Not just confined to the world of electricians, the humble cable tie has an important part to play for the jobbing plumber too.
The best cable ties for plumbers
When choosing cable ties for plumbing, with the wide range of products in today’s market, it’s essential to consider the different types of cable ties and their materials. There are various types of cable ties, each with features suited for different applications:
Nylon cable ties - these are the most common and are widely used for general plumbing tasks. They are strong, flexible, and reliable, making them the ideal solution for securing pipes, hoses, and wiring in both indoor and outdoor environments. Nylon cable ties are a solid and dependable workhorse, offering a wide working temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, making them versatile in a range of settings.
UV and heat stabilised cable ties - for any plumbing jobs exposed to the elements, such as outdoor installations or systems in direct sunlight, UV and heat stabilised cable ties are a must. These ties are formulated to resist degradation from UV rays, and will give strength, durability, and reliability even in the harshest of weather conditions.
Metal cable ties – wherever superior strength is called for, stainless steel cable ties offer unparalleled durability. Perfect for any environment with high humidity and/or extremes of temperature, stainless steel cable ties are resistant to corrosion and ideal for high-stress installations.
Releasable cable ties - releasable cable ties are perfect for temporary installations or maintenance work, allowing plumbers to easily undo the tie without cutting it. This feature is especially useful in situations where frequent adjustments or removals are necessary.
The benefits of cable ties for plumbers
When traditional methods for securing pipes and hoses just won’t work for example in small, hard to reach places, cable ties are flexible and efficient. There are many benefits to plumbers of using cable ties.
Cable ties are cost-effective - cable ties are extremely affordable, making them a great option for both large projects and everyday repairs. At cableties-online, our cable ties are available for bulk purchase, with free delivery on orders over £50. We also welcome trade enquiries.
Cable ties are easy to use - the design of cable ties makes them incredibly easy to apply. Plumbers can quickly secure hoses and pipes manually. This saves time and simplifies the installation process, especially when working in confined spaces. When using stainless steel cable ties, however, we would always recommend the use of a specialised installation tool.
Cable ties are space saving - in tight spaces, traditional pipe supports and brackets may be difficult to install. Cable ties, on the other hand, take up minimal space and can be used in places where larger fixings wouldn’t fit.
Cable ties are durable – today’s cable ties can withstand the rigours of plumbing work and, when the correct material is chosen, they can resist environmental factors such as moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes, to ensure that your plumbing systems stay intact for years.
Uses of cable ties for plumbers
Cable ties can be used in a variety of plumbing applications. Here are some of the most common ways plumbers use them:
Securing pipes and hoses - cable ties are ideal for bundling and securing pipes and hoses (after all, that’s what they were originally designed for!), ensuring they stay in place during installation and throughout the lifespan of the system. This can help prevent unwanted movement that could lead to leaks, kinks, or other damage.
Organising cables and wires – where plumbing installations also involve electrical systems, such as water heaters or underfloor heating, cable ties help to keep wires neat and tidy. This prevents wires from tangling, ensuring safety at all times.
Mounting pipes on walls – cable ties are perfect for securing pipework to hangers or brackets o walls or ceilings. They are often used in conjunction with clips or saddles to keep everything in place.
Confined space work - in narrow or hard-to-access areas, plumbers can use cable ties to secure pipes or hoses without having to work with bulky tools or fixtures. This is particularly helpful in places like crawl spaces, attics, or behind cabinets.
Choosing the best cable tie for the job
To ensure you choose the cable ties that will provide the most secure and long-lasting hold, think about the following:
Choose the right size - ensure that the cable tie is long enough for the bundle diameter of the pipe or hose you are securing. A tie that’s too small may not fit properly, while a tie that’s too large may lack the tension needed for a strong hold. For help with this, see our cable tie size guide.
Do not over-tighten - tightening a cable tie too much can cause damage to the pipe or hose, especially if it’s made of soft material. Tighten just enough to secure the components without compressing them too tightly.
Cut the excess neatly – once your pipe or hose is secure, cut off any excess tail so that it won’t create a hazard or interfere with other components in the installation.
Check for UV resistance – where cable ties are going to be exposed to the elements, make sure they are UV-resistant to prevent premature wear and tear.
Plumbing supplies from cableties-online
In addition to our extensive range of nylon cable ties and metal cable ties, we also stock a host of plumbing accessories including tape, conduit, cable clips and much more.
If you are a tradesperson interested in a trade account, email us at sale@toolingplastic.com or give us a call on 01623 412160 today.
