Securing and supporting your piping systems, whether beneath walls, ceilings, or floors, is essential for safety and durability. Pipe supports such as adjustable pipe supports, pipe hangers, pipe brackets, pipe straps, and vertical pipe support brackets are critical components for completing applications involving drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping, water supply pipes, or gas pipe support. The right products ensure proper alignment and reduce the risk of sagging or damage.
This blog will explain why proper plumbing pipe supports are important. We will also give an overview of Oatey's pipe support options to help you choose the right pipe support for your project.
Why Proper Pipe Supports Are Necessary
- They secure piping systems. Improperly supported pipe systems risk collapsing, causing damage or injury. Use high-quality pipe support products, such as hanging pipe supports or pipe support clamps, to ensure stability.
- They reduce pipe movement. Unsecured pipes can lead to issues like noise in DWV piping systems or "water hammer" in water supply lines. Properly installed piping supports absorb shock and prevent vibrations.
Choosing the Right Type of Pipe Support
To ensure your piping system operates efficiently, it’s essential to carefully consider both the location and type of pipe supports.
Plumbing codes mandate that all piping and its contents be properly supported to maintain alignment and prevent sagging. These codes also typically require hangers and strapping materials to be made from approved, non-corrosive materials that won’t cause galvanic action. Additionally, the materials must be strong enough to support the weight of the pipes and their contents. Approved materials like stainless steel and galvanized steel offer corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability.
Code also dictates the distance between supports, which varies based on the size and material of the pipe. Proper spacing ensures the piping system remains stable and prevents undue stress on the pipes.
Different pipe materials and sizes require specific types of pipe supports:
- PVC pipes and CPVC pipes: Lightweight and versatile, they are commonly supported with schedule 40 PVC pipe clamps or brackets.
- Copper pipes: These may require insulated pipe clamps to prevent noise and vibration.
- Steel pipes, such as carbon steel or galvanized steel: Heavier pipes demand heavy-duty pipe hangers or steel pipe brackets for secure support.
- Cast iron pipes: Often used for drain waste and vent (DWV) systems, they require strong, durable riser clamps or pipe straps.
For example, a one-inch copper or CPVC pipe will require a different hanger type and size than a comparable one-inch gas pipe due to differences in wall thickness, diameter, and weight.
After considering factors like material, size, load, and required support spacing, the final choice of pipe support may come down to personal preference.
Oatey Tip: The strength of your pipe supports is only as reliable as the material they’re anchored to, whether wood or concrete. Secure installation is critical for ensuring long-term durability.
Oatey’s Complete Range of Pipe Support Products
Oatey offers a comprehensive range of pipe-support products for various applications, including heating, DWV piping, and water-supply systems. From pipe hangers and brackets to pipe clamps and straps, Oatey products ensure safe and efficient installations. Additionally, Oatey provides solutions for protecting your pipes and fittings once installed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of pipe supports.
Pipe Clamps
Pipe clamps allow for a quick and easy installation of copper tube piping. Below is a breakdown of Oatey pipe clamps and how they are best utilized:
- Clamps with nails: Feature a preloaded nail, enabling fast and easy push-on installation for all types of CTS piping. The patented removal wedge and notch allow you to remove the clamp when needed. With a full standoff from the surface, the tubing can expand and contract while receiving 360° pipe protection. Available in half and full clamp styles, these clamps support use in hydronic systems.
- Half clamp suspension pipe clamps: Support plumbing and hydronic systems by eliminating contact between the pipe and the framing surface, reducing water-line noise transmission. Their ribbed design insulates against noise and accommodates pipe expansion and contraction.
- DuoFit™ Pipe Support With Nails: Provides fast and easy installation for ½-inch and ¾-inch CTS piping with one clamp. It eliminates contact between the pipe and framing surface and insulates against sound. DuoFit™ Pipe Support With Nails can handle a temperature range of 0°F to 160°F.
- Standard pipe clamps: Allow fast and easy installation of all types of CTS and DWV piping. They also allow flush mounting of pipes to surfaces. Standard pipe clamps can handle a temperature range of 0°F to 160°F.
- Insulating pipe clamps: Support plumbing and hydronic systems by eliminating the need for pipe notching and wrapping when running water lines through framing. Made from durable polypropylene to prevent corrosion, these clamps operate within a temperature range of 0°F to 180°F. Their ribbed design accommodates pipe expansion and contraction while minimizing water-line noise and vibration.
- Metal stud insulating pipe clamps: Reduce water-line noise and vibration when running water lines through metal studs. They fit 18-gauge or lighter-weight metal studs and snap into 1-⅜-inch punched holes. These clamps are made from durable polypropylene to help prevent corrosion. The ½-inch size features ¼-inch and ⅜-inch holes.
