Pipe clamps, or pipe fixings, are best defined as the support mechanism for suspended pipes, whether that be horizontal overhead or vertical, adjacent to a surface. They are vital in ensuring all pipes are fixed securely while also allowing for any pipe movement or expansion that may occur.
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Pipe clamps come in many variations as the requirements for pipe fixing can range from simple anchoring in place, to more complex scenarios involving pipe movement or heavy loads. It is essential that the right pipe clamp is used to ensure the integrity of the installation. Pipe fixing failure can cause significant and costly damage to a building so it is important to get it right.
Standard pipe clamps
Standard clamps are typically fixed using two screws – one on either side of the clamp. They can be lined or unlined, depending on the application and there tends to be a wide range of sizes to choose from.
These clamps have evolved and Walraven now offers a single screw pipe clamp with a quick-locking system that is fixed in place simply by pushing the clamp together by hand.
Best for straight-forward installations of metal or plastic pipes.
Standard pipe clamps ➤
Traditional pipe clamps
Traditional clamps include split bands, U Bolts and Saddle Clamps, most commonly used to hold steel or copper pipes. They have no internal lining so are best suited to pipes where there are no additional variables to be considered such as temperature or noise insulation. Take a look at our blog which analyses traditional pipe clamps versus heavy duty pipe clamps, to see which is best.
Best for large diameter steel and copper pipes where a basic, traditional bracket is preferred and there are no special requirements for rubber lining.
Saddle clamps ➤
Plastic pipe clamps
Plastic clamps are mainly used on plastic pipes or domestic copper pipes. They are perfect for light loads and smaller diameter pipes. They are also great for jobs where lots of clamps are required due to their quick installation time.
Plastic clamps, such as the Walraven starQuick®, are now being manufactured for ultra-fast installation. You can simply fix the pipe in place without any additional fixings.
Best for sanitary, heating and electrical installations as well as corrosive environments.
Plastic pipe clamps ➤
Heavy duty pipe clamps
Heavy duty clamps have a high safe working load, so are designed for use where a heavy load support is required. They can be used indoors and outdoors and are available both with and without lining. They have modern features to make them easier to fit than traditional clamps. Take a look at how our heavy duty pipe supports were used to secure district heating pipes to the underside of a bridge.
Best for safe fixing of heavy load pipework indoors or outdoors.
Heavy duty pipe clamps ➤
In most instances, pipe clamps work by fixing securely around the pipe and suspending it from a surface or rail system. They simply lock around the pipe to clamp it in place so that it is secure. Since there are many different types of pipe clamp, however, you will find that they can work slightly differently.
When looking for a simple and fast pipe clamp installation, a single screw clamp is the answer. The Walraven BISMAT Flash is a unique, state of the art product that requires no tools to fix the clamp in place. You simply use one finger to push the screw and lock it in place. The BISMAT Flash is particularly useful when fixing long runs of pipe as you can save up to 40% fixing time.
The images below show you just how easy the Flash is to use.
When it comes to selecting the best pipe fixings for a job, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. In fact, selecting the best fixings depends on each unique installation environment and application requirements.
Temperature:
Temperature variations can cause pipes to expand and contract. If the correct fixings and clamps are not used to take into account the pipe movement due to temperature changes, the installation could fail and cause damage to the building.
Before you can select the right clamps to deal with thermal expansion, you first need to calculate the level of thermal expansion on the pipework.
Weight:
All pipe clamps have a maximum load bearing capacity, which means you need to select a clamp which is suitable for supporting the load required.
As an example, you may require special heavy duty pipe clamps with a high safe working load to ensure the pipes are secured properly. These can also help you achieve maximum bracket distances between clamps as they are able to take more force.
Materials:
Pipes made from different materials will react very differently in certain scenarios. For example, there are many different types of plastic pipe (PE, PVC, PA, PP etc). Each has a different temperature resistance, and different resistance levels to chemicals such as oils, greases, acids, chlorine etc. This can affect what type of clamp should be used. For example, plastic pipes should usually be secured with a lined metal clamp or plastic clamp. An unlined metal clamp can lead to corrosion if used on a plastic pipe.
Then there are different types of metal pipe – steel, iron, copper and so on. This can determine what kind of pipe clamp can be used, for example, stainless steel pipe clamps cannot be used to fix a copper pipe as the two metals will react. So a nylon coated or plastic clamp must be used.
