My great blog 1849

I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More, and I’ve spent three decades crawling into walk-ins, diagnosing sweating cases, and swapping out more door gaskets and mechanical seals than I can count. If you’re sourcing refrigeration gaskets or pump/mechanical seals from a refrigeration supply house, you already know: the wrong seal costs you energy, product integrity, and uptime. Let’s get you the right parts the first time—with the performance and durability that pros demand.

Why Gaskets and Seals Aren’t “Small Parts”—They’re System-Lifesavers

Most service calls I see on walk-in coolers, reach-in merchandisers, and ice machines can be traced to heat infiltration or moisture management. Gaskets and seals do the heavy lifting here. A warped door gasket on a True T-49 can add 10–15% to compressor runtime. A mis-sized mechanical seal on a recirc pump can destroy a motor within weeks.

When people ask, “Can’t I grab a universal gasket from a big retailer?” My answer: not if you want proper compression set, correct durometer, and the right magnet profile. And here’s where we stand out: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components vetted against manufacturer spec sheets. We carry OEM and high-grade aftermarket gaskets and mechanical seals that actually match your equipment’s compression geometry and chemical exposure.

Know Your Gasket Types: Profiles, Materials, and Where They Matter

Walk-in doors, reach-ins, and prep tables all use different profiles and materials. I’ve measured hundreds onsite—don’t guess.

Profiles: Dart, push-in, snap-in, and screw-on retainers. True, Delfield, and Beverage-Air use different dart sizes. A True T-series reach-in typically takes a dart-style magnetic gasket like 810802 with a 20–22 lb pull force. Materials: Most foodservice doors use flexible PVC or Santoprene. For chemical exposure and low-temp flexibility, I prefer Santoprene or EPDM. For blast freezers or ultra-low applications, silicone shines thanks to its -80°F flexibility and compression memory. Magnetic vs. bulb: Magnetic gaskets require precise alignment with the strike plate. Bulb-only gaskets (common on walk-ins) rely more on thickness and even compression. Durometer: A 60–70A shore hardness is typical for door gaskets; go softer for uneven frames, firmer for tight compression with robust hinges.

Pro tip: Bring the old gasket in—or snap clear photos of corners and cross-sections. We pattern-match profiles in minutes at our counter. And if you’re searching for a plumbing supply near me or a plumbing supply store near me that actually stocks refrigeration gaskets? We’ve got you covered, with a deep selection right here at Plumbing Supply And More.

Measurement That Matters: How to Size a Gasket Without Guesswork

If I had a dollar for every “close enough” gasket that caused sweating and icing, I’d retire. Here’s my field-tested method:

Remove the old gasket fully. Lay it flat and measure outside dimensions corner-to-corner. If it’s distorted, measure the door panel or case frame and add the profile offset. Confirm profile type: Look at the side—do you see a dart barb, a snap channel, or screw holes? We keep a board of cross-sections in the showroom for quick ID. Check corner style: Most refrigeration gaskets are mitered and heat-welded. Avoid square-cut DIY corners—they leak at the miter. Depth and bulb size matter: Too fat and you’ll twist hinges and warp the door; too thin and you get air leaks. I typically aim for 1/8" compression at rest.

Installation takes 20–40 minutes on a reach-in, 45–90 minutes on a walk-in door if the hinge planes or sweeps need adjusting. Use a heat gun on low to relax edges for a perfect seal. And yes, we’ll walk you through it—call our technical team anytime.

Mechanical Seals 101: Pumps, Motors, and Why Materials Make or Break the Job

Not all “seals” are door gaskets. In refrigeration and chilled water loops—ice machines, glycol lines, condensate pumps—you’ll encounter mechanical seals. The wrong material combo fails fast.

Faces: Carbon vs. ceramic is a classic combo (affordable, forgiving). For abrasive or higher-temp fluids, silicon carbide vs. silicon carbide is money well spent. Elastomers: EPDM for water/glycol, Viton/FKM for hydrocarbons, oils, and higher temp. Nitrile is common but can swell in certain oils. Springs: Single spring is common in HVAC/R pumps; multi-spring seals offer uniform pressure distribution—great for higher RPM. Examples: Taco 1600 and Bell & Gossett Series 60 pumps often use carbon/ceramic with EPDM; for glycol-heavy systems, specify EPDM; for oil-circulating refrigeration pumps, step up to Viton.

