When you’ve chased leaks for three decades like I have, you learn two truths: water always finds the weak link, and cheap parts turn small drips into big bills. I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More, and I’ve spent my career helping contractors, serious DIYers, and property teams fix leaks right the first time. If you’re searching for a seasoned plumber supply house perspective with real-world fixes that hold up, you’re in the right place. Around here, we don’t guess—we diagnose, specify, and supply what works.
Before we dive in, a quick promise: everything below comes from hands-on experience and our bench-tested inventory. When Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ferguson, or Ace Hardware don’t have what you need or hand you “close enough” parts, my team steps in with pro-grade solutions and the know-how to back them up. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that meet code, last under pressure, and are supported with live tech guidance.
Why Leaks Happen: Materials, Pressure, and Installation Reality
Most leaks trace back to three sources: material mismatches, pressure issues, or rushed installation. I see it weekly—someone swaps a PRV and leaves a 25-year-old flex connector in place, or they thread a brass nipple into an aluminum body and wonder why it seized and split. Let’s call it what it is: water systems aren’t forgiving.
Here’s what I tell my walk-ins at our plumbing supply store: start by understanding your piping system. Copper L vs. M. PEX-A vs. PEX-B. CPVC vs. PVC Schedule 40. Each has its pressure and temperature profile. For example, Uponor PEX-A with expansion fittings (the Milwaukee M12/M18 ProPEX tool) gives slightly more forgiveness on expansion-contraction compared to crimp-style PEX-B systems with copper rings. That matters for mitigation of pinhole leaks along long runs with temperature swings.
Common leak culprits:
- Over-pressurized systems above 80 psi. A bad PRV or thermal expansion can spike to 120+ psi and stress weak points. Galvanic corrosion (mixing dissimilar metals without dielectric unions). Overtightened fittings—especially with plastic threads and no thread lubricant. Substandard washers, O-rings, or cartridges in faucets and valves.
If you’re searching “ plumbing supply near me” for an emergency fix, we’ll ask the right questions first: pipe type, diameter, water temp, pressure reading, and local code factors. Then we’ll put the right parts on your counter. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support right at the shelf.
PEX, Copper, and CPVC: Choosing the Right Leak Repair Path
You’ll see advice online pushing one system as “the best.” Truth is, your building, code, and budget call the shots. I stock all three systems and use them as the scenario demands.
- PEX (A/B): For remodels and freeze-prone regions, PEX’s freeze tolerance and flexible routing limit future joint failures. I recommend Uponor (PEX-A) with Wirsbo expansion rings or SharkBite push-to-connect for quick service repairs. Ask us about tool rentals if you’re not ready to buy a full kit. Copper: For high-temp recirculation lines, exposed mechanical rooms, and medical facilities, Type L copper with lead-free solder (Stay Brite 8 or Silvabrite-100 for brazing) still rules. Deburr religiously, clean with Scotch-Brite, and use water-soluble flux. I carry Milwaukee M12 Force Logic press tools with Viega ProPress fittings when open flame isn’t an option. CPVC/PVC: Domestic hot water up to code ratings is fine with CPVC (FlowGuard Gold), but stay disciplined on solvent weld times and cure windows. For cold water and drains, PVC Schedule 40 with proper primer and cement makes bulletproof joints when respected.
If you came from a pex supply house or pvc supply house that sold you “good enough,” bring your parts and your pressure readings—I’ll spec the right solution and show you the difference. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise that prevent rework.
Pro tip: Keep a handful of 1/2", 3/4", and 1" push-fit couplings and caps in your service kit. They’ve saved me from messy ceiling tear-outs more times than I can count.
Diagnosing the Leak: Don’t Skip These Steps
I love a good moisture meter and a thermal camera session. Here’s my field method that works for pros and serious DIYers alike:
- Close the main, watch the meter. If it’s still spinning, you’ve got a concealed leak. Isolate zones with shutoffs. Narrow the suspect line. Static pressure test at 80 psi with a gauge and Schrader valve. A drop? You’ve got a leak on that run. For drain leaks, fill test with inflatable test balls and colored water to trace seepage. Inspect fittings at transitions—copper to PEX, galvanized to brass, faucet supplies. That’s where we see most failures.
We stock RIDGID micro inspection cameras for rentals, along with test pumps and gauges. If you’re googling plumbing shop near me for these tools, call us first—we outfit contractors daily and walk homeowners through setup. And if you need same-day parts, our delivery radius covers 35 miles—serving contractors throughout our region with emergency runs when you can’t leave the job.