Size:
The size of the pipe will influence the type of clamp you need, since all clamps will only be available in certain minimum and maximum diameters. For example, single screw clamps often have a more limited size range as they have to hinge open on one side, so are suited to smaller pipes.
Larger pipes will often need two screw clamps, traditional fixings or heavy duty clamps which are manufactured to suit larger sizes and heavier loads.
Environment:
The environment into which your pipe clamp will be installed can affect the type of clamp you should use. For example, if the installation is external and exposed to the weather, this is an important consideration and will more than likely require a pipe clamp with a special coating for corrosion resistance. Many of our standard pipe fixings are available with our special corrosion resistant coating Walraven BIS Ultraprotect for outdoor use.
If you are installing within a chemical environment or wet environment like a swimming pool, you may require a special kind of plastic clamp such as our Walraven starQuick.
Special requirements:
Some construction projects can have special requirements such as noise insulation or fast installation needs. In these cases, there are specialist clamps that can be used.
For example, if the requirement is to install the pipe clamps as quickly as possible, a one screw clamp that requires no tools would be better than a two screw clamp.
For noise insulation, pipe clamps with rubber lining will provide soundproofing. Many of Walraven lined clamps have certified levels of sound insulation. Find out more about soundproofing your installation.
To determine what size pipe clamp you need, the most obvious thing you need to take into account is the size of the pipe. This is usually measured in NB (Nominal Bore) or O/D (Outer Diameter). This will determine the diameter of the pipe clamp that you require. See our handy chart below for converting NB pipe sizes.
Secondly, you need to consider whether you are installing the clamp over insulation such as phenolic or wood block, as this will increase the diameter of the clamp you require.
At Walraven, we have a huge range of adjustable pipe clamps that fit 99% of known pipe sizes, including clamps suitable to install over insulation. The smallest clamp in our range is 12mm, the largest is mm. Even if your pipe is outside of these sizes we can manufacture custom pipe clamps. Get in touch with us to see how we can help your next pipe clamps project.
Conversion chart for NB pipe sizes
We have created a useful chart to help you convert standard pipe sizes from NB to O/D. This will help ensure you purchase the right size clamp for your pipe. The chart covers standard pipe sizes for steel and copper pipe.
You can get your copy by clicking the image below.
Some applications require pipe clamps to have a rubber lining. This is often a requirement due to the material or temperature of the pipe. Lined clamps also offer noise insulating properties. There are three main types of lined pipe clamps.
Black lined clamps:
The black, EPDM rubber lined clamps are suitable for steel pipes. This is because they have a series of ribs on the inside of the lining that grips the pipe so that they cannot move. They anchor the pipe securely. If required, pipe movement can be dealt with via fixing accessories such as ball swivels or expansion devices.
Green lined clamps:
Green, EPDM rubber lined clamps are specially made for plastic pipes. They are finished with a smooth surface, making it easy for plastic pipes to slide within them. This prevents any fixings being forced out of place.
For more information, please visit high strength pipe holding clamp.
Red lined clamps:
Red, silicone rubber lined clamps are used in extreme environments. The red lining on these clamps is made from silicone that is heat resistant up to 200°C, making it perfect for very hot pipes.
Top tip – storing pipe clamps
The storage environment for pipe clamps only rarely has an impact, especially if you are able to store them in dry, stable conditions. You should be careful, however, if you store clamps with EPDM linings in a location with temperature variations. Lined clamps have been known to become brittle at very low temperatures and can melt at very high temperatures. So it is best to avoid temperature extremes.
It’s always best practice to check the documentation on the recommended storage conditions for the clamps you’re using. Again, do talk to us if you have any concerns.
Extensive range of clamps
We have a vast range of pipe clamps and brackets for fixing pipework, that covers 99% of all known pipe sizes and pipe types. Even on the rare occasions when you have a pipe that our standard clamp range doesn’t cover, we can often manufacture bespoke clamps for your project.
We have technical calculation and design tools
As a global company, we have invested in state of the art technology which allows us to be as accurate as possible when making calculations and designing effective pipe fixing installations for our customers.
100% quality control
Unlike some other pipe clamp manufacturers, all of our pipe fixings are manufactured within our factories at Walraven. We don’t outsource anything, and so we control the manufacturing process from start to finish. This means we have 100% control over the quality of our products at all times.
