You've spent the money on 316 stainless press because the site is coastal, wet, corrosive or hygiene-critical. Then the pipe gets hung off galvanised clips, and within a year there's rust staining at every support. The supports are part of the system. The Standard Press 316 stainless range includes matching 316 supports for that reason.
The support range
| Product | What it is | Sizes | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316 clip head | Two-piece pipe clip with nut and bolt | 15mm to 108mm | $5.15 to $18.30 |
| 316 pipe clamp, EPDM lined | Clamp with EPDM rubber lining | 15mm to 168mm | $15.73 to $46.97 |
| 316 bracket hanger / T-piece | Hardware for M10 threaded rod | M10 | $9.59 / $8.29 |
Why the supports should be 316 too
- Rust staining. Mild steel and galvanised supports corrode in exactly the environments where you chose 316, and the rust runs onto the stainless.
- Mixed-metal contact. Different metals touching in a wet environment can drive corrosion at the contact point. Keeping fixings in the same family avoids that.
- Consistency. If the brief called for 316 because of chlorides, clips and rod should meet it too. The same logic is behind 316 floor wastes on coastal sites.
Clip head or EPDM-lined clamp?
316 clip head
A plain two-piece 316 clip, supplied with nut and bolt, that mounts on threaded rod or brackets. It's the economical choice for general runs: $5.34 at 22mm and $9.11 at 54mm.
EPDM-lined 316 clamp
The rubber lining cushions the tube and cuts noise and vibration transfer into the structure. Use it:
- near pumps, and on lines that bang or hum;
- through occupied areas where noise matters;
- on hot lines, where the pipe moves as it heats and cools.
It's $17.05 at 22mm and $22.59 at 54mm, and it's the only one of the two that goes to 168mm.
Hanging it on rod
The 316 bracket hanger and T-piece pair with the clip heads on M10 threaded rod. Use stainless rod, nuts and washers to match. Don't put a galvanised rod in a 316 system on a corrosive site.
Support practice
- Spacing: follow AS/NZS 3500 and the support spacing for the pipe size and service. Heavier and larger lines need closer supports.
- Support at equipment. Put supports either side of valves, pumps, unions and flanges so the press joints don't carry weight or vibration. See flange adaptors and unions.
- Allow for expansion on long hot runs: fixed points in some places, and supports that let the pipe slide in others, so the movement doesn't load the joints.
- Headers are heavy once valves are fitted. Support a manifold or tee header at both ends.
Tap points: stainless wall plate bends
Where the line terminates at a tap, hose cock or appliance, a wall plate bend gives a square outlet that screws back to framing, so the outlet doesn't move when the tap is used. The listings name taps, hose cocks and appliance connections.
- Female BSP wall plate bend: 15mm x 1/2" ($21.85) and 22mm x 3/4" ($28.20).
- Male BSP wall plate bend: 15mm x 1/2" ($32.51), 22mm x 1/2" ($35.46) and 22mm x 3/4" ($43.56).
Fix the plate with stainless screws into solid backing. For steel or timber frames, adjustable nogging makes that quick; see Fastanog adjustable nogging. On coastal outdoor tap points, pair it with 316 tapware: see 316 outdoor tapware.
For the bigger picture on when the system is worth it, see stainless press vs copper press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use galvanised clips on stainless steel pipe?
It's best avoided. Galvanised and mild steel supports corrode in the environments where 316 is specified and can stain the pipe. Use 316 clips, clamps and rod.
When should I use a rubber-lined pipe clamp?
Near pumps, on noisy or vibrating lines, through occupied areas, and on hot lines that move with temperature. The EPDM lining cushions the tube and reduces noise transfer.
What rod do the 316 bracket hangers suit?
M10 threaded rod. Use stainless rod and nuts to match the system.
What sizes do the stainless press wall plate bends come in?
Female BSP: 15mm x 1/2" and 22mm x 3/4". Male BSP: 15mm x 1/2", 22mm x 1/2" and 22mm x 3/4".