What plumbing bits should I bring from USA?

[richardl]

My wife and I are building a house in Krabi, and we are getting some things together to bring. I have a box of tools and some odds and ends we'll need (my wife will bring these in with her Thai passport).


I just figured out that the PVC pipe fittings in Thailand are straight thread not the tapered threads we use here in the USA which is why everyone has to use so much Teflon tape to keep them from leaking. It's actually hard to believe, but no never mind. :-)


Since I'll be helping/supervising the installation of our water filter from our well to our house, I was planning on bringing a pile of threaded (m and f) fittings and PVC Paste sealant. Hopefully I'll figure out the sizes I'll need in advance.


Does anyone have any specific advice on what I'll need? Will the white USA PVC parts bond with the blue parts in Thailand?

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[Pragmatic]

I just use Thai stuff never a problem. You're worrying about zilch.

[VocalNeal]

From memory the only place to use threaded connections is at the end of the line and most have brass inserts. The threads on valves etc. are NPT. That is why the brass insert!

When in Rome do what the Romans do! Don't try and over think the problems.

We have glue here as well.

If you want up market we have the green plastic pipe which is fusion? welded but you will have to find a contractor who can do that.

Most faults are because of poor workmanship not poor quality components.

[FloridaBorn]

Ermmm most PVC fittings in the states are also not tapered they are molded, nipples now that's a different story and I'd definitely bring yourself a stock of PVC nipples all sizes. Also get yourself some thread dope for those fittings as that will work much better in concert with the T tape to prevent leaks and make it so you do not have to over tighten to seal like so often happens there and then the fitting you're trying to install points up ward or something else equally daft..

It should be compatible with Thailand stuff but now that you mention it any visible piping I'd plumb with white, it looks so much better and less obtrusive. I noticed just before I left though that Home Pro was carrying white fittings and pipe in a pretty impressive selection.

[gtr666]

Maybe bring a qualified tradeperson is a good option

[FloridaBorn]

Maybe bring a qualified tradeperson is a good option

Gee, hadn't though of that..

[VocalNeal]

They have thread dope here as well. I always got nipples and coupling confused:-) But it will only be the outside the wall places where a nipple is used as inside the wall it will all be glued? Those nipple will be on the end of those little flex hoses that will connect say taps/faucets to the in-wall PVC.

BTW installing shut off valves at each point is not high on local trades-persons list!

Maybe bring a qualified tradesperson is a good option

Bring some worry beads and a large amount of patience. Learning to count slowly to ten would also help.

Best thing would be to bring a large supply of mint julep mix so you can relax and let others build your house.

[david44]

MY only regret was not removing th poished mahogany toilet seat from my house in Europe.Heavy yes but hard to find here,and you'll have something to go on.

While many local pieces are shoddy its the workmanship ou need watch.
also if shipping a container I'd bring some used copper pip and brass taps,They are hard to find here,while in Architectural reclamation stores garage sales better than the cheap Chinese rubbish sold here,good luc

[thailazer]

Go with PP-R plumbing and you won't have any worries at all. Plenty of HW in Thailand so no need to bring your own.

[Dillinger]

You will be needing your plunger

[bobo746]

came here with a bag of clothes

[billy the kid]

shouldn't this be in the shed.

[Dillinger]

Monkey wrench ?

[thaimeme]

I just use Thai stuff never a problem. You're worrying about zilch.

I often wonder what people are thinking about.

[Albert Shagnastier]

What plumbing bits should I bring from USA?

Cheeseburgers.

Very difficult to join two simple bits of push fit pipe with a Krapow.

[richardl]

Thanks everyone for their input, I guess I was just thinking too much. . I'll bring some spare hand tools that I already own and as much patience as I can fit in my luggage. My in-laws haven't died yet from the plumbing so it must be good enough.

Now, if my builder would just get off their duff and finish it up.... but that is another story.

[OhOh]

There are plenty of Polish female plumbers who like to travel.

[BaitongBoy]

What plumbing bits should I bring from USA?

Keep your vibrators in your toilet bag...If they ask, tell them they are for "stimulating your gums"...

[pseudolus]

There are plenty of Polish female plumbers who like to travel.

...what kind of plumbing? Can I select on looks, and will they clean my pipes out for me?

[cambtek]

Basin spanner.

[Topper]

Basin spanner.

I've never seen one here and have a sink that needs it....

[JBaker]

"What plumbing bits should I bring from USA?"

We have plumbing "parts" in the USA. You'll be hard pressed to find plumbing "bits."

We have drill bits.

We have the computer bit (and byte.)

We have plumbing nipples but I won't go into that.

We have bits that go into horses' mouths and have reins attached to them.

The Brits have bits that we don't have so we must surely be ladyboys.

Good luck with your build. I see some really fine work in this section so with the right people it looks like you can get a really nice job done.

[FloridaBorn]

We also have plumbers cracks.... Not going there either.. Oooops there's one now!..

[Your name here]

I'd recommend buying temperature controlled faucets for sinks and showers. They are four to five times as expensive here and they're difficult to find and there is a small selection.

[mingmong]

'Gaffa Tape' You can even use it in the Hotels