- HEP Plumbing
- Commercial Plumbing

Commercial Plumbing
Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Manchester
From bustling office towers in Spinningfields to independent cafés in the Northern Quarter, HEP’s Plumbing keeps Manchester’s commercial spaces flowing smoothly. Our Gas Safe–registered engineers arrive equipped for anything—leaking mains, malfunctioning boilers, high-capacity pump failures, or complex system upgrades—and we do it with minimal disruption to staff and customers. Because every minute of downtime costs money, we guarantee rapid response times across Greater Manchester and operate a true 24/7 emergency line, so help is always just a call away.
What sets us apart is our commitment to tailored solutions. Whether you need a one-off repair, a planned preventative maintenance schedule, or a full design-and-install service for a new development, we dive into the specifics of your building, water usage, and compliance requirements. We work seamlessly with facilities managers, contractors, and business owners to ensure every project meets WRAS, Legionella, and building-reg compliance—while keeping budgets and deadlines firmly in sight.
Partner with HEP’s Plumbing and you’ll gain more than a contractor; you’ll gain a long-term ally dedicated to the health, efficiency, and sustainability of your commercial plumbing systems. From initial site survey to final sign-off, we deliver workmanship you can trust, backed by transparent pricing and a friendly local team that knows Manchester inside out.
What our customers say
Commercial Plumbing Excellence in Manchester
Commercial premises across Manchester depend on robust, compliant, and highly efficient plumbing infrastructure. From multi-storey office towers in Spinningfields to vibrant hospitality venues in the Northern Quarter, every building’s performance, hygiene, and sustainability hinge on a reliable water and waste network. HEP’s commercial plumbing division exists to deliver that reliability with meticulous planning, proven craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to health and safety.
Why Commercial Plumbing Demands Specialist Expertise
Unlike residential work, commercial plumbing systems:
- Serve significantly higher occupancy loads
- Integrate with complex HVAC, fire suppression, and process equipment
- Require strict adherence to commercial water regulations, backflow prevention, and Legionella control
- Have limited downtime tolerance, especially for 24-hour operations
- Face stringent inspection regimes from regulatory bodies and insurance providers
HEP’s engineers are trained specifically for these demands, ensuring compliance while maximising lifecycle value for property owners and facilities managers.
HEP’s Sector-Focused Solutions
Offices and Corporate Campuses
Modern offices seek wellness certifications, energy efficiency ratings, and flexible layouts. HEP designs and installs plumbing cores that:
- Provide balanced hot and cold supply to distributed tea points and washrooms
- Integrate with low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption without compromising comfort
- Include accessible isolation valves for agile reconfiguration of workspace zones
Hospitality, Food & Beverage
Restaurants, hotels, and bars rely on uninterrupted water pressure, rapid drainage, and hygienic hot-water delivery. HEP delivers:
- Grease management systems sized for peak service periods
- High-temperature wash-down points for kitchens and back-of-house zones
- Conditioned water feeds for coffee, ice, and beverage equipment
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Medical environments require absolute adherence to infection-control protocols. HEP’s commercial plumbing teams are versed in:
- HTM 04-01 guidance for water safety in healthcare premises
- Copper silver ionisation, point-of-use filters, and thermostatic mixing valves set to anti-scald parameters
- Redundant supply loops for theatres, dental suites, and pathology labs
Education & Student Living
From primary schools to university accommodation, HEP delivers systems that stand up to heavy term-time usage and holiday shutdowns. Key provisions include:
- Tamper-resistant fixtures for vandalism prevention
- Sensor-activated taps to curb water waste
- Smart leak detection linked to building management systems for rapid response
Industrial & Manufacturing
Manufacturing plants in Trafford Park or East Manchester need customised process water, chemical waste handling, and resilient pipework. HEP supports:
- Stainless or ABS pipe installations for aggressive media
- High-volume booster sets to feed production lines
- Separation of potable and process water to safeguard employee welfare
A Full-Lifecycle Approach to Commercial Plumbing
HEP recognises that plumbing assets span decades. The company’s methodology addresses every phase of that lifecycle, from concept to refurbishment.
