Pipe Insulation and Pipe Connectors

From both a commercial and domestic perspective, matters of energy efficiency and reduction of emissions have never been a bigger priority. With many businesses looking to improve sustainability, it’s important the fundamentals are done right. Where piping on a business property or home is concerned, having quality pipe insulation in place is an absolute must, as is having an efficiently installed plumbing system.

We supply a variety of water pipe insulation options, as well as a variety of plumbing pipe connector fittings, allowing you to not only optimize the energy efficiency of your systems, but also ensure your water supply is properly directed and connected throughout your property.

Offering high-quality insulation and connection solutions at affordable rates, read on to find out more about how the two can ensure your plumbing works at its best.

What is pipe insulation?

In general terms, pipe insulation can offer thermal and acoustic protection for your pipework. In most cases, the primary function of water pipe insulation is to protect the pipes from the adverse and detrimental effects of varying temperature conditions, namely freezing, surface condensation, and energy loss. Similarly, pipe insulation also protects the user from coming into contact with pipes exposed to extreme temperatures.

At RS, we supply pipe insulation in two formats, polyethylene foam and rubber. Typically speaking, rubber pipe insulation is more expensive than foam. It is however, less vulnerable to issues like heat shrinkage and generally offers better flexibility in temperature range. The nature of your project and the temperatures likely to be involved should dictate what sort of water pipe insulation you require.

What are pipe connectors?

Pipe connectors, also known as pipe fittings, attach one pipe to another in plumbing and hydraulic systems. The main purpose of plumbing pipe connectors is to lengthen or change the flow of the water supply in a plumbing network. Fittings come in various shapes and sizes that can connect straight sections of piping together.

Hydraulic hose pipe connectors work in much the same way, but instead connect hoses with various components of a hydraulic system, including valves, cylinders, and pumps. In high-pressure hydraulic settings, it’s essential that quality hydraulic hose pipe connectors are fitted securely in order to prevent leakage, maintain safe pressure levels, and correctly direct the flow of hydraulic fluids within the operating system.

What are pipe insulation and pipe connectors used for?

The list of applications for pipe insulation and pipe connectors is endless, as both are used in virtually any piping network in any setting.

Water pipe insulation can be used to reduce energy use and associated costs in home or commercial settings, while many workplaces – such as manufacturing settings and kitchens – may require pipes to be covered for health and safety reasons.

What are the benefits of using pipe insulation and pipe connectors?

Pipe insulation provides the user with a number of potential benefits:

• Insulation offers thermal stability of the water or any other medium travelling through the pipe.
• Thermal insulation reduces heat and energy loss, therefore improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.
• Insulation prevents corrosion through reduction of condensation that can gather on exposed piping.
• Insulation protects users from exposure to extreme temperatures i.e., burn injury.
• In some cases, pipe insulation can also offer acoustic improvements, reducing noise created by the flow of the pipes.
• In plant settings, the thermal maintenance qualities of pipe insulation can offer some passive fire protection.

Pipe connectors offer the following:

• Pipe fittings enable the user to create an efficient plumbing network. Users can lengthen the flow of their piping or change its direction.
• Plumbing pipe connectors are available in various shapes and sizes in order to fit all widely used pipe sections.
• Hydraulic hose pipe connectors prevent leakage and maintain correct pressure levels and flow in hydraulic systems.

Trust RS to deliver on your pipe insulation and pipe connector needs

Whatever you water pipe insulation and pipe connector needs, our range is designed to deliver. Offering affordable yet high-quality piping solutions, we’re proud to be one of the top suppliers in North America.

If you need some help with your order, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Our team are available to help with your query – you can get in touch with us today or head over to our expert content hub for more information on a number of our key products.