Galvanized hex nipples are short connectors with male BSP threads at both ends and a hexagon in the middle. The hex lets you tighten them with a spanner.
They join valves, pumps and fittings with almost no gap. In addition, the zinc coating protects them from rust in water service.
What are galvanized hex nipples?
A GI nipple is a short length of galvanized steel pipe with a male BSP thread at each end. It joins two female-threaded fittings or valves that sit close together.
Nipples come as barrel nipples, with a plain body, or hex nipples, with a hexagon in the middle for a spanner. Because they are short, they keep valve and pump assemblies compact.
Further reading
- How hot-dip galvanization protects steel (Wikipedia)
- British Standard Pipe (BSP) thread explained (Wikipedia)
- Types of piping and plumbing fittings (Wikipedia)
Key terms explained
- Galvanized iron (GI)
- Iron or steel coated with a layer of zinc. The zinc corrodes first, so it protects the metal underneath from rust.
- BSP thread
- British Standard Pipe thread, the common pipe thread in Kenya. Tapered BSP threads (BSPT, ISO 7-1) tighten into a seal as you screw them together.
- Nominal size
- The trade size of a pipe or fitting, such as 1/2 inch. It names the pipe size, so it is not an exact measurement of the outside diameter.
- Thread sealant
- PTFE tape, hemp with jointing paste, or an anaerobic sealant applied to male threads. It fills tiny gaps so the joint does not leak.
- Male thread
- An external thread on the outside of a pipe or nipple that screws into a female fitting.
- Close nipple
- A nipple so short that its two threads almost meet, used where space is very tight.
Features and benefits
- Male BSP taper threads on both ends.
- Short body for compact valve and pump assemblies.
- Zinc coating that slows rust in water service.
- Barrel or hex styles for wrench or spanner tightening.
- Sizes to match standard GI fittings.
Technical specifications
| Product | Galvanized hex nipples |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2, 3 and 4 inch |
| Material | Galvanized (zinc-coated) steel |
| Ends | Male BSP taper thread, both ends |
| Centre | Hexagon for spanner |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Each size has its own page with sizing details. Choose a size above, then request a quote.
Applications of galvanized hex nipples
- Valve connections. Joins gate, ball and check valves directly to elbows and tees.
- Pump connections. Connects pump suction and delivery ports to fittings.
- Water meter installations. Links meters to valves and fittings in short assemblies.
- Tank connectors. Joins tank outlets and float valve inlets to pipe fittings.
- Manifold assembly. Joins tees in a row to build a compact distribution manifold.
- Gauge and switch mounting. Raises a pressure gauge or switch clear of a fitting.
- Water heater connections. Connects cylinders and heaters to valves and unions.
- Strainer and filter fitting. Mounts strainers and filters between valves.
- Short spacers. Fills short gaps between two female fittings in tight layouts.
- Pipe repairs. Replaces a rusted short connector without changing the layout.
How to choose and install
- Match the nipple size to the female fittings at both ends.
- Pick the shortest length that still leaves room to tighten both joints.
- Choose a hex nipple where a pipe wrench cannot reach.
- Seal both threads with PTFE tape or hemp and paste.
- Replace nipples that show thin walls or deep rust, because they fail first.
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Every common pipe materialGI, PPR, PVC, HDPE, brass and stainless fittings are all stocked, so you can match any existing system.
- Common sizes in stockMost fitting types come in several sizes, from small domestic sizes up to larger mains sizes.
- Pipes, fittings and valves togetherPipes, fittings, valves, clamps and jointing products come in one order.
- Help with thread and size standardsWe help you confirm inch and millimetre sizes before you buy, which avoids return trips.
- Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya. We also supply buyers in Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: GI Pipes & Fittings · Valves · Industrial Pumps · Tapes.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya. We also serve buyers in Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
What is a hex nipple?
It is a short male-male connector with a hexagon in the middle, so it can be tightened with a spanner.
Hex nipple or barrel nipple?
Choose a hex nipple for tight spaces and spanner tightening. Choose a barrel nipple when you need a longer gap.
Which sizes of galvanized hex nipples do you list?
We list 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2, 3 and 4 inch. Confirm hex style when you ask for a quote.
Where are galvanized hex nipples used?
They join pumps, valves, meters and fittings in water and utility lines.
What details do you need to quote GI nipples?
Tell us the size, the quantity and what the item will connect to. A photo of the old part or a drawing also helps. Then call or WhatsApp 0726 086 895, or use the quote form on this page.
Do you deliver GI nipples outside Nairobi?
Yes. We supply customers across Kenya. We also serve buyers in Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Delivery or courier arrangements are agreed when you confirm the order.
How much does a GI nipple cost in Kenya?
The price depends on the size, the quantity and current steel prices. Therefore, send your list with a quote request and we will reply with current figures.
Should I use PTFE tape or paste on GI nipples?
Either works when applied correctly. Wrap PTFE tape clockwise on the male thread, or use hemp with jointing paste on larger sizes. Do not over-tighten, because that can crack the fitting.
Can GI nipples connect to copper pipe?
Avoid a direct joint between galvanized steel and copper, because the zinc then corrodes quickly. Instead, use a brass adaptor or, better, a dielectric union as the transition.
Why do GI nipples rust before other fittings?
The thread cuts through the zinc and thins the wall. Therefore, nipples are often the first part to corrode.
What length GI nipple do I need?
Measure the gap between the two fittings and add the thread engagement at each end. Then ask us for the nearest stock length.
Are GI nipples suitable for hot water?
Yes, for normal domestic hot water. However, zinc corrodes faster above about 60 degrees Celsius.
Where can I buy Galvanized hex nipples in Kenya?
Buy it from Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi. We are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 12 noon. You can also order by phone or WhatsApp on 0726 086 895. We deliver across Kenya and to Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
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barrel nipple vs hex nipple
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close nipple
A close nipple is so short that its threads almost meet. It suits very tight spaces.
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A nipple has male threads and joins two fittings. A socket has female threads and joins two pipes.
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Common sizes run from 1/2 inch to 4 inch, in several lengths.
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GI is stronger and handles knocks and sunlight. PPR does not rust and suits hot and cold water inside buildings.
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Prices change with size, quantity and steel costs. Request a quote from Sparks Plumbing Experts for current figures.
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BSP is the British thread used in Kenya. NPT is the American thread with a different angle, so the two do not seal together reliably.
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