Consultation and System Design
Every commercial project starts with a deep dive into operational objectives, spatial constraints, and regulatory obligations. HEP’s design engineers:
- Produce 3D models using BIM software for clash detection and precision prefabrication
- Calculate loading based on occupancy, fixture units, and peak demand curves
- Specify pipe materials—copper, stainless, PEX, or PP—aligned to water quality, temperature, and pressure profiles
Prefabrication for Speed and Quality
Where possible, HEP utilises off-site fabrication to minimise site disruption. Manifolds, plant skids, and riser modules are assembled in controlled workshop conditions, then delivered for rapid installation. Benefits include:
- Reduced installation time on tight city-centre sites
- Enhanced quality through repetitive, jig-based welding and jointing
- Lower waste generation compared with on-site cutting
Installation and Commissioning
On site, HEP runs a coordinated programme with other trades to maintain critical path milestones. Key installation practices include:
- Hot works permits and fire watch protocols for brazing or welding
- Pressure testing and chlorination in line with BS EN 806 and BS 8558
- Thermal insulation of pipework to meet Part L energy efficiency targets
Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM)
A proactive maintenance strategy prolongs asset life and avoids unplanned downtime. HEP’s PPM packages typically cover:
- Quarterly valve exercise and lubrication
- Annual TMV calibration and legionella sampling
- Descaling of plate heat exchangers and calorifier inspection
- Integrity testing of backflow prevention devices
Reactive and Emergency Repairs
Manchester’s commercial hubs operate around the clock. HEP maintains a rapid response team equipped with:
- Press-fit tooling for leak repairs without hot works
- Jetting machines for immediate drain clearance
- Temporary pump sets to maintain service while permanent equipment is restored
Water Efficiency and Sustainable Performance
Greater Manchester’s sustainability targets push building owners to lower water and energy consumption. HEP aligns with these objectives through:
Low-Flow Fixtures and Fittings
Selecting aerated taps, dual-flush cisterns, and sensor-controlled urinals can cut water usage by up to 50 %. HEP validates performance to ensure user experience is not compromised.
Greywater and Rainwater Harvesting
For suitable developments, HEP designs systems that capture rainwater from roof areas or treat greywater from showers and basins. Harvested water is reused for WC flushing or irrigation, reducing mains water demand.
Heat Recovery From Wastewater
HEP integrates drain-water heat recovery coils to pre-heat incoming cold water, trimming energy bills and carbon emissions in sectors with heavy hot-water consumption such as gyms and hotels.
Smart Metering and Analytics
By installing pulse-output meters on key risers and plant feeds, HEP enables building management systems to detect anomalies, set consumption baselines, and trigger alerts. Data insights drive continuous improvement.
Compliance and Certification
Commercial landlords shoulder legal duties under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, the Health and Safety at Work Act, and occupation-specific guidance. HEP assists by providing:
- Verified commissioning certificates, test sheets, and O&M manuals
- Legionella risk assessments and written schemes of control
- COSHH documentation for chemical descaling or disinfection agents
- Method statements and risk assessments for each project phase
Accreditations underpinning HEP operations include WRAS approval, Gas Safe registration for combined plumbing and heating works, and Constructionline Gold status.
Harnessing Advanced Technologies
Innovation drives reliability and cost-effectiveness in commercial plumbing. HEP deploys:
Press-Fit and Crimp Systems
These jointing methods deliver:
- Flame-free installations, reducing fire risk
- Consistent, manufacturer-tested joint integrity
- Faster installation on high-rise risers where speed is critical
Flexible Piping Solutions
Multi-layer composite pipes or PEX-a offer:
- Reduced fitting count and fewer potential leak points
- Excellent resistance to scale and chemical corrosion
- Easier routing through congested service voids
Hydronic Balancing Valves
Proper balancing maintains equal water temperature across extensive hot-water loops. HEP uses dynamic pressure-independent valves to self-adjust flow and remove manual balancing headaches during seasonal load changes.
UV Disinfection Units
Where chemical dosing may not be feasible, UV light sterilisation provides secondary water treatment, ensuring microbiological safety without affecting taste or smell.
