Rubber Lined Pipe Clips – Quiet, Secure Fixing for Copper, Plastic & Steel Pipework

Rubber Lined Pipe Clips provide a secure, professional way to fix copper, plastic (PEX/MLCP) and steel pipes to walls, ceilings and channel (e.g. Unistrut). The integrated EPDM rubber lining cushions the pipe, helps reduce vibration and noise, and protects against abrasion – ideal for heating, plumbing and M&E installations.

Rubber Lined Pipe Clips are the go‑to choice for professional plumbers, heating engineers and M&E contractors when installing heating, hot & cold, chilled water and general services pipework. The clip consists of a robust, zinc‑plated steel band with an integral EPDM or similar elastomer lining to provide a cushioned seat for the pipe.

The lining helps to decouple the pipe from the structure, reducing the transfer of vibration and noise into walls and ceilings. This is especially important in domestic dwellings, apartments, hotels, hospitals and offices, where building regulations and good practice call for reduced service noise. The lining also protects the pipe coating or insulation jacket from being cut or marked by sharp metal edges.

Each pipe clip is designed with a two‑screw closure (one or two locking screws depending on pattern) that allows you to open the clip, place it around the pipe and then tighten for a snug fit. Many designs incorporate a male thread (e.g. M8/M10 combination) or a top boss for connecting to threaded rod, distance pieces or channel nuts, making them ideal for pipe rails and suspended services.

These clips are suitable for use on copper, carbon steel, stainless steel and plastic pipes when correctly sized. They are commonly used on systems designed in accordance with relevant BS / EN standards for plumbing and heating installations (e.g. BS EN 806, BS 8558 and applicable acoustic guidance), when installed in line with the project specification and manufacturer instructions.

Rubber lined pipe clips are widely used across central heating, hot and cold water, soil and vent, chilled water, sprinkler branches and general mechanical services. For fire‑rated or seismic applications, or where specific load or acoustic performance is required, always consult the project engineer and the clip manufacturer’s technical data before selection.

Typical Use Cases

• Fixing copper heating and domestic hot water pipework to walls, ceilings and channel.
• Supporting plastic barrier pipe, MLCP and PEX for hot and cold services.
• Securing steel flow and return mains in plantrooms and corridors.
• Suspending pipework on threaded rod from ceilings, slabs and structural steel.
• Reducing pipe noise and vibration in residential and commercial buildings.

Installation & Best Practice Tips

1. Select the correct size: Choose the clip size to match the outside diameter (OD) of the pipe including any insulation where applicable. Many ranges quote both pipe size (e.g. 15 mm copper) and clamp range (e.g. 16–18 mm OD).
2. Consider insulation: If pipes are insulated, use clips and brackets designed for insulated pipe or specify appropriate stand‑off brackets or clamp saddles so insulation is not crushed.
3. Fixing to structure: For direct fixing to walls or ceilings, use suitable screws and anchors for the substrate (e.g. concrete screws, frame fixings, cavity anchors). For channel installations, use matching channel nuts and set screws.
4. Spacing of clips: Follow good practice and project specifications for pipe support spacing. Spacing will depend on pipe material, diameter, content temperature and orientation (horizontal/vertical). Refer to manufacturer and design guidance rather than guessing.
5. Allow for thermal movement: On hot systems, incorporate fixed points and sliding points to manage expansion. Do not over‑tighten every clip; allow pipes to move where designed to do so.
6. Tightening: Fit the open clip around the pipe, align with fixing point, then insert and tighten the closure screw(s) until the pipe is held securely but without crushing plastic pipes or biting excessively into insulation.
7. Corrosion protection: For damp or external locations, ensure the clip finish is suitable (e.g. zinc‑plated, hot‑dip galvanised or stainless where specified) and avoid dissimilar metal contact where corrosion is a risk.

Always work to the mechanical and plumbing specification for the project, and consult manufacturer data sheets for permissible loads, maximum recommended hanger spacing and any acoustic / fire performance information.

Product Features

• Integrated rubber lining – EPDM or similar elastomer cushion helps reduce noise, vibration and abrasion.
• Robust steel clamp – typically zinc‑plated steel for strength and corrosion resistance in internal environments (check product spec for finish).
• Two‑piece, hinged design – opens easily to fit around the pipe, then closes and tightens for a secure hold.
• Threaded boss or stud connection – many clips include M8 / M10 combination thread or top boss for use with threaded rod and channel systems.
• Broad size range – to suit common 15 mm, 22 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 42 mm, 54 mm copper and equivalent plastic/steel pipe ODs (check variant list).
• Suitable for multiple pipe materials – copper, carbon steel, stainless steel and plastic pipes when correctly sized and installed.
• Trade‑quality manufacture – produced to consistent dimensional tolerances under controlled quality procedures.