We offer full project support
We recognise that sourcing and specifying pipe clamps can sometimes be complex. Our team of Technical Support Advisers provide a FREE project support service to our customers including consultation and problem-solving.
High levels of corrosion resistance
Corrosive environments are graded from C1 (low levels of corrosion in the environment) to C5 (highest levels of corrosion expected). Walraven manufacture pipe clamps and fixings that are suitable for use in C1-C4 environments.
Products to deal with pipe movement
Our pipe clamps and associated fixings such as slide guides, expansion devices and fixing points can be used to ensure that pipe movement can be dealt with effectively, removing the risk of installation failure due to thermal expansion.
Extreme testing
We go above and beyond when testing our pipe fixings. Not only do we test to RAL approved standards, in-house we test our clamps to destruction, so we know exactly how good they are!
We can provide the entire pipe fixing system from anchor to clamp!
We can provide much more than just clamps for pipes, we manufacture every component you need for the complete pipe support system. From anchors to rails/strut and all the additional accessories required are all available from us. We can even prefabricate entire systems, eliminating hours of installation time.
Walraven’s CE and UKCA marked phenolic pipe support inserts (Walraven Phenblox®) are used in conjunction with unlined clamps to provide thermal insulation around pipes. Our special bore coating eradicates any possibility of pipe corrosion on copper pipes and stepped joint faces ensure a vapour seal and accurate location.
We’ve designed our phenolic insulation to be compatible with almost all unlined pipe clamps whilst retaining the best available thermal insulation properties available. Phenolic insulation is much more cost effective than wood, calcium silicate or foam glass alternatives due to a higher insulation value. Read all about insulated pipe supports here.
Take a look at our Walraven Phenblox® brochure which includes a handy table to help you select the right phenolic and pipe clamp combination.
To find out more about what the CE Mark means and why it’s important to have this accreditation.
See our Phenolic selection tables ➤
Pipe clamps - often referred to as pipe clips or sometimes saddle clamps are relatively simple fittings widely used in many DIY/installation settings. They’re one of the various types of channel support system, most commonly found in plumbing, heating, drainage and electrical work.
Pipe clamps are circular or semicircular brackets, sometimes incorporating a spring clip or ‘bossed’ system, that - when chosen correctly - fit snugly around the conduit, cables or tubing you’re installing. The clip then screws or bolts (either directly or via a hanger bracket) to whichever wall or surface you’re running the pipe along, be it wood, tiling, plaster or masonry. The tubing is thus held securely in place and supported over the full length of its run, ensuring a reliable and fuss-free mounting solution.
In any number of scenarios where you might want to affix, support and restrain pipes, tubing or cables along walls and under ledges, you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right size and style of pipe clamps on sale to handle the job perfectly - as long as you know what you’re looking for, that is!
We know the basics of what they are, but how do pipe clamps work exactly? Well, that depends very much on the job you want them to do.
Pipe clips and clamps come in a wide range of sizes and diameters. They’re made from various materials ranging from plastic to copper, stainless steel, brass and chrome, and are available in numerous different bracketing and mounting options (single-screw, two-screw or three-screw, bolt-down, clip-in, and so on). They work very simply by encircling lengths of tubing or cable while affixed to walls or structures, holding conduit firmly in place wherever you need it to go.
Pipe clips usually come in either gripping (anchor) or non-gripping (saddle/guide) configurations, depending on how tightly you want the conduit to be fixed in place. Note that in some applications, allowing a little room for movement - whether thermal, mechanical or otherwise - is beneficial.
The best choice of pipe clamp for the job will usually depend on a handful of key questions - in no particular order, the most important of these tend to be:
Pipe clamps are found in all manner of household, industrial and outdoor settings. They’re used as an efficient and tidy way to restrain, secure and guide tubing or conduit for a range of plumbing, heating and electrical purposes. Pipe clips are sold in a wide variety of materials, finishes and styles to suit jobs from concealing thin cables to supporting heavy-gauge wastewater disposal systems.
Plumbing pipe clamps are among the most common types, used all over households and workspaces to secure/support varying diameters of pipeline neatly and safely in place.
The main trick to getting plumbers clamps right is knowing which diameter, grip type and material to choose for which type of water or drainage pipe. We’ll look more closely at the numerous options available for pipe clips in plumbing applications over the coming sections of this guide.
