Plumbers Tallow

About Plumbers Tallow

Plumbers tallow is a traditional, essential lubricant used extensively in plumbing work for jointing, sealing and lubricating pipework. This non-setting paste, typically made from a blend of tallow (animal fat) and other natural ingredients, provides excellent lubrication properties that help prevent pipes from seizing whilst allowing for future disassembly when needed. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade plumbers tallow suitable for both commercial installations and domestic plumbing repairs.

This time-tested compound remains popular amongst professional plumbers and heating engineers despite modern alternatives, thanks to its reliable performance on ferrous metal threads, hemp joints, and various pipe connections. Plumbers tallow creates a moisture-resistant barrier that protects threaded joints from corrosion whilst maintaining flexibility, making it particularly valuable for traditional plumbing systems and heritage property work where period-appropriate materials are required.

Applications

Plumbers tallow is widely used across various trades and applications:

• Professional plumbers and heating engineers for jointing threaded iron and steel pipes
• Gas fitters when working with hemp and jointing paste on approved gas installations
• Maintenance engineers in industrial and commercial facilities
• Heritage restoration specialists maintaining traditional plumbing systems
• DIY enthusiasts undertaking home plumbing repairs and renovations
• Lubricating PTFE tape application on threaded connections
• Protecting metal threads from corrosion and seizure
• Creating watertight seals on traditional hemp-jointed pipework
• Facilitating easier assembly and future disassembly of pipe fittings

Choosing The Right Plumbers Tallow

When selecting plumbers tallow from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these important factors:

• Container size: Available in various tin sizes from small 100g containers for occasional use to larger 500g tins for professional tradespeople undertaking multiple installations
• Formulation: Traditional tallow-based formulations offer proven performance, whilst some modern variants include additional corrosion inhibitors
• Temperature resistance: Ensure the product is suitable for your application temperature range, particularly for hot water and heating systems
• Compliance: Check product suitability for specific applications, especially gas installations which require approved jointing compounds meeting relevant British Standards
• Consistency: Professional-grade tallow should have a smooth, workable consistency that spreads easily without being too soft or hard

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between plumbers tallow and jointing compound?

Plumbers tallow is a non-setting lubricant primarily used to ease assembly and protect threads, whilst jointing compound is typically a paste designed to cure and create a permanent seal. Tallow is often used in conjunction with hemp or PTFE tape rather than as a standalone sealant.

Can plumbers tallow be used on gas pipes?

Plumbers tallow can be used on gas installations when applied correctly with approved hemp jointing on threaded connections, but you must ensure it meets Gas Safe regulations and relevant British Standards. Always follow manufacturer guidance and current gas safety legislation.

How should plumbers tallow be stored?

Store plumbers tallow in its sealed container in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Properly stored, it maintains its consistency and effectiveness for extended periods, making it a long-lasting addition to any plumber's toolkit.