Pipe valves and fittings come in a myriad of shapes and sizes. They are made of various materials, including brass, stainless steel, plastic and aluminum.
Fittings and valves must be exactly sized in order to connect pipes of many different lengths and sizes and facilitate the flow of solid materials or fluids. Using a pipe fitting even a fraction of an inch too big or small can lead to performance problems, leaks and extra time spent correcting the problem.
When considering pipe fittings and valves for your next project, keep these variables in mind:
1. Pipe thread size required for pipe fittings and valves.
2. Temperature and pressure conditions the pipe valves may be exposed to.
3. Materials compatibility of fittings and valves.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose the proper pipe fittings and valves for your projects
End-users in the valves and fittings industry know that using the correct parts is critical to timely project completion and effective operations. A leaky valve or improperly sized pipe fitting will cost you in time, money and hassles.
I recommend: Fast Fittings has an excellent listing of pipe fittings and valve fittings of all types and materials. If you need something that is not listed on their website, Fast Fittings invites you to send them a request. They will locate the part you require and get an answer to you as quickly as possible.
Plumbing Fittings Direct breaks fittings down into categories including copper fittings, brass fittings, valves, PVC fittings, black fittings and galvanized fittings.
Find pipe fitting manufacturers
Rather than searching for pipe fitting manufacturers by individual companies, save time by visiting a web-based directory of pipe fittings manufacturers.
I recommend: ThomasNet enables searches by product or service, brand, state or specific company name. The
All Products Online Corporation breaks down pipe and valve fitting information by specific type of pipe fitting or valve. Worldwide manufacturers are included in their directory, and their available products are summarized.
Compare pipe fitting suppliers
Pipe fittings supplier directories are the best way to see a variety of suppliers, from local to national. Websites that let you search for specific pipe valves are big time savers. You get a lot of information all in one place, which almost always includes a link to the suppliers.
I recommend: GlobalSpec quickly produces a list of pipe fitting suppliers when you enter either the specific product name or a product category. You'll also find parts standards, material properties, and application notes here. At
S & J Products you can enter preliminary information to be classified as a wholesaler. S & J Products will use a discount multiplier to determine your cost for products. You can use this multiplier for all items purchased online or at their store.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Find a pipe and valves supplier you can develop a comfortable relationship with. You may be able to get a discount on shipping or delivery. The company may also offer discounts on volume purchases.
The official source of Pipe and Valve Fittings is
the Pipe and Valve Fittings page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
Valves and FittingsProvides Ham-Let valves and fittings, including tube fittings, pipeline fittings, and flare fittings.
www.jgbhose.com
Pipe and Valve FittingsIndustrial product directory allows users to send RFQs, view catalogs and compare suppliers. Find suppliers of Pipe and Valve Fittings.
www.ThomasGlobal.com
GlobalSpec.com: FittingsDatabase of suppliers for various fittings, including: hose fittings, tube fittings, pipe fittings and more. Browse catalogs and contact suppliers.
www.globalspec.com
Pipes and Valves at Alibaba.comFind Pipes and Valves and other quality Products, Trade Leads, Manufacturers, Suppliers, Buyers and Wholesalers. Start Now!
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Related Resources from Business.com
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