Most plumbing supply orders solve a single step: joining pipe, sealing a joint, draining a fixture, clearing a clog, cutting pipe, or protecting a line. Match the step to the category and the specifications settle the rest.

What you need to do	Supply	Shop
Join plastic pipe	Primer and solvent cement	Adhesives, glues & cements
Seal a joint or gap	Sealants and sealing compounds	Caulks & sealants
Connect or change direction	Fittings in PVC, copper, brass, or steel	Pipe fittings
Extend or repair steel pipe runs	Galvanized fittings and pipe	Galvanized piping
Install or replace a drain	Sink, shower, floor, or tub drain parts	Drains & sinks
Clear a clog	Gel, enzyme, or cable and machine tools	Drain cleaners
Cut or thread pipe	Cutters, threaders, and dies	Pipe cutters & threading
Protect pipes from cold or condensation	Foam, rubber, or fiberglass insulation	Pipe insulation

Joining pipe: cements, primers, and fittings

Solvent cement does not simply glue plastic pipe: it softens the pipe and fitting surfaces so they fuse into one watertight joint, which is why the cement has to match the pipe. PVC cement is for PVC, CPVC cement is for hot and cold water systems with higher temperature ratings, and ABS cement is for ABS only. An all-purpose cement works on PVC, CPVC, and ABS but is not approved for transition joints. Fittings follow the same logic. Our fittings range includes PVC and CPVC for drainage and potable water, PEX fittings in compression, crimp, and push-fit styles, copper in sweat, compression, and flare connections, brass and bronze for high temperature and corrosion-prone settings, and black iron and galvanized steel for gas lines and industrial work. For larger commercial systems, grooved fittings such as the Victaulic F020010P00 elbow join pipe without threading or welding; this 2 inch 90 degree elbow is listed in ASTM A536 ductile iron with an orange enamel finish and a 1000 psi pressure rating. Browse the full range of pipe fittings by material and connection.

How to solvent weld PVC or CPVC

Cut the pipe square. A square cut gives full, even contact inside the fitting hub.
Deburr and chamfer. Remove sharp edges and add a slight bevel so the cement is not scraped away during assembly.
Dry fit. The pipe should slide one-third to two-thirds of the way into the hub before it meets resistance.
Prime PVC and CPVC. Apply primer to the fitting, then the pipe, then the fitting again. Never use primer on ABS.
Apply cement while the primer is wet. Coat the pipe end liberally, past the depth of the hub, and assemble within five minutes.
Assemble and hold. Insert the pipe with a quarter turn and hold the joint for 30 seconds to prevent push-out.
Cure before testing. Allow full cure, and never test solvent-welded joints with compressed air or gas.

Adhesives, sealants, and sealing compounds

Product	Best use
Solvent cement and primer	Joining PVC, CPVC, and ABS plastic pipe and fittings
Epoxy adhesive	A strong, permanent bond on metal, wood, or concrete
100 percent silicone sealant	Flexible, waterproof, mold-resistant sealing in wet areas such as bathrooms
PVC pipe leak sealant and radiator leak sealant	Quick repairs on plumbing and heating system leaks
Self-adhesive sealing compound	Sealing and insulation tasks that need a compound that stays pliable, such as the Nu-Calgon Thumb-Tite
Threadlocker	Locking fasteners against vibration; it is a different job from sealing pipe threads

The Nu-Calgon 4216-92 Thumb-Tite is a 2 pound self-adhesive compound listed for -20 to 350 F, non-staining and non-hardening, and compatible with glass, masonry, metal, plastic, rubber, and wood. Threadlockers such as the Loctite QuickStix 37685 are made for fasteners up to 3/4 inch, so pick a pipe thread sealant for threaded plumbing joints. Browse caulks and sealants for duct sealants, mastics, and leak sealants.

