront shopping complex. HEP installed larger roof drains, underground detention tanks, and smart storm controllers that modulate pump operation based on weather forecasts, mitigating flood risk during heavy Lake Erie storms.
Commitment to Long-Term Value
HEP’s commercial plumbing services in Cleveland are built on engineering rigor, technological innovation, and a deep understanding of local building conditions. From pre-construction BIM modeling to 24-hour emergency response, the company delivers integrated solutions that keep water flowing, drains clear, and businesses operational across the city’s dynamic commercial landscape.