Choosing the Right Plumbing Consumables for Your Project
At County Building Supplies, we supply plumbing consumables and accessories for professional plumbers, heating engineers, builders and DIY customers. Whether you're carrying out routine repairs, installing new pipework or maintaining a central heating system, having the right materials helps ensure reliable connections and efficient installation.
Our range includes pipe clips, plumbing tapes, sealers and compounds, washers, seals, air vents and soldering accessories for a variety of plumbing and heating applications.
Plumbing Sealers, Compounds & Tapes
Choosing the correct sealing product is important for preventing leaks in suitable plumbing connections.
- PTFE tape: Commonly used on suitable threaded pipe connections to help create a seal. It is not required or appropriate for every fitting type.
- Jointing compounds: Used with compatible threaded plumbing connections where permitted by the fitting and compound manufacturers.
- Plumbing sealants: Available for different applications, including suitable sanitary and plumbing installations. Always check water, temperature and material compatibility.
Use only products approved for the intended application, particularly for drinking water or gas installations.
Pipe Clips & Plumbing Accessories
Pipe clips help secure and support pipework, reducing unwanted movement and helping maintain a neat installation. The correct clip size and spacing depend on the pipe material, diameter, orientation and operating temperature.
County supplies pipe clips and prepacked plumbing accessories for everyday maintenance, repairs and new installations. Always follow the pipe manufacturer's recommendations for fixing distances and allowances for expansion.
Washers, Seals & Replacement Parts
Washers and seals are commonly used in taps, valves, flexible connections and other plumbing components to help maintain watertight joints.
When replacing a washer or seal, check the dimensions, material and intended application. A replacement must be compatible with the fitting and suitable for the operating temperature and water pressure.
Soldering & Brazing Consumables
Soldering products are used for joining compatible copper pipework and fittings. Depending on the installation, materials may include suitable solder, flux and cleaning accessories.
Correct preparation and product selection are essential. Use lead-free solder and appropriately approved flux where required for drinking water installations, and follow the manufacturer's instructions and relevant safety precautions.
Air Vents for Heating Systems
Air vents help release trapped air from suitable heating systems, which can otherwise contribute to circulation problems and unwanted noise.
When choosing an air vent, check the connection size, pressure and temperature ratings, and compatibility with the heating system. Installation and maintenance should follow the manufacturer's guidance.
Need Advice?
Not sure which plumbing tape, sealant, washer or accessory you need? Visit your local County Building Supplies branch or contact our team for help finding suitable plumbing consumables and checking product availability.
Frequently Asked Questions – Plumbing Consumables
What are plumbing consumables?
Plumbing consumables are everyday materials used during installation, maintenance and repairs. They include PTFE tape, jointing compounds, washers, seals, pipe clips, soldering products and other plumbing accessories.
What is PTFE tape used for in plumbing?
PTFE tape is used to help seal certain threaded pipe connections. It should only be applied where suitable for the fitting and intended application, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Do compression fittings need PTFE tape?
Standard compression fittings generally rely on the compression olive to create the seal, rather than PTFE tape on the threads. Follow the fitting manufacturer's instructions and avoid applying sealing products unnecessarily.
How do I choose the right plumbing washer?
Check the washer's diameter, thickness, material and intended use. The replacement should match the fitting and be suitable for the operating pressure, temperature and water supply.
What are pipe clips used for?
Pipe clips secure and support plumbing pipes along walls, floors and other suitable surfaces. Correct sizing and spacing help reduce unwanted movement while allowing for thermal expansion where necessary.
What is the difference between solder and flux?
Solder is the metal alloy used to form a joint between compatible metal components. Flux helps prepare the joint surfaces during soldering. Both must be suitable for the pipework and intended application.
What does an air vent do in a central heating system?
An air vent allows trapped air to escape from a suitable heating system, helping maintain circulation and reduce air-related noise. Choose a vent compatible with the system specification.
Do you stock plumbing tapes, sealers and washers?
County Building Supplies offers a range of plumbing consumables, including tapes, sealers, compounds, washers, seals and pipe clips. Product availability may vary by branch.