Plumbing is so much more than pipes, fittings, wrenches and sealants! Here, we look closely at the role of the cable tie for today’s plumbers.
Uses of cable ties in plumbing
Cable ties, also known as zip ties, are a simple yet powerful little tool originally designed to bundle cables on aircraft. Usually made from nylon or stainless steel, cable ties are remarkably versatile and can be used by plumbers for various things, including securing pipes and reducing hazards. Common uses for cable ties include:
Securing pipes and hoses
The complex arrangement of pipes and hoses in plumbing systems need to be organised well to avoid them becoming entangled, which can lead to damage. Cable ties offer a quick and easy way to bundle these pipes together, keeping them secure and immobile. This is particularly important in certain situations such as HVAC systems (find out more in Cable ties in the HVAC industry).
Cable ties reduce vibrations and noise
In high-pressure plumbing systems, loose pipes can lead to annoying vibrations and noise. When plumbers use cable ties to secure pipes tightly, movement is reduced significantly and it is this movement that create excessive wear and tear. In domestic plumbing systems, if noise from loose pipe works can be minimised, residents, occupants and neighbours will not be disturbed or irritated.
Cable ties improve management of drainage systems
To avoid blockages and leaks developing, drainage and wastewater systems need careful management. Cable ties are indispensable here as they can help to keep drain pipes in place, and they are particularly valuable in suspended systems where pipes run along ceilings or walls. Properly secured pipes in gravity-fed drainage systems ensure efficient functioning with no risk of misalignment or sagging over time.
Cable ties for temporary fixes and emergency repairs
Domestic plumbers are most often called out to unexpected leaks or damaged pipes that call for immediate attention. Cable ties are not a permanent replacement for proper fittings, but they can provide an excellent temporary solution to hold cracked or leaking pipes together securely, until a more permanent repair can be made.
Cable ties for organising tools and plumbing accessories
All professional tradespeople need to be well organised for maximum efficiency and plumbers are no exception. Plumbers carry a variety of tools, fittings, and accessories (see 10 accessories that should be in every plumber’s toolkit), which can quickly become disorganised if not managed properly. Cable ties help bundle tools and keep small parts together, and they can even be used to secure items to tool belts or storage racks, ensuring that everything is easily accessible when needed.
Choosing the right cable ties for plumbing
Cable ties come in so many variants and they are not all the same, so selecting the correct tie for a particular plumbing application is vital. Key factors to consider include:
Material – the most common and cost-effective cable tie is the nylon cable tie. However, for high temperature or outdoor applications, UV and heat stabilised cable ties, or metal cable ties can provide extra durability.
Size and strength - heavy-duty cable ties offer greater tensile strength and are ideal for securing larger pipes and bundles. 4 of the best heavy duty cable ties takes a deep dive into the types available while What are the strongest cable ties? gives a detailed breakdown of the tensile strengths of different cable ties.
Releasable cable ties vs. permanent cable ties - standard cable ties are single-use, but releasable cable ties can be adjusted or removed without cutting, allowing them to be reused. Releasable ties are ideal for temporary applications.
While cable ties may not be the first things that come to mind when thinking about plumbing, their impact on organisation and efficiency cannot be denied. Simple yet highly effective, cable ties help plumbers secure pipes, prevent damage, reduce noise, and maintain an orderly and safe workspace. Whether used for temporary fixes, bundling hoses, or keeping tools in check, cable ties continue to be the unsung hero of the plumbing world, proving that even the smallest tools can make a significant difference.
Cable ties for plumbers from cableties-online
At cableties-online, we have been supplying every kind of cable tie to domestic and commercial plumbers for over 15 years. We always have high stock levels of nylon cable ties, metal cable ties and UV and heat resistant ties, as well as accessories such as silicone tape and PTFE tape. Free delivery is available on all orders over £50 and we offer next-day delivery on orders placed before 15.00. We also welcome trade enquiries.
For all enquiries, email the team at sales@cableties-online.co.uk or give us a call on 01623 412160 between 08.30-17.00 Monday to Friday.
