Plumbing

900+ products

Expected delivery: Tue, Nov 17

Plumbing supplies for facilities, maintenance shops and contractors: pipe fittings in brass, black, galvanized and PVC, valves, pipe and tubing, hose and clamps, hangers and supports and fixture repair parts. Building engineers and maintenance techs use these parts to fix leaks, replace worn valves and keep restrooms and mechanical rooms running.

How to choose plumbing parts

  • Size by nominal pipe size. Pipe is named by nominal size, not its actual outside diameter. A 1/2 in. steel pipe measures about 0.84 in. across, so match fittings to the nominal size printed on the pipe.
  • Match the connection type. Common joints are NPT thread, solvent weld for PVC, sweat (solder) for copper, compression, and push-to-connect. A fitting must match both the pipe material and the joint method.
  • Check pressure and temperature ratings. PVC Schedule 40 and 80 are rated for cold water, not hot. Use CPVC, copper or metal fittings rated for hot water lines.
  • Use lead-free parts for drinking water. Parts that touch potable water should be marked lead free, often shown as NSF/ANSI 372 compliance.
  • Watch for mixed metals. Connecting copper directly to galvanized steel can cause corrosion. A dielectric union or fitting separates the two.
  • Seal threads properly. NPT threads need PTFE tape or pipe thread sealant. Find both under sealants and caulk.

Plumbing and gas piping work should follow local code and, where required, be done by a licensed plumber.

Maintenance departments that use the same fittings, washers and cartridges every month can set up vendor managed inventory, where bins are relabeled and reordered by QR code scan. For a one-time job or a long list of fittings, send a quote request.

Common questions

What does NPT mean on a pipe fitting?

NPT stands for National Pipe Taper, the standard tapered pipe thread used in the US. The taper helps the threads seal as they tighten, usually with tape or sealant added.

Is 1/2 inch pipe really 1/2 inch?

No. Nominal pipe size is a name, not a measurement. Steel and PVC pipe of a given nominal size share the same outside diameter, while copper tube is sized differently, so check the type before ordering fittings.

Should I use PTFE tape or pipe dope on threads?

Both work on NPT threads when used as directed. Some techs use both together. Neither is used on compression or flare fittings, which seal by their own design.

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Plumbing: page 3