Finding plumbing parts...

[AGreyCrane]

Who knew it would be this hard to find all of the pieces I need to plumb this tank. The pieces they just don't have in 1", and there is nobody even available to help in the plumbing dept.

*sigh* Anyone else have this much trouble getting the plumbing supplies?

 

[nemosworld]

where are you located and what kind of plumbing parts are you looking for?

 

[jimmyj7090]

Sometimes you have to shop around, sometimes you just won't find everything you need locally.

www.usplastics.com
www.mcmaster.com
http://flexpvc.com/

 

[AGreyCrane]

where are you located and what kind of plumbing parts are you looking for?

I'm in Atlanta, and looking for various parts. It's possible some of the items are uncommon (1" and 1.5" pvc gate valves). However, a couple items, one being a 1" pvc to hose adapter, I found one of the part in the wrong box on the shelf and could not find anymore. I asked 3 people in the store if there were any more, where to find them, etc. They told me that they "don't really know the plumbing section that well", and that there was nobody else in the store that would know.

If they don't have what I need, or enough of what I need, I'm fine with that. However, it is very frustrating to be told they don't even know.

I guess I'll crack open a beer and see if I can't peruse the internet and find the parts I need and order them that way.

/end rant

 

[TomTheWicked]

Same for me when it comes to gate valves, I don't think I've found anyone locally that sells gate valves that are larger than 3/4". The hose adapters can be difficult to come by also.

I think it's just something I've gotten used to during my time in the hobby, but I usually prepare for a build in two stages. First stage is buying what I can locally. Second is buying everything I can't find locally, I order online. At least when you have to wait for your online order to arrive, you've got plenty more time to enjoy more beer :fun2:

 

[billdogg]

I don't know how it is there, but around here Lowes has a much better selection of pieces parts than Home Depot.

Anything you can't find there you can get from any of the 3 links above.

And a word of advice - buy AT LEAST twice as many elbows/splice connectors/etc as you thing you will need. You can always return the extra, and it beats the crap out of having to run back to wherever to get that one elbow you forgot about. I have several boxes, sorted by size, of leftovers from previous builds, and still I manage to not have that one piece I need for the next project.

 

[Christoph]

If you have the time to crack a beer and peruse the internet, then I'm plus one on USPlastics. They have a huge selection of just about everything. I used them and was very happy.

 

[wbrinker]

Any good plumbing stores in the Chicago suburbs?

 

[NicL]

You could ask a local plumber about plumbing supply stores in your area

 

[wbrinker]

I thought of that, but won't you a big arrest like Chicago would have multiple stores??