Drain pipe clamps, sometimes called gutter clips or brackets, can include fixtures for securing wastewater conduit as part of an interior plumbing and drainage system, as well as the familiar UPVC rainwater collection channels affixed to the fascia boards of most exterior roofing. Both types require brackets and clips to support ductwork, albeit of very different types and functions.
Just like in central plumbing applications, selecting the right drain pipe clips for the job is a matter of knowing exactly which diameter and shape of clip you need to hold your wastewater pipework firmly in place.
You’ll frequently see pipe clamps mentioned in a carpentry or joinery context - which can be somewhat confusing, as they serve an entirely different purpose here! A pipe clamp for wood generally refers to a type of wide, freestanding and fully adjustable vice clamp, most often used for holding multiple boards together to achieve a stronger join during edge glueing.
However, woodworking pipe clamps work on much the same principle as any other pipe clip: you need to select the right diameter, style and material of clips to fit around the pipe, otherwise, it won’t be able to provide a secure enough grip to lock those end-joints in place.
There are almost as many different materials used for pipe clamps as there are varying diameters and mounting systems for them. Below you’ll find a few of the more common materials used, and some examples of which is best suited to what sorts of application.
Stainless steel pipe clamps are ideal when used in any setting where they could be exposed to moisture corrosion, oxidation or similarly harsh environmental conditions.
The enhanced rigidity and resistance of stainless steel pipe clips to these (and most other) causes of discolouration or structural degradation make them a reliable and long-lasting heavy-duty option.
There are some elements that can cause long-term issues for stainless steel clamps - notably prolonged exposure to salts and other trace minerals - but on the whole, they’re a great choice for a wide range of demanding indoor and outdoor uses.
Plastic pipe clips are a great option in many scenarios where a degree of flexibility is required - such as for lighter-gauge cabling runs that might need to be removed and replaced at various times - or where the rigidity and sturdiness of metal fixtures is overkill for the type of conduit being supported.
In various outdoor applications, plastic clips are widely used for their moisture resistance and a range of other hard-wearing qualities. Most modern gutter clips, for example, tend to be available in PP/uPVC plastic or similar, which is broadly resistant (after treatment) to a range of potential hazards such as electrical conductivity, thermal shock and UV discolouration.
Plastic pipe clamps are also handy for blending more seamlessly with typical household decor or painted walls, making them less obtrusive when used in full view. Small plastic clips are often semicircular or U-shaped, and designed to bend open so as to gently cradle (rather than fully encircle and lock in place) the tubing or cable runs they’re supporting.
Copper pipe clamps, much like copper tubing itself, are excellent for use in indoor plumbing systems. Although known as a comparatively malleable metal, most copper used in plumbing systems is relatively rigid, doesn’t react with water, and remains neutral and non-toxic over many years of extended use in plumbing systems.
Copper pipe clips won’t corrode on exposure to any residual moisture, so they stay looking good for decades on end, and they’re generally prized for a pleasing aesthetic quality even when used in exposed piping and ductwork. Excellent thermal properties - particularly in terms of dealing with continual expansion and contraction - further contribute to their longevity in hot and cold water systems.
Brass pipe clamps are often used when an element of decorative appeal is required, but they’re also just as hard-wearing in many plumbing applications as copper is (after all, it’s an alloy of copper and zinc).
Like copper, brass pipe fittings and pipe clips don’t rust or discolour even after long-term exposure to water, and they’re resistant to attacks from pH shift, salts and other trace minerals. In addition, brass has similarly good thermal ductility and conductivity for extended lifetime performance and economy and is also fire resistant.
Chrome and chrome-plated pipe clips are used in many of the same sorts of environment that stainless steel would be - again, their general resistance to corrosion and other frequent culprits in all-round weathering and degradation make chrome pipe clamps a solid choice for most indoor and outdoor uses.
Chrome remains one of the most popular aesthetic choices for any pipe clamps being used in high visibility areas in and around the home.
As with all plated metals, the quality and thickness of the plating layers are what determines the longevity and resistance of the fixture. Thinner coatings will be at higher risk of developing defects and bubbling when exposed to harsh environments for extended periods, whereas high-quality chrome plating can last even longer than stainless steel under similar conditions.
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