Hang ’em tough

By Bob "Hot Rod" Rohr,

Radiant expert

Installing pipe and tube is a big part of what I do as a radiant and solar contractor. I like my jobs to look as nice as they work. Over the years I have used all sorts of methods and products to suspend and hold pipes of all types and materials.

I look for pipe-holding devices that allow some movement without creating noise or causing a wear point on the tube. In the hydronic business you can count on some pipe expansion and movement. Knowing and planning for this can eliminate any callbacks from noise issues.

Occasionally, I will be called to a job with “ghosts” or intermittent noises. Most often the source can be traced to pipe or tubes that were supported improperly.

Certainly all pipefitters are familiar with the strut clamp systems. For the most part, I use the type of strut clamp that has the soft cushion component. I like the brands that have the bolt captive, held tightly, on one side of the clamp. This makes it much easier to assemble, and can usually be “one-handed.” I’ve found one brand that has the plastic component split on the bottom side. This allows you to peel it open and set it right over the strut without a lot of maneuvering -- a nice feature.

Sometimes I will use a copper-coated strut clamp to fasten a cold water feed line where movement will not be an issue. I like the style that has the bolt “captive” in one half of the clamp, and has a formed thread in the other half. This not only speeds installation, but assures you will have all the pieces needed when you go to assemble. No more searching for the missing bolt or nut.

I’ve tried a bunch of different plastic snap-type strut clamps. Quick and inexpensive, some brands accommodate several pipe sizes in one clamp. With any plastic clamp, be sure to check the temperature listings. I like the style with the simple ratchet closure.

I hang PVC more often than I thought I would when I dropped the plumbing side of my business. I find myself installing mostly mod-con boilers these days. Generally, they require solid core schedule 40 PVC for venting and air intake.

I’ve found a selection of PVC hangers to make this a simple and clean looking installation. I prefer the type that locks the PVC in. This prevents insulators or other tradesmen from pushing my pipes out of grade. Proper pitch, in the proper direction, is important with mod con venting.

I discovered this handy light gauge steel loop hanger from www.warwick.com recently. I like this for running PEX or pap lines across basements or crawlspaces. Selecting a clamp that’s one or two sizes larger than you need allows you to insulate the tube and support it. The slotted mounting arm allows for plenty of adjustability. I like the long mounting arm length, also.

For fine finish work on exposed hydro panels, the Bell Hanger bracket from Bassett Products is a great choice. It allows for a nice, clean look in either a copper coated or black painted finish. It doesn’t leave a lot of room for expansion, but typically the runs are short on a panel and lateral expansion is not an issue. Check it out at www.bassetproducts.com.

The HOLDRITE brand, offered by Hubbard Enterprises, has been around for many years. The 121 series with an insulation shield is a handy part. It supports well, even with soft rubber type pipe insulation. HOLDRITE offers some well-thought-out tube installation products under the Pexrite name for rough-in and slab installations. Visit www.holdrite.com

Sioux Chief is another clever manufacturer of hangers and products. I like their stub-out ells and brackets for panel radiator stub-outs. I’ve visited this factory, here in Missouri. They even have a well-equipped machine shop that builds some of the equipment that build their products. This allows them to make specific machines and modify and improve their production at a moment’s notice.

Sioux Chief has turned many plumbers’ ideas into unique products. I like some of their hold-down stakes for running PEX across the slab rough in. PEX likes to squirm when exposed to sunlight. They offer a selection of hold-down stakes to keep everything where you want and need it until the concrete is poured. Congratulations to Sioux Chief on 50 years of imagineering. It’s easy to spot their first-rate operation when traveling through Peculiar, Missouri. Visit www.siouxchief.com.

Peter Mangone has some rather unique clips for PEX installation, too. Their air-powered tool for the rb Standoff clip is a great product for installing pex. They continue to up-grade and improve their clips and installation tools. Check out their line up at www.petermangone.com.  

For heavy loads, the Anvil 260 ISS is a terrific clevis-styled hanger with a soft plastic composite v-block at the bottom to keep the pipe centered and cradled. This hanger allows you to support the insulated lines by notching the insulation around the hanger. It provides a clean look and is easy to install. Visit www.anvilintl.com.                    

 

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been knee-deep in plumbing, heating and solar work since he was a kid. He has learned a lot of simple ways to install, repair and update hydronic systems. Check out his new, downloadable “Cool Tips from Hot Rod” at www.showmeradiant.com.