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Pipe Hanger Types
Pipe Hanger Types – A Complete Guide to Selecting the Right Support System
Looking to choose the best pipe hanger types for your project? Whether you’re working on a mechanical, plumbing, or HVAC system, selecting the right pipe hanger is essential for safety, efficiency, and longevity. Poor support can result in pipe misalignment, noise, vibration, or even complete system failure.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the most common pipe hanger types, explain when to use adjustable pipe hanger types, and explore how beam clamp pipe hanger systems can simplify structural installations. By the end, you’ll have the clarity and confidence to select the right support system for your piping layout.
What Are Pipe Hangers and Why Do They Matter?
Pipe hanger types refer to devices used to suspend and support pipes in a wide range of mechanical and industrial systems. Unlike rigid supports that rest underneath a pipe, hangers allow the pipe to hang from above, typically attached to ceilings, beams, or strut channels.
Pipe hangers are not only about holding weight; they serve multiple mechanical functions that protect the pipe and the structure it’s mounted to.
Here’s why choosing the right pipe hanger types is essential:
- They prevent excessive pipe sagging, which can lead to leaks or breakage
- They allow for controlled pipe movement due to thermal expansion or contraction
- They reduce vibrations and operational noise, especially in HVAC systems
- They maintain consistent pipe alignment over long distances
Without the right pipe hanger types, your system may suffer from premature failure, safety risks, and ongoing maintenance costs. Whether you’re designing a commercial building or an industrial facility, choosing suitable hangers is a fundamental step.
Common Pipe Hanger Types Explained
piping systems. Each one is suited to specific use cases based on load, pipe material, environmental conditions, and mounting requirements.
Here are the most widely used pipe hanger types:
- Clevis Hangers: U-shaped hangers ideal for supporting horizontal piping. They allow the pipe to move longitudinally while keeping it suspended securely.
- Split Ring Hangers: Lightweight hangers that encircle the pipe completely. Suitable for low-load, small-diameter pipes in horizontal or vertical runs.
- Spring Hangers: Equipped with coils to handle dynamic loads and thermal expansion. Ideal for steam and hot water systems where movement is expected.
- Roller Hangers: Designed for horizontal pipes that require axial movement. They are used in systems that experience frequent expansion or vibration.
- J-Hangers: J-shaped supports mounted directly to walls or structural elements. Useful for lightweight applications or where minimal adjustability is needed.
- Band Hangers: Metal bands looped around the pipe and fastened from above. Provide full circumference support and are commonly used for insulated or large-diameter pipes.
- Riser Clamps: Designed for vertical pipe installations between building floors. They grip the pipe securely and transfer load to the building structure.
- Saddle Hangers: Feature a contoured base that supports the pipe from beneath while suspending it from a rod. Especially effective for insulated pipes in HVAC systems.
Understanding the function of each type helps in selecting the right pipe hanger types based on system needs and performance requirements. For more details on different clamp options, see types of pipe clamps.
Adjustable Pipe Hanger Types – Versatility in Installation
Adjustable pipe hanger types are engineered for applications where flexibility during or after installation is crucial. These hangers allow contractors to make fine-tuned adjustments for pipe alignment, elevation, or thermal expansion compensation.
When should you use adjustable pipe hanger types?
- When pipes require precise vertical positioning
- In environments where structural changes or settling may occur
- For systems exposed to extreme temperature variations that expand or contract
Examples of commonly used adjustable pipe hanger types include:
- Adjustable Swivel Ring Hangers: Allow both vertical and horizontal adjustment. Ideal for dynamic systems or sloped piping installations.
- Turnbuckle Hangers: Threaded components that can be tightened or loosened to adjust height after installation. Useful in commercial and residential HVAC layouts.
Variable Spring Hangers: Use a spring mechanism to adjust to variable loads. Best for steam lines, chilled water systems, or pipelines with active temperature shifts.
Beam Clamp Pipe Hanger Systems – Ideal for Structural Mounting
The beam clamp pipe hanger system is a non-invasive method to anchor piping hangers directly to steel beams or structural elements. These clamps eliminate the need for drilling or welding, preserving the structural integrity of the building.
What is a beam clamp pipe hanger?
It’s a type of pipe hanger support that uses clamps to attach rods and hangers directly onto I-beams, C-channels, or steel trusses. It’s most commonly used in commercial and industrial construction where access to structural steel is available.
Common components of a beam clamp pipe hanger system:
- Top Beam Clamps: Clamp over the beam flange to support a hanger rod from above.
- Side Beam or Channel Clamps: Mount to the side of a steel beam or strut channel.
- C-Clamps with Eye Nuts: Compact solutions that allow direct connection of threaded rods to beams.