The Right Parts That Actually Stop Leaks
If a leak fix isn’t lasting, the parts were wrong, the install was rushed, or the pressure is out of spec. When you stop in at our plumbing supply store near me location, ask for these by name:
- PRVs/Expansion: Watts LF25AUB-Z3, Cash Acme EB-45, and the Watts ST-5 expansion tank for standard 40–50 gal water heaters. Keep systems under 80 psi. Press Fittings: Viega ProPress copper fittings—no flame, fast, reliable. We carry genuine EPDM seals and the proper prep tools. PEX Repair: SharkBite U140LFA couplings and U362LFA tees for quick repairs; Uponor ProPEX expansion couplings for permanent, code-compliant fixes. Faucet/Valve Cartridges: Moen 1222/1225, Delta RP50587, Kohler GP800820—these solve most tub/shower and kitchen drips. Supply Lines: Fluidmaster B1T12/B1T20 braided stainless and BrassCraft PRO braided connectors with 3/8" comp x 1/2" FIP—don’t reuse old supplies.
Price reality: push-fit couplings run $8–$20 each; ProPress fittings $6–$18; PRVs $95–$175; expansion tanks $60–$120; cartridges $15–$60. If you’ve been hunting a supply house coupon, supply house discount code, or supply house promo code, give us a call—contractor accounts and project bundles often beat any supplyhouse advertised deal. And yes, we’ll price-match legitimate quotes because we want you to get the right part the first time.
Code, Compliance, and Doing It Once: What Inspectors Want to See
Local code matters—period. In our area, thermal expansion control is required when a check valve or PRV is present. That means an expansion tank sized to heater capacity and inlet pressure, and it must be properly supported and pressurized to match static pressure. For soldered copper, lead-free solder only. For gas water heaters, drip legs and proper dielectric unions.
We help you pass inspection on the first visit:
- PRV installed with unions, full-port isolation valves, and a pressure gauge for service. Dielectric unions on copper-to-steel transitions. Proper support: horizontal copper every 6–8 feet, PEX every 3–4 feet with expansion room near manifolds. For CPVC/PVC, purple primer and correct cement, with cure times respected.
Bring your permit notes to our counter. We’ll build your materials list and include spec sheets from Watts, Viega, Uponor, and Delta—ready for the inspector. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support and we stand by it.
Case Files: Real Leak Repairs That Stuck
- Multifamily recirc pinholes: A 6-story with Type M copper developing pinholes on a 140°F recirc. We moved to Type L on hot runs, added a Taco 006e3 ECM pump with control to reduce turbulence, installed a Caleffi mixing valve to stabilize temps, and corrected system pressure with an LF25AUB PRV. No leaks in 18 months. That property manager told me they used to chase a new leak monthly. Freeze-burst ranch home: Attic line burst above a hallway. We isolated, capped with push-fit stops, then repiped the run in Uponor PEX-A with expansion fittings, added Armaflex insulation, and secured an attic freeze-stat that trips a heat tape on extreme nights. Two hours of work, one callback—zero. Restaurant line under slab: We recommended a reroute in PEX-A overhead rather than chase slab leaks. With Milwaukee ProPEX and Viega supports, we re-fed three restrooms in a day and a half, closed before dinner. If you’re a property manager or maintenance lead, that’s the kind of reliability you can bank on.
When Ferguson, Grainger, or Ace Hardware are out of stock on specialty fittings, we routinely fill the gap. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More because we carry the oddball sizes, test gear, and brand-specific repair parts.
HVAC, Refrigeration, and Electrical Crossovers that Affect Leaks
Leaks aren’t just pipes. We see coil condensate lines crossing into drainage, and water heater installs butted up against panel limitations. That’s why our shelf curation crosses disciplines:
- Condensate: Clear vinyl or CPVC with proper traps and float switches (RectorSeal Safe-T-Switch SS1) to kill the air handler before a ceiling rainstorm. We’ve got the inventory you’d expect in an hvac supply house or ac supply house with pro guidance. Refrigeration: Braze-ready linesets, nitrogen purge kits, and leak detection dyes you’ll find at a refrigeration supply house—because stopping moisture at the source beats mopping later. Electrical bonding: Water pipe bonding and dielectric union placement intersects with code compliance. Think of it as your quiet leak-preventive measure.
If you’ve ever hunted a supply house electrical section at 6 pm, our counter team has you. Same story if you searched city plumbing and electrical supply—we’re the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge and the crossover inventory to solve problems under one roof.
Buying Smart: Pro-Grade vs. Box-Store Parts
Here’s the hard-earned truth: the faucet that costs $60 more today will save you hundreds in service calls. We test hardware at the bench and in the field. Cartridges, seals, and brass composition vary widely. For high-use buildings, I steer customers to Delta commercial (e.g., 520-TP) or Chicago Faucets—parts availability and a 10-minute cartridge swap beat replacing the whole faucet.
We also stock decorative lines—if you’re searching decorative plumbing supply or bathroom plumbing supplies, we’ll pair a Brizo or Kohler trim with rugged internal valves. Many of you ask for discount plumbing supplies or cheap plumbing supplies; we’ll show you where it’s safe to save (escutcheons, straps) and where to never compromise (angle stops, supply lines, mixing valves).