Technical Information

• Type: Two‑piece rubber lined steel pipe clip for wall, ceiling or channel mounting.
• Body material: Steel (typically zinc‑plated for indoor use; other finishes may be available – check product details).
• Lining: EPDM or similar synthetic rubber lining for vibration damping and pipe protection.
• Connection: Usually top threaded boss or combination stud (e.g. M8/M10) for rod / bracket connection (verify per size/model).
• Pipe compatibility: Copper, steel and plastic pipework within the stated clamp diameter range for each clip.
• Typical applications: Heating, chilled water, hot and cold water, general mechanical services and building services pipework.
• Load & performance: Maximum recommended loads, operating temperature range and any relevant acoustic or fire data should be taken from the manufacturer’s technical data sheet and project specification.
• Standards: Often selected to support compliance with BS / EN building services standards and acoustic design guidance. For projects requiring documented compliance (e.g. to acoustic standards such as DIN 4109 or similar), refer to the clip manufacturer’s certification and test data.

For critical applications (e.g. risers, plantrooms, fire‑rated systems, seismic bracing), select pipe support components strictly in line with the consulting engineer’s design, including specified load ratings, finishes and standards.

Frequently Asked Questions – Rubber Lined Pipe Clips

1. What is the difference between rubber lined pipe clips and plain metal clips?

Rubber lined pipe clips include an elastomer insert that cushions the pipe, helping to reduce vibration, noise and abrasion. Plain metal clips offer basic support but can transmit more noise and may mark pipe surfaces, especially on copper and plastic. Rubber lined clips are usually preferred for heating and domestic services, and where acoustic performance matters.

2. Can I use rubber lined pipe clips on plastic pipework?

Yes, they are commonly used on plastic pipes such as PEX, MLCP and barrier pipe. The rubber lining helps spread the load and protect the pipe wall. Ensure you choose the correct clip size for the pipe’s outside diameter, and do not overtighten – over‑clamping plastic pipe can deform it.

3. How do I know what size pipe clip to use?

Check the pipe’s outside diameter (OD), which may be different from the nominal size. Clip manufacturers list each clip with a diameter range (e.g. 16–18 mm). Select a clip that comfortably covers the OD of your pipe (and insulation if applicable). When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart or your wholesaler’s product guide.

4. What fixings should I use with rubber lined pipe clips?

This depends on the background material and how the clip is mounted. For direct fixing to masonry, use suitable plugs and screws or concrete screws. For fixing to channel (Unistrut‑type), use the appropriate channel nut, washer and set screw to match the clip thread (e.g. M8 or M10). Always ensure the fixing method is rated for the expected loads and complies with the project specification.

5. How far apart should I space rubber lined pipe clips?

Support spacing depends on pipe diameter, material, contents temperature and orientation. As a rough guide, copper and steel pipes need closer supports than some plastic systems, and hot pipes may require more frequent supports due to expansion. Always follow manufacturer recommendations, BS / EN guidance and the project engineer’s specification for hanger spacing rather than using a single rule‑of‑thumb.

Common Uses / How to Use

Common Uses

• Supporting domestic heating pipework (flow and return) neatly along walls and ceilings.
• Fixing hot and cold services in residential and commercial corridors and risers.
• Suspending steel or copper mains from soffits using threaded rod and channel.
• Reducing pipe rattle and noise on pumped systems, boosted cold water sets and plant connections.
• General M&E and HVAC installations where clean, professional pipe support is required.

How to Use – Step‑by‑Step Summary

1. Plan support layout: Determine pipe runs, changes in direction, fixed points and expansion points, then mark approximate clip positions to match the design spec.
2. Select clips & fixings: Choose the correct size, finish and thread connection along with suitable screws, anchors or channel hardware.
3. Install fixings or channel: Fix channel, brackets or direct fixings to the structure first, checking alignment and levels.
4. Fit the clip to support: Attach each pipe clip loosely to the bracket, channel nut or fixing point, leaving it open or only lightly tightened.
5. Lay in the pipe: Position the pipe within the clips along the run, allowing for any movement joints or expansion offsets.
6. Close and tighten: Close each clip around the pipe and tighten the closure screw(s) until the pipe is secure but not over‑compressed.
7. Final checks: Ensure all supports are firm, aligned and that pipes can expand and contract as designed without undue stress.