How a Tiny Adjustment Could Save Your Install — Avoid This Costly Error

Hey there!

Welcome to the first edition of PGH Winsupply News! We’ll keep you in the loop with industry updates, field stories, and lessons learned. This month, we’re talking price updates, mechanical tee fit issues, and a jobsite challenge that proved why precision is everything.

Grab your coffee, and let’s get started!

The Case of the Too-Tight Tees

Sometimes in our line of work, a job comes along that takes us right out of autopilot and into problem-solving mode. Recently, we found ourselves in one of those head-scratching situations, and it turned into a valuable lesson about tolerances and teamwork.

A contractor approached us with a creative challenge: repurpose existing hangers by threading new pipe through them, then use mechanical tees instead of welded outlets.

The designer’s specs were clear: drill holes at exactly 1 and 3/16 inches.

Precision vs. Practicality

Our software wouldn’t accept 1 and 3/16 inches as an input, only 1 inch. So we got creative—setting the machine to 1 inch and manually adjusting it to the correct size, confirming with the designer every step of the way.

When the pipe arrived on-site, though, the crew was a little puzzled.

"Why are there so many mechanical tees?" someone asked.

Our driver, confident the order was correct, said, "This is exactly how it was ordered. But if something’s off, I can take the pipe back—why don’t you double-check with the designer?"

The designer was called, and the answer came back clear: "Nope, that’s right. Everything should fit."

But, as we all know, “should fit” doesn’t always mean “will fit.”

When “Should Work” Doesn't Quite Work

Once everything was hung, the crew ran into trouble: the mechanical tees wouldn’t seat properly.

After some investigation, we found the issue—it wasn’t the pipe, the mechanical tees, or even the measurement itself. The problem was how our machine cuts holes.

When our machine cuts a circular hole, it doesn’t create a perfectly straight cut—it leaves a slightly tapered edge. Even though the outer edge was exactly 1 and 3/16 inches, the inner edge was just a bit too tight.

And in this industry, a fraction of an inch can mean the difference between smooth installation and a major headache.

The Fix? A Little Wiggle Room

The solution was surprisingly simple: instead of sticking to the minimum required diameter, we could have used a middle tolerance value.

If we had drilled the holes at 1 and 1/4 inches—a measurement our software recognizes and one that allows for a better fit—the mechanical tees would have seated perfectly.

Not only would this have saved time, but it also would have avoided the manual adjustments and the risk of tapered edges causing a snag.

The Takeaway

Mistakes weren’t made—just lessons learned. Everyone did their job right. The designer followed specs, we followed instructions, and the contractor installed as planned. But sometimes, specs don’t tell the whole story. Real-world applications bring in variables that no blueprint can predict.

If you’re planning to drill holes for mechanical tees, here’s our new golden rule:

• ✅ Check both the minimum and maximum hole size—not just the measurement.

• ✅ Fit test the mechanical tees during fabrication to ensure a proper seat.

• ✅ When in doubt, ask—it's always better to double-check.

At the end of the day, we’re here to get it right, not just get it done. And if there’s ever a problem, we’ll work with you to make it right—every time.

Important Industry Update

On top of jobsite surprises, there’s another factor to prepare for: price increases.

📈 Price Increases Are Coming:
Most manufacturers—especially pipe suppliers—are raising prices, with increases hitting by the end of February. If you’re quoting future projects, make sure to account for rising costs.

💡 Pipe Market Volatility:
Pipe is the most volatile, and if tariffs are imposed on Canada and Mexico, we could see more increases and potential availability issues. If implemented as assumed, May is when we might feel the full impact.

⏰ Victaulic Price Increase:
Effective on all orders received after close of business on February 28th, 2025.

🕒 Pipe Prices Valid for 24 Hours Only:
Due to the fluctuating market, pipe prices are valid for 24 hours only.

Need a Quote? Let’s Make It Happen

The right materials, the right fit, at the right time—that’s what we’re here for. Whether you need fabricated pipe, fittings, or fire sprinkler supplies, we’ve got you covered.

📧 Request a Quote: Email Us
📞 Prefer to Talk? Call or Text: 412-331-2182

🛠️ Pro Tip: The more details, the better! When requesting a quote, include pipe schedule, end prep, length, and steel type for fabrication orders—or let us know exactly what supplies you need. Providing all necessary details upfront helps us get you the right materials—at the right price—faster.

Until Next Time…

Thanks for reading the first edition of PGH Winsupply News!

We’re excited to bring you valuable insights, helpful updates, and a little bit of storytelling along the way. Our goal is simple: build trust, deliver quality, and make sure you’ve got what you need to keep your projects running smoothly.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to fire protection, that couldn’t be more true.

We’ll be back next month—unless something important comes up first. Until then, stay safe, stay sharp, and reach out if we can help.

Cheers,
The Team at PGH Winsupply