GI Pipes & Fittings

What are GI pipe fittings?

GI stands for galvanised iron, although the material is actually steel coated with a layer of zinc. The zinc slows rust, so GI pipes and fittings last well in water supply, fire lines and exposed outdoor runs. Most GI fittings join with tapered BSP threads, sealed with PTFE tape or hemp and paste.

GI pipe is often described by class. Under the older BS 1387 standard, Class A, B and C refer to light, medium and heavy wall thickness. Heavier walls handle higher pressure and more mechanical abuse, so they suit buried or high-pressure lines.

How to choose GI pipes and fittings

• Match the fitting size to the pipe's nominal size, for example a 1 inch elbow on 1 inch pipe.
• Pick the pipe class for your pressure and location; heavier classes suit buried and high-pressure lines.
• Seal threads with PTFE tape or a suitable paste, wrapping in the direction of the thread.
• Avoid over-tightening, because cracked threads cause slow leaks.
• Use a union where you may need to remove a pump, meter or valve later.
• Separate GI from copper with a dielectric or brass fitting to limit corrosion.

Applications of GI pipe fittings

1. Water supply mains. Carrying municipal and borehole water to buildings and storage tanks.
2. Exposed outdoor runs. Protecting pipework on walls and roofs where impact is likely.
3. Fire hydrant lines. Feeding hose reels and hydrants with strong, threaded pipework.
4. Tank connections. Linking elevated and ground tanks to supply and overflow lines.
5. Pump installations. Connecting pumps, pressure switches and gauges with threaded joints.
6. Compressed air. Distributing air in workshops and garages.
7. Farm water points. Supplying troughs, taps and standpipes on farms.
8. Handrails and frames. Building rails, gates and supports from GI pipe and fittings.
9. Older building repairs. Matching existing GI systems during renovations.
10. Institutional plumbing. Serving schools, hospitals and barracks with durable lines.

Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts

1. Every common pipe materialGI, PPR, PVC, HDPE, brass and stainless fittings are all stocked, so you can match any existing system.
2. Common sizes in stockMost fitting types come in several sizes, from small domestic sizes up to larger mains sizes.
3. Pipes, fittings and valves togetherPipes, fittings, valves, clamps and jointing products come in one order.
4. Help with thread and size standardsWe help you confirm inch and millimetre sizes before you buy, which avoids return trips.
5. 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.
6. Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
7. Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
8. Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
9. Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
10. Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.

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