- Self-closing pipe clamps: Feature an innovative design that automatically secures pipes, making installation fast and efficient. These clamps eliminate the need for manual adjustments, reducing time spent on securing piping systems. Perfect for use in hydronic and water supply systems, they minimize pipe movement and noise while providing reliable, long-term support. Their durable construction ensures compatibility with pipe materials such as copper, steel, PEX, and CPVC pipe.
Accessories for self-closing pipe clamps:
- Dual wall bracket: Creates the perfect spacing between hot and cold water lines and is quick to install two pipes with a single screw.
- Threaded rod adaptor: Mounts self-closing clamps to a threaded rod.
- Universal strut adaptor: Mounts self-closing clamps to a strut or sliding wall bracket.
- Cushion pipe clamps: Reduce vibration and noise in metal piping systems with their durable one-piece design, allowing for quick, hassle-free installation. Featuring a three-way screw for Phillips, flat, or hex tools, these clamps mount easily. The high-grade Zn-Mg coating and EPDM rubber lining protect against galvanic corrosion and pipe noise, ensuring long-lasting performance in demanding applications.
- Strut pipe clamps: Support steel pipes and EMT conduit with three-way mounting options for strut, threaded rod, or direct installation on walls or ceilings. The one-piece design eliminates loose parts, and a three-way screw ensures quick installation with Phillips, flat, or hex tools. Made from durable steel with a high-grade Zn-Mg coating, these clamps offer reliable, corrosion-resistant performance.
- Combo pipe clamps: Deliver versatile support for securing pipes in combination systems. They mount directly to brackets, studs, and walls and feature multi-use mounting holes for flexible installation. Larger clamp sizes include an optional insert for use with two different pipe sizes, adding adaptability to various applications. The clamps also feature manufactured nubs that act as a level to ensure installation accuracy.
- Suspension pipe clamps: Securely mount pipes to joists, rafters, or studs while acting as insulators for water lines in wooden framing. By eliminating pipe-to-framing contact, they reduce noise and vibration, making them ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
Steel Riser Clamps
Steel riser clamps are the ideal support for vertical pipe applications and are used to secure tubes to mounting surfaces. Oatey Steel Riser Clamps are compatible with multiple pipe materials and are available in 2-inch and 4-inch sizes.
Pipe Hangers
Pipe hangers can be used to secure supply lines and DWV pipes. Below is a breakdown of Oatey Pipe Hangers and how they are best utilized:
- Copper-plated Milford Hangers: Designed to hang copper pipe from an object; with a top set plate, the hanger swivels and locks into place. Copper-plated Milford Hangers have pre-drilled holes for fast screw installation.
- Galvanized DWV hangers: Support DWV systems to joists and rafters. Their versatile design makes them easy to work with, while their adjustable straps and keyholes allow for fast installation.
- Universal pipe hangers: Suspend pipe from framing. The strap adjusts to fit one-inch to six-inch diameter pipes, and you can reverse the strap’s orientation based on installation needs. Straight and angled nail hole patterns accommodate tough installation angles. These hangers meet ASTM requirements and hold IAPMO approval.
- CTS bell hangers: Provide light-duty support, holding pipe or copper tubing away from a wall or object. Each hanger includes two clamping screws and one mounting screw, designed with a 13/16-inch standoff from the mounting surface. The recessed mounting screw, with a piercing point for use on metal studs, ensures it does not contact the piping.
Hanger Straps
Metal and plastic hanger straps provide a quick, cost-effective solution for hanging pipes from joists or rafters. Below is a breakdown of Oatey hanger straps and their applications:
- Plastic hanger straps: A cost-effective way to hang pipes and tubing. Suitable for both temporary and permanent use, each strap supports up to 20 pounds. Ideal for water supply lines and DWV systems, they perform best in temperatures between 32°F and 120°F.
- Metal hanger straps: A quick and inexpensive way to suspend pipes from joists or rafters, including those used in DWV systems. Made from 24- and 28-gauge steel, they feature alternating nail holes for quick and efficient installation.
- Interlocking metal hanger straps: Support CPVC, PEX, and other types of piping. These self-fastening straps are suitable for water-supply lines and DWV applications. With a 46-pound safe working load, they simplify installation by eliminating the need for nuts or bolts.
- Copper tube straps: Measure ¾-inch and secure CTS, PEX, or CPVC water lines against rigid surfaces. Ideal for both water lines and DWV systems, these straps will secure piping to studs, joists, or masonry blocks and help reduce rattling noise.
J-Hooks
J-hooks provide a fast, easy, and economical way to secure piping. Below is a breakdown of Oatey J-Hooks and how they are best utilized:
- DWV J-Hooks: Secure drain piping while allowing for expansion and contraction. They work well for horizontal DWV pipes running from joists and rafters and are suitable for Schedule 30 and 40 piping. With multiple nail holes for attachment at various angles, their unique diagonal nail holes enable easy attachment in tight areas.
