Plumbers where do you buy materials

[matt90bc]

Hello,
Are you a plumber? If so where do you buy your materials like copper fittings? Would you buy from a online supplier to save money or buy from a local person at a cheaper rate than the likes of BnQ and screwfix? I'm considering buying some bulk fitting's and would like to know in your own opinion if you would by from someone in smaller wholesale quantities of say packs of 100 fittings and help or advice would be much appreciated.

 

[matt90bc]

I am going to contact some local plumbing companies but thought I'd get some opinions here first

 

[ClearviewPropertyCare]

Hi,

How are you? I currently use places like Tool Station, Local plumbing shops for most of my materials, I normally avoid places like main stores like B&Q etc... I normally use Wickes trade sometimes..

Regards,
Phil

 

[matt90bc]

Would you ever consider buying in some small to medium bulk if it were at a cheaper price?

 

[matt90bc]

I could beat the price in toolstation but cant match the conveniance

 

[ClearviewPropertyCare]

I would consider buying in bulk if the price was right yes.

 

[paulears]

Most of the plumber in my area seem to use the local plumb centre, or another smaller independent trade outlet, but screw fix do of some good prices on bulk essentials. The convenience in my area seems to be split between them, with the local plumbers seen in all three - probably depending on where the jobs are! Is there a need to buy lots of stock when you can get what you need simply and locally? A small quantity of essentials, then top these up as used.

 

[Matt1959]

is there a difference in quality on these fittings? I would guess decent plumbers will always buy good quality stuff that doesnt give problems.

 

[ClearviewPropertyCare]

Its not so much buying loads of stock etc as taking a small trip to the local plumbing centre does not take long but if on tight deadlines like some jobs I do however having the small materials their does come in handy.... It just does depend on what you stock up on etc.. Small quantity of them essentials do come in handy at times just to have about, my advice would be not to jam pack your van with all the unnecessary bits.

I sometimes re-use copper piping I have removed from jobs, reuse what you have around you sometimes does come in handy and saves yourself and a client money.

 

[Deleted member 250482]

I get most of my pipe, fittings and consumables from Plumbfix now. They seem to be really competitive and there is one in most towns now so also convenient. I'll always have a check online with other suppliers but if I order online I need to make sure me or the missus is home, otherwise I have to muck around collecting from the post office. For the sake of a few pence saving I just go Plumbfix and be done with it.

If I order specialist parts, like taps, showers, etc.. Then I either get them delivered to the job or just have to get it sent to mine and pick it up later.