Galvanized piping

Galvanized steel pipe is a traditional choice for water supply lines, fencing, outdoor structures, and industrial work because it resists weather and does not burn. It is no longer the first choice for drinking water: the zinc coating wears away over time, rust buildup reduces flow and causes discoloration, and the pipe typically lasts 20 to 50 years, so PVC, PEX, and copper are preferred for residential supply lines today. Galvanized still makes sense for fire protection systems, industrial applications, and outdoor buried lines, and for repairs that need to match existing steel piping. The Soval 150-012 is a 1-1/4 inch galvanized steel tee listed for waterworks, well water, irrigation, sewage handling, and plumbing flow control. Galvanized press fittings are also available for connections that avoid welding. See the full range of galvanized piping.

Drains and drain cleaning

Task	Tool or part	Example
Clear a small line	Sectional cable with bulb auger	Ridgid 62225 C-1 cable, 5/16 inch by 25 feet for 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch drains
Clear a clogged residential drain line	Drum machine with autofeed	Ridgid K-400AF, 115V with a 1/2 inch by 75 foot cable
Catch solids before the drain line	Solids interceptor	Zurn Z1180-1-1/2IP, 15 gpm with a removable sediment bucket
Refresh a tub drain	Overflow plate kit	Watco 18009-WI matte black snap-on kit for 1 and 2 hole plates
Handle kitchen waste	Garbage disposer	InSinkErator Contractor 333, 3/4 HP continuous feed, 1-1/2 inch slip joint

Use the lightest method that works. Gel cleaners handle hair and soap, thick gels cut kitchen grease, and enzyme cleaners are a gentler monthly treatment, but not all chemical cleaners are safe for old pipes. Mechanical tools handle what chemicals cannot. Bathroom sinks typically use 1-1/2 inch drains, and shower floors may need 2 inch or 3 inch drains. Compare drain cleaners and drains and sinks by size and material.

Pipe cutters and threading tools

Tool choice follows the pipe. For PVC, CPVC, and PEX, plastic and tubing cutters glide through the pipe without cracking and leave a cleaner cut than a saw. For metal pipe, hinged cutters suit larger diameters, while screw-feed cutters suit tight spaces. The Imperial TC1000-SP Hi-Duty tube cutter cuts 1/8 to 1-1/8 inch O.D. pipe and tubing in a 5 inch, 0.8 pound tool. For threading, manual ratcheting kits suit small jobs, and power threading machines suit repetitive work. Keep cutter wheels sharp and clean, and use thread-cutting oil when threading. Our guide to pipe threading equipment covers the options, and the full range is in pipe cutters and threading.

Pipe insulation

Material	Best use
Polyethylene foam	Inexpensive; suited to cold water and basic hot water lines
Closed-cell elastomeric rubber	More efficient; handles higher temperatures and outdoor use
Fiberglass or mineral wool	Very hot pipes such as boiler lines

The Armacell APT03412 is closed-cell foam with a 1/2 inch wall for 3/4 inch pipe, 6 feet long, listed with an R factor of 3 and for refrigeration lines, hot and cold water piping, and air plenums. Our insulation guide recommends R-4 or higher for cold climates. Insulation slows heat loss and condensation, and it delays freezing but does not prevent it in prolonged cold, so exposed pipes may also need heat trace. Read our guide on choosing pipe insulation for cold weather, and browse pipe insulation by wall thickness and pipe size.

Before you order: things to check

Match the cement to the pipe material, and use a transition cement for joints between different plastics
Confirm fitting material, size, and connection type against your pipe, for example the 2 inch grooved connection on the Victaulic elbow
Check drain body size and flooring thickness before choosing a drain or strainer extension
Confirm cable size and line size for drain machines, for example the 1/2 inch by 75 foot cable on the Ridgid K-400AF
Check insulation wall thickness, pipe size, and R factor on each listing
Check shipping and return terms, since freight items and final sale items differ

Plumbing supplies glossary

Solvent cement: A product that softens the surfaces of plastic pipe and fitting so they fuse into a single watertight joint, made for a specific pipe material. Shop adhesives, glues & cements →
Primer: A pre-treatment for PVC and CPVC that cleans and softens the plastic before cement, not used on ABS. Shop adhesives, glues & cements →
Grooved fitting: A pipe fitting joined with a coupling that locks into a groove cut or rolled in the pipe, with no threading or welding. Shop pipe fittings →
Galvanized steel pipe: Steel pipe with a zinc coating, used for outdoor, industrial, and fire protection piping more than for modern drinking water lines. Shop galvanized piping →
Elastomeric foam insulation: Closed-cell rubber insulation that wraps pipe to limit heat loss, condensation, and moisture wicking. Shop pipe insulation →
Solids interceptor: A drain-line trap with a removable bucket and screen that catches solids such as metals and plaster before they enter the drain. Shop drains & sinks →
Drum machine: A powered drain cleaning machine that feeds a cable from a drum to clear blockages in drain lines. Shop drain cleaners →

Frequently asked questions

What plumbing supplies do you carry?

