The consequences of poor-quality pipe supports can be huge. When sourcing pipe supports, companies need to be cautious of the risks associated with low-cost products. Here’s what to check for: A manufacturer may present a low bid, and you may be tempted to settle for inexpensive or makeshift pipe supports, believing they will suffice. Think again. Here’s what subpar pipe supports may truly be costing you: 

Bad Pipe Supports Waste Energy 

Efficiency is crucial for an optimally running pipe system, directly translating to savings. However, poor-quality pipe supports can lead to wasted energy and financial losses. Here’s how substandard supports may be undermining system performance and efficiency: 

• Escaping heat: Poorly made pipe supports often lack proper insulation. Without protection against metal-on-metal contact, heat can transfer between the pipes and the supports, causing energy loss and reducing system efficiency.

• Poor flow: When fluids and energy don’t flow efficiently through pipes, it increases strain on your energy source. Poorly installed or substandard pipe supports can sag or promote corrosion, causing blockages and interruptions. These issues can overload your pumps, leading to system failures, costly shutdowns, or increased energy expenses.  

• Stopped production: Each time your operation shuts down, it incurs costs, and restarting requires additional effort and resources. Inadequate pipe supports can lead to breakdowns that significantly impact profitability. 

Wear and tear may seem minor, but in major pipe systems, even small friction can have major, damaging effects. In some cases, minor wear can accumulate and lead to complete system failures. Poor-quality pipe supports often ignore key fundamental risks. 

Metal-to-Metal Damage  

Pipe supports that fail to reduce metal-on-metal contact can wear down your pipes, grinding away outer layers. Without proper separation between dissimilar metals, galvanic corrosion can also occur. 

 Thermal Expansion  

To extend the lifespan of your pipes, controlling movement is essential. Excessive contact with harsh surfaces accelerates wear. If your pipe supports don’t mitigate the movement from thermal expansion, they could be contributing to pipe degradation.  

Noise and Damage 

Excessive noise on a job site is more than just an inconvenience—it can signal potential damage within the system, leading to costly failures. Here are some reasons faulty pipe supports may be causing both noise and damage to your system:

• Loose Fittings: Excessive rattling may indicate that your supports are not properly fitted to your pipes. This can lead to constant impact between the pipes and supports or surrounding objects, potentially resulting in pipe rupture or support failure. 

• Inadequate Vibration Reduction: Quality pipe supports should feature linings that absorb vibrations and cushion metal impacts. Without such protection, high-energy systems may experience excessive noise vibrations that can lead to damage. 

• Insufficient Control: Loud noises or scraping often indicate inadequate pipe supports. High-quality pipe restraints need to minimize friction, manage movement, and prevent excessive pipe displacement. 

• Little or no control: Loud groans or scraping noises may indicate inadequate pipe supports. These sounds often signal ineffective restraints. High-quality pipe supports are essential for reducing friction, managing movement, and preventing excessive pipe displacement.
   

They Come with Long-Term Costs 

Inefficient or inadequate pipe supports can lead to significant long-term costs. While they might offer a temporary solution and initial savings, the financial impact over time can be significantly detrimental to the business. Here are several ways poor pipe supports can affect your budget in the long run: 

• Production stoppages: Cheap pipe supports often lead to frequent replacements, which disrupt production and leads to financial loses. Investing in high-quality, durable supports is essential for long-term efficiency.

• Pipe ruptures: Pipe ruptures or leaks can damage your reputation, incur significant costs, and endanger lives. Therefore, pipe supports must reinforce pipes and prevent wear that leads to failure.

• Corrosion: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, corrosion caused nearly 20% of pipeline incidents from 1998 to 2017. Without effective corrosion protection, pipe supports won’t deliver long-term savings and will endanger lives.

• Excessive welding: Welding introduces additional costs due to specialized labor and ongoing inspections. Therefore, pipe supports should minimize the need for welding during installation to reduce overall expenses. 

Choose Pipe Supports That Improve Your Piping System

To ensure the long-term value of your piping system, it is crucial to choose high-quality pipe supports. The best way to distinguish between quality supports and inferior ones is with thorough research.