- CTS J-Hooks: Made of high-impact ABS and provide a fast, easy, and economical way to secure supply-line piping from joists and rafters. 50 pounds is a safe working load. For use with copper, PEX, CPVC, and other CTS-sized piping, these J-hooks permit system expansion and contraction while allowing nails to sit flush against a wall or stud.
Pipe Guards
Stud Guards and FHA Plates protect pipes and wiring installations from nails or screws and are self-nailing for fast and easy installation.
Pipe Brackets
Brackets help to position copper water distribution pipes through sinks, lavatories, and other fixtures. Below is a breakdown of Oatey brackets and how they are best utilized:
- Hyco bars: Great for bracing pipes across a stud. Manufacturers make them from 14-gauge steel for strong support. They also help reduce noise from pipes that lack proper securing. The design includes pre-drilled holes for easy screw installation, and you can cut it to size.
- Copper pipe support brackets: Position copper water distribution pipes for sinks, lavatories, and other fixtures to be soldered to the bracket for secure installation after being nailed into the wall. The brackets have holes on 2-inch centers for ½-inch pipe and 4-inch centers for ¾-inch and 1-inch copper pipe to support any water-supply line penetrating the wall.
- Sliding wall brackets and stub-out kits: Include an extendable steel bracket with adjustable stub-out clamps, designed for mounting pipes, electrical boxes, and conduit between studs. Compatible with metal or wood stud walls and floor joists, the brackets adjust to various stud widths and depths without measuring or cutting, and stub-outs can be repositioned easily via a thumb screw. Kits are available with CPVC/copper or PEX configurations, each including appropriate grommets or PEX bends for versatile installations.
- Light angled wall brackets and stub-out kits: Include a durable steel in-wall bracket with stub-out clamps, designed to support vertical piping and horizontal stub-outs. The brackets accommodate different stud spacings, featuring four mounting points for stability and an adjustable hole pattern that allows stub-outs to be positioned every two inches, with fine adjustments of ±1/2-inch. Each kit includes one light angled wall bracket, two stub-out clamps with screws, and either two grommets (CPVC/copper kits) or two PEX bends (PEX kits), ensuring compatibility with various pipe materials.
Other Pipe Support Products and Accessories:
- Cable, conduit, and duct ties: A fast, convenient method for securing various components, including cables and tubing. Designed with a locking device to provide a positive, nonslip connection for fastening all types of loose items.
- Flat tube nailers: Copper-plated and designed to provide quick nail support. They permanently affix copper, PVC, CPVC, galvanized, and PEX piping to wooden studs and joists, simplifying installation in residential and commercial projects.
- Copper and steel pipe hooks: Support piping under wooden joists, rafters, or trusses. They are self-nailing and suitable for use with copper, PVC, CPVC, galvanized, or PEX tubing.
- Stub-out clamps: Fit into both sliding wall brackets and light angled wall brackets effortlessly, with options for CPVC, copper, or PEX pipe.
- Stub-out clamps for light angled wall bracket: Secure CPVC and copper pipes within angled wall brackets. These clamps fit easily into the pre-punched holes on the bracket and are secured with the included screw for quick installation. The rubber grommet insert protects against corrosion and reduces pipe noise, ensuring durability and quiet operation.
- Stub-out clamps for sliding wall bracket: Securely and adjustably place CPVC and copper pipes. Adjust the clamps and slide them into position on the bracket by loosening a thumb screw, requiring no additional tools for alignment. Simply place the clamp into the pre-punched holes on the sliding wall bracket and secure it with the included screw. The rubber grommet insert protects against corrosion and minimizes pipe noise, ensuring a durable and quiet installation.
- Stub-out clamps for light angled wall bracket: Secure CPVC and copper pipes within angled wall brackets. These clamps fit easily into the pre-punched holes on the bracket and are secured with the included screw for quick installation. The rubber grommet insert protects against corrosion and reduces pipe noise, ensuring durability and quiet operation.
- 90-degree PEX bend support: Designed for 1/2-inch PEX pipe, offering a snap-in design that prevents kinking or bending during installation. It fits conveniently into stub-out assemblies and installs directly onto walls, making it suitable for various applications. Constructed from durable polypropylene, the support features a higher lip that reduces damage to the PEX tube, ensuring a reliable and struggle-free assembly for long-term use.
Choosing quality pipe supports is essential for securing plumbing, hydronic supply lines, and DWV drainage, as well as supporting your work with brackets and bars. These supports protect against potential failures caused by issues such as water hammer, weight load, floor and ceiling penetrations, and more.