Health and Safety Culture
Commercial sites present variable risks, from confined spaces to elevated work platforms and hot works. HEP embeds a safety-first ethos via:
- Daily task-specific briefings (“toolbox talks”)
- Real-time incident reporting apps enabling immediate corrective action
- Mandatory CSCS and SSSTS/SMSTS qualifications for supervisors
- Rigorous PPE standards audited by internal safety officers
Collaboration With Other Trades
Integrated mechanical, electrical, and architectural coordination is vital to avoid costly rework. HEP works closely with:
- HVAC contractors to align pipe routes with ductwork and chilled-water lines
- Electrical teams to ensure separation from power runs and containment
- Structural engineers for slab penetrations, hanger loading, and seismic restraints
- Fit-out designers to achieve aesthetic goals for exposed pipework in modern industrial-style interiors
Typical Commercial Plumbing Systems Installed by HEP
Unmatched domain knowledge allows HEP to address the full spectrum of plumbing services, including:
- Cold-water booster sets for high-rise water pressure
- Hot-water generation: direct-fired water heaters, plate heat exchangers, or solar thermal arrays
- Soil, waste, and vent systems with acoustic drainage solutions for occupant comfort
- Acid-resistant drainage for laboratories and commercial kitchens
- Grease separation and biological dosing equipment
- Stormwater attenuation tanks and flow controls to limit discharge rates into Manchester’s sewers
- Fire hose reel and hydrant plumbing, including backflow prevention
Materials and Components Preferred by HEP
Material selection directly influences system longevity and hygiene. HEP specifies:
- BS EN 1057 copper tube for potable hot and cold supplies, valued for antimicrobial properties
- 316L stainless steel for softened or demineralised water to prevent corrosion
- High-density polyethene (HDPE) for below-ground drainage due to flexibility and chemical resistance
- uPVC or ABS for internal gravity waste depending on temperature and chemical profile
- Pre-insulated PEX district heating pipework where external buried runs are required
Benefits of Partnering With HEP
By engaging HEP for commercial plumbing projects in Manchester, stakeholders gain:
- Single-source accountability from design to maintenance
- A workforce cultivated through ongoing apprenticeship programmes and CPD, ensuring up-to-date best practice
- Transparent reporting and digital asset handover through common data environments
- Proven capability on schemes ranging from small retail fit-outs to multi-million-pound mixed-use developments
- A steadfast sustainability focus supporting BREEAM, LEED, and local authority targets
Manchester-Specific Challenges and HEP Solutions
Aging Infrastructure
Many city-centre buildings tap into legacy cast-iron stacks and undersized water services. HEP conducts condition surveys, uses CCTV drain inspection, and recommends phased replacement strategies to mitigate disruption.
Limited Space for Plant
With rooftop mechanical zones and basement footprints at a premium, the company adopts:
- Compact plate heat exchanger arrangements in lieu of bulky storage calorifiers
- Modular pump sets stacked vertically to reclaim floor area
- Pre-insulated pipework suspended from soffits to preserve headroom
Traffic Management and Site Logistics
Central Manchester’s transport corridors pose delivery and waste removal constraints. HEP’s logistics team:
- Schedules just-in-time deliveries outside peak hours
- Implements waste segregation and compaction onsite to minimise skip changes
- Coordinates with local authorities on road closures for crane lifts of rooftop plant
Heritage Buildings
Conservation areas require sympathetic installations. HEP uses non-intrusive routing, reversible fixings, and discreet surface treatments to protect historic fabric while achieving modern performance standards.
Illustrative Applications
While respecting confidentiality, the following scenarios showcase HEP’s breadth:
Mixed-Use Tower on Deansgate
- 40 floors of residential units over retail podium
- Six-bar booster set feeding 800 apartments
- Roof-level solar thermal pre-heating to support central plant
Media Production Campus in Salford
- High-flow wash-down hose stations in studios
- Separation of potable and process greywater systems
- Data-connected flow meters for remote monitoring of consumption versus production schedules
Boutique Hotel Conversion Near Piccadilly
- Retrofitted mechanical risers through 19th-century masonry without core drilling
- Point-of-use water heaters to serve luxury suites, eliminating long pipe runs
- Vacuum drainage to route waste above grade where gravity falls were insufficient
Future-Proofing Commercial Plumbing Assets
HEP’s forward-looking strategies ensure installations remain adaptable:
- Allowance for plug-and-play connections enabling future fixture expansion
- Pipe sleeves oversized by one nominal size for potential load increases
- Demand-controlled recirculation pumps linked to occupancy sensors, reducing energy use during low-load periods
- Integration of IoT leak detection that interfaces with CAFM platforms for automated work order creation
Choosing the Right Commercial Plumbing Partner in Manchester
A successful commercial plumbing project relies on a contractor who:
- Possesses a track record across multiple building types and sizes
- Demonstrates rigorous health, safety, and environmental systems
- Leverages BIM for coordination and risk mitigation
- Offers a comprehensive maintenance regime aligned to SFG20 standards
- Commits to transparent communication, collaborative problem-solving, and ongoing client support
HEP embodies these attributes, underpinned by specialist knowledge, regional experience, and a culture of continuous improvement. Whether upgrading a single plant room or delivering a full MEP package for a new build, HEP’s commercial plumbing services provide Manchester’s property stakeholders with robust, compliant, and sustainable water systems that stand the test of time.