Finding Plumbing Supplies Online

Find discounts and special orders for plumbing supplies and plumbing equipment.
By Kate McMains, Freelance writer For plumbers, having the right plumbing supplies on hand or being able to secure specialty plumbing equipment can mean the difference between landing a job and losing a customer. Luckily, the Internet has made it easier to order plumber equipment, to hunt down hard-to-find plumber supplies and to locate discount plumbing supplies. Rather than having to hoof it to dozens of local plumbing supplies stores in search of parts, you can find everything you need with the click of a mouse.

When shopping for plumbing supplies, consider the following:

1. Are you looking for one-stop, online shopping with a large range of plumber supplies?
2. If cost is your number-one priority, try discount plumbing supplies or wholesale plumbing supplies.
3. Specialty plumber equipment not available locally can be found online.

One-stop, online shopping for plumbing supplies

Often it's faster to order the plumbing equipment you need for a job online. If you're not sure which plumber supplies would be best for a job, a website can be quicker to navigate than a huge warehouse.
Try:  www.PlumbingSupply.com has an amazing breadth of supply categories (match-your-color toilet seats, anyone?) and has been in business since 1995. Grainger offers the ability to order plumbing supplies online and have them shipped directly to you or you can pick them up at one of their 428 U.S. locations. Home Depot offers a special contractor services site, including sending your order to the nearest store for pick up, and the ability to download your order into accounting software, which helps when it's time to do the books.

Cut costs with discount plumbing supplies and wholesale plumbing supplies

Naturally, the better a price you can get on you plumbing supplies, the easier it will be to stay within your job's cost parameters. Shop websites that offer discount plumbing supplies and wholesale plumbing supplies when cost is a factor.
Try:  Plumbing Fittings Direct offers a no-frills site that sells pipe fittings at below market prices. LowCostPlumbing.com even has a clearance items section on its site. Discount Plumbing Supplies offers online ordering, plus welcomes phone calls for questions as well.

Look for websites that offer specialty plumbing supplies and plumbing equipment

Being able to track down specialty plumbing supplies for discriminating clients can give you a competitive edge.
Try:  PASCO Specialty & Mfg., Inc. has been manufacturing and distributing specialty plumbing equipment since 1936. Another manufacturer and importer of specialty plumbing supplies, HICO Group, Inc. supplies products to the residential and commercial markets.

• Shopping online for plumbing supplies can free you up to take on more work. Many sites promise same-day shipping on in-stock items, but watch out for extra shipping charges on oversize and heavy items.
• Tight budgets are a common challenge, and comparison shopping for wholesale plumbing supplies and prices for estimates can be found quickly online. Your local plumbing supplies store may even be willing to match an online price.
• Your client may like the arty pictures he sees of new, high-tech fixtures, but you're the person who will have to procure and install them. Manufacturers' websites offer specs for plumbing equipment as well as distributor information.
• Some plumber supplies can be ordered sight unseen, but in some cases, it may be wise to shop in person where a knowledgeable salesperson can provide a second opinion, supply options and help problem-solve.