The range covers eight areas: adhesives, glues and cements, caulks and sealants, drain cleaners, drains and sinks, galvanized piping, pipe cutters and threading tools, pipe fittings, and pipe insulation. That covers most of what a repair or rough-in needs besides fixtures and water heaters. Each product page lists size, material, and ratings, and our team can help if you need a part matched to your job.

How do I choose the right cement for plastic pipe?

Match the cement to the pipe. PVC cement is made for PVC pipe, CPVC cement for hot and cold water systems with higher temperature ratings, and ABS cement only for ABS drain pipe. An all-purpose cement works on PVC, CPVC, and ABS but is not approved for transition joints, so use a transition cement when joining different plastics, such as ABS to PVC. Browse adhesives, glues and cements for solvent cements and primers.

Do I need primer on PVC and CPVC joints?

Oatey's solvent welding guide states that primer is used on PVC and CPVC, never on ABS, and that plumbing codes require it for PVC and CPVC, with exceptions for certain single-step cements rated for no-primer use. The cement must go on while the primer is still wet, and the joint should be held together for 30 seconds to prevent push-out. Let the joint cure fully before pressure testing, and do not test solvent-welded joints with compressed air or gas.

Is galvanized pipe safe for drinking water?

Galvanized pipe is not ideal for drinking water in modern plumbing. Its zinc coating wears away over time, which can allow rust, and rust buildup reduces flow and causes discoloration. Galvanized pipe typically lasts 20 to 50 years, and PVC, PEX, and copper are preferred for residential supply lines today, while galvanized steel still makes sense for industrial work, fire protection, and outdoor buried lines. Find repair fittings in galvanized piping.

Should I use a chemical drain cleaner or a drain machine?

Use the lightest method that clears the clog. Gel cleaners work on hair and soap in bathrooms, thicker gels on kitchen grease, and enzyme cleaners are a gentler monthly treatment, but not all chemical cleaners are safe for old pipes, since strong caustic or acidic formulas can corrode vintage plumbing. Mechanical tools handle what chemicals cannot, from a small cable with a bulb auger to a drum machine for larger lines. Compare options in drain cleaners.

What size drain do I need?

Bathroom sinks typically use a 1-1/2 inch drain, while shower floors may need 2 inch or 3 inch drains. Check the drain body, outlet size, and the pipe material it connects to, such as PVC, ABS, or cast iron. Material options include chrome-plated brass, PVC, cast iron, and epoxy-coated finishes, and replacement strainers and seals are sold separately for many drains. Browse drains and sinks to match your drain body and flooring.

How do I choose pipe insulation?

Choose by pipe size, temperature, and location. Polyethylene foam is inexpensive and suits cold water and basic hot water lines, closed-cell elastomeric rubber insulates better and handles higher temperatures and outdoor use, and fiberglass or mineral wool is for very hot pipes such as boiler lines. Our insulation guide recommends R-4 or higher for cold climates. Insulation slows freezing but does not prevent it in prolonged cold, so combine it with heat trace where pipes are exposed. See pipe insulation for sizes and wall thicknesses.

How are plumbing supplies shipped, and can I return them?

Select in-stock items ship the same day when ordered by 12 pm, while heavy equipment such as the Ridgid K-400AF drum machine ships by LTL freight in 1 to 3 business days. Some listings, such as the Imperial tube cutter and the Armacell pipe insulation, are final sale with returns accepted only for damaged or defective items. Check the shipping and return terms on each product page, and contact us with the model number if you are unsure about a fit.

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