Advantages of beam clamp pipe hanger systems:
- They are easy to install and adjust
- No welding or beam modification required
- Ideal for temporary or permanent mounting
- Allow for flexible pipe positioning without compromising strength
If your piping system requires integration with structural steel, the beam clamp pipe hanger system is a trusted and efficient solution.
How to Select the Right Pipe Hanger for Your Project
Choosing between different pipe hanger types depends on several project-specific factors. Selecting the right type ensures not only structural safety but also system efficiency and code compliance.
Key considerations when selecting pipe hanger types:
- Pipe Size and Weight: Heavier pipes require stronger hangers, such as clevis or roller hangers.
- Pipe Orientation: Vertical pipes typically need riser clamps; horizontal pipes use clevis, band, or split ring hangers.
- Insulation Needs: Choose saddle hangers or insulated hangers to prevent crushing insulation.
- Thermal Expansion: For dynamic loads, use spring or adjustable hangers that can move with the pipe.
- Environment: In corrosive environments, choose stainless steel or coated hangers.
- Mounting Surface: Ceiling, beam, wall, or floor-mounted systems may limit your hanger options.
Also, consider if your hangers are compatible with strut channels and meet standards like ASME B31.1, MSS SP-58, or ASTM guidelines.
Making informed decisions based on these criteria ensures your chosen pipe hanger types provide reliable long-term performance.
Material & Coating Considerations
The longevity of your pipe hanger types depends heavily on the material and finish used. Each application has different environmental and structural requirements that dictate the ideal material.
Common materials used in pipe hanger types:
- Carbon Steel: Durable and economical. Suitable for most indoor industrial applications.
- Stainless Steel (304/316): Offers excellent corrosion resistance. Best for chemical plants, food processing, and outdoor systems.
- Malleable Iron: Strong and heavy-duty. Typically used for high-load applications.
- FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic): Non-metallic and non-corrosive. Great for offshore, marine, and chemical exposure.
Coating options:
- Zinc Plating: Offers basic protection for dry indoor environments.
- Hot-Dip Galvanized: Provides enhanced corrosion resistance for outdoor or moist conditions.
- Epoxy Coated: Offers chemical resistance in aggressive environments.
Selecting the correct combination of material and coating ensures your pipe hanger types can withstand the physical and chemical conditions of the project site.
Expert Tip: Combine the Right Hanger with the Right Strut System
Many pipe hanger types are designed to work in conjunction with strut channel systems, which offer modularity and ease of installation. Using high-quality strut channels, clamps, and fasteners can significantly improve the overall stability of your piping network.
Why it matters:
- Integrated systems reduce misalignment and installation errors
- OEM-manufactured components provide guaranteed fit and function
- Channel nuts, beam clamps, and riser supports all work together efficiently
Using a complete MEP support solution from a reliable manufacturer ensures fewer field issues, better load distribution, and improved long-term performance.
Ashish International, for example, offers a full line of pipe hangers, clamps, strut channels, and mounting hardware that are engineered to work seamlessly together.
Need Reliable Pipe Hangers, Clamps, and Strut Systems?
Ashish International offers over two decades of excellence in manufacturing high-quality pipe hanger types, strut support systems, and structural clamps.
Why choose Ashish International?
- In-house manufacturing of pipe hangers, beam clamps, and brackets
- Custom solutions tailored for MEP consultants and industrial buyers
- Global shipping and OEM-grade quality control
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are pipe hanger types used for?
They are used to support, suspend, and align pipes in mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Q2. What is the difference between pipe hangers and pipe supports?
Pipe hangers suspend pipes from above, while supports hold them from below.
Q3. When should adjustable pipe hanger types be used?
When the piping requires on-site height adjustment, thermal expansion, or flexibility during installation.
Q4. What is a beam clamp pipe hanger?
It’s a pipe hanger that mounts to steel beams using clamps, eliminating the need for welding.
Q5. Are all pipe hanger types suitable for outdoor use?
Not always. For outdoor use, choose galvanized or stainless steel hangers to prevent corrosion.
Q6. Can pipe hangers be used with strut channels?
Yes, many pipe hanger types are designed to work with standard strut systems for modular support.
Q7. Which hanger is best for vertical pipe runs?
Riser clamps are commonly used to support vertical pipes between floors.
Q8. What standards should pipe hangers comply with?
They should follow ASME B31.1, ASTM standards, and MSS SP-58 for safety and reliability.
About the author
Meet Kriti Mittal, the brand storyteller at Ashish International, a global leader in sheet metal components and industrial fasteners. She specialises in turning technical expertise into engaging stories that highlight the company’s precision, quality, and product innovations. Passionate about manufacturing trends and clear communication, she connects global industries with Ashish International’s vision of performance, trust, and reliability.
