Pipe Hooks Vs. Pipe Straps - A Duel for the Ages

Have you ever wondered how all those pipes in your home stay in place? Two heroes of the plumbing world—pipe hooks and pipe straps—work behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Let's break down the differences between these two common pipe supports!

Pipe Hooks: The Simple Hangers

Pipe hooks are shaped like the letter U and are designed to cradle pipes from underneath. Think of them as simple curved supports that hold your pipes in place.

These hooks typically hang pipes under ceilings or below floor joists. Pipe hooks allow for quick installation and let the pipe rest inside the curved portion. The pipe can be lifted out when needed, making them convenient for maintenance work.

Pipe Straps: The Secure Fasteners

Pipe straps are also U-shaped, but with an important difference—they have holes at each end of the U. These holes allow you to screw or nail the strap directly to a wall, beam, or other surface.

When pipes need to be firmly secured against a wall or along a specific path, pipe straps are the perfect choice. By screwing through both ends, the pipe gets held tightly against the surface, preventing any unwanted movement.

Which One Should You Use?

Neither one is actually "better"—they just have different jobs!

Use pipe hooks when: You need a simple way to support pipes from below and might need easy access later
Use pipe straps when: You need pipes firmly attached to a surface with screws for a more permanent, secure installation

Next time you look at the pipes in your basement or garage, try to spot these helpful pipe supporters. Each one has an important job in keeping your home's plumbing system working properly!