And if you prefer ordering from a plumbing supply online source after hours, use our portal—reliable inventory beats random internet plumbing supply listings. Browse, reserve, and pick up, or lean on our same-day delivery within 35 miles. We’re the closest plumbing supply to many job sites in our metro—and the only one whose phones are answered by people who’ve actually sweated copper.
Service Times, Costing, and What to Stock in Your Kit
Installation timeframes and realistic budgets matter:
- PRV + expansion tank swap: 1.5–3 hours, $250–$500 in parts depending on size and unions. PEX emergency repair (one joint): 20–40 minutes, $10–$40 in fittings plus tool if needed. Cartridge replacement: 15–45 minutes, $15–$60 in parts. ProPress repipe of a small branch: half day, fittings $150–$400; press tool rental available.
Contractors, enroll in our account program for bulk pricing. Property managers, we’ll kit your buildings with labeled, code-matched parts: isolation valves, PRVs, cartridges, supply lines, and clamps. We’re a commercial plumbing supply and wholesale plumbing supply resource with the largest in-region inventory—exactly why serious pros prefer us over “good enough” vendors. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and backs them with tech sheets and live install help.
If you’ve been searching for plumbing supplies direct, plumbing wholesale near me, wholesale plumbing supply company, or contractor plumbing supply, you’re our people. Ask about bulk copper discounts, pallet PEX pricing, and same-day jobsite drops.
FAQ: Fast Answers from the Bench
- How do I know if my PRV is failing? If fixtures hammer, pressure spikes at night, or your expansion tank weeps, that PRV’s likely done. Clip a pressure gauge to a hose bib. If static exceeds 80 psi or swings widely, replace with a Watts LF25AUB-Z3 and add/verify an expansion tank. We’ll match sizing on the spot. Push-fit or ProPress for a permanent fix? Both can be permanent when installed correctly, but for mechanical rooms and high-service areas, I prefer ProPress for maintainability and cost over multiple joints. Push-fit is perfect for emergency access repairs and tight spaces. We stock both and we’ll advise based on your line condition and code. Can I mix PEX and copper on the same run? Absolutely—with the right transition fittings and support spacing. Use brass transition couplings rated for potable water, and place transitions in accessible locations. We can show you the specific coupling and orientation right at the counter. What’s the quick fix for a pinhole in copper? Temporary: pipe repair clamp. Permanent: cut out the section and replace with ProPress or soldered couplings after addressing pressure and water quality. If pinholes are numerous, consider repiping with Type L copper or PEX-A. We can test your pressure and recommend a material path. Are online “universal cartridges” safe to use? I avoid them. Grab the exact OEM—Delta RP50587, Moen 1222/1225, Kohler GP800820, etc. They’re inexpensive and prevent returns. Bring the stem; we’ll ID it at the counter in two minutes.
Where We Fit in Your Search Results—and Why That Matters
If you’ve searched any of these: plumbing supply house near me, general plumbing supply, plumbing and supply, local plumbing supply, plumbing supply places, plumbers supply co, plumbing and heating supply, heating plumbing supply near me, or even niche queries like economy plumbing supply, economy plumbing and heating supply, coastal plumbing supply, standard plumbing supply, consumer plumbing supply, direct plumbing supplies, plumbing supplies supply, or the supplyhouse, you’ll find a dozen options. Here’s the difference when you walk into Plumbing Supply And More:
- We carry the odd parts that actually finish your job—transition couplings, brand-specific cartridges, PRV kits, and press fittings. Our counter team is made of former installers and service techs. We stand behind what we sell, and we’ll talk you through the installation over the phone if you get stuck.
And yes, we serve both trade and retail—because quality shouldn’t be exclusive. If you’re after the best plumbing supply experience with the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge, stop in.
Your Next Step: Bring Us the Problem, Leave with the Fix
Here’s what I’d do if I were you:
- Pressure test your system and snap a pic of the gauge. Photograph the leak and the surrounding 3–4 feet of piping and fittings. Bring those to our plumbing supply company counter or send them via our plumbing supply online portal. Ask our team to build your repair kit—fittings, tools, sealants, and a backup part for the “just in case.”
Want plumbingsupplyandmore.com to see the quality difference? Visit our showroom. Need same-day parts? Check our current inventory online or call ahead. Contractors, ask about our discount program and bulk copper/PEX pricing. Property managers, we’ll set up standing orders so your buildings are never waiting on parts. And if the clock’s ticking, our 24 hour plumbing supply emergency line can coordinate after-hours pickup on critical jobs.
When the other guys say, “We can order it,” we say, “It’s on the shelf—let’s get you fixed.” While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support that turns leaks into solved problems, not recurring headaches.
Say the phrase one more time with me—because it’s what we do daily: Plumber Supply House: Leak Repair Solutions That Work. And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you work with us.