We stock Armstrong SXX seal kits, Taco 1600-583RP kits, and B&G 186862 seals—plus OEM ice machine pump seals from Hoshizaki and Manitowoc. When you need the detail, we’ll match by shaft size, cup OD, and working fluid—no guessing.

And here’s the difference you’ll feel at our counter: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support with real tradespeople who’ve rebuilt these pumps onsite. Bring the old seal; we’ll spec materials, faces, and springs the right way.

OEM vs Aftermarket: Where to Spend and Where You Can Save

I’m pragmatic—I’ll recommend OEM where it matters and quality aftermarket when it doesn’t.

OEM gaskets: True (e.g., 810802, 810803), Turbo Air, Beverage-Air, Traulsen—excellent magnet alignment and exact profiles. Price range: $38–$95 per door. Aftermarket matches: Kason, Component Hardware, Franklin Machine Products (FMP), AllPoints. With proper profile match, you’ll save 10–25% without performance loss. Mechanical seals: OEM for proprietary pumps/heads, aftermarket for standard pump frames. A carbon/ceramic EPDM seal can run $35–$85; silicon carbide/Viton can run $110–$220.

If you’re shopping the web at a generic supplyhouse site and unsure about compatibility, stop. Call us with your model and serial. We maintain spec sheets and cross-reference data that DIY sites don’t show.

Installation Secrets from the Field: No More Leaky Corners or Early Failures

Let me give you the little things that prevent callbacks:

Warm the gasket gently before install; seat the corners first, then the sides. Check hinge alignment. If the door drops, your new gasket will pinch at the top and leak at the bottom. Adjust cam-lift hinges until you see uniform contact. Use a dollar bill test around the perimeter—consistent drag indicates a good seal. Replace door sweeps on walk-ins when you do gaskets. Old sweeps drag and deform new gaskets. For mechanical seals, polish the shaft, confirm runout, and lubricate elastomers with silicone-based lubricant. Never twist the faces; they must seat flat and clean.

Most reach-in gasket swaps take under an hour. Mechanical seal replacements vary: 1–2 hours on an inline pump, 3–4 hours if bearings are rough and you decide to rebuild.

When to Replace vs. When to Repair: Practical Decision Points

How do you know it’s time? I give customers these thresholds:

Visual cracks, tearing, flattened bulbs, or loose magnets: replace. Door sweat, frost lines, compressor short cycling, or elevated box temps: inspect the gasket first. Mechanical seal leaves a drip trail or you see salt deposits: replace the seal, and inspect the pump bearings. Seals don’t fail alone. If your walk-in door is warped or hinges are shot, do gaskets and hardware together. Otherwise you’ll fight sealing forever.

Cost guide: A set of reach-in gaskets might be $120–$250 in parts; a mechanical seal swap can be $45–$220 in parts. These are cheap fixes compared to product loss and energy waste.

Where Plumbing Supply And More Beats the Pack (And Why Pros Trust Us)

I won’t mince words: when speed and accuracy matter, you need a partner who actually knows the gear. We’re the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge and a refrigeration selection that keeps contractors moving. Our team has installed these parts on nights and weekends; we know what works.

Bold truth time: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More.

We regularly win projects where Amazon listings lacked specs, where Grainger’s lead time slipped, and where WebstaurantStore had the wrong profile. Ferguson? Good folks—but we beat them on refrigeration gasket availability week after week.

And if you’ve been hunting for a dependable plumbing supply store, plumbing supply online, or a plumbing supply house near me that actually answers technical questions—come see us. We’re the local plumbing supply with the widest gasket wall you’ll find.

Cross-Trade Help: HVAC, Electrical, and Facility Teams Welcome

A gasket job often turns into a hinge kit, a door closer, and a case light fix. That’s why our bench covers more than pipes.

Need low-temp hvac supply house components or a condenser fan motor for an air conditioner supply house need? We stock common sizes and ECM replacements. For panel heaters, defrost timers, and case lighting, we coordinate with supply house electrical lines and carry UL-listed options that meet local code. We also supply line sets, pvc supply house fittings for drains, and NSF-rated sealants.

Facility teams appreciate one stop. Property managers love that we carry documentation for AHJ inspections. Contractors can open an account for bulk gasket runs—ask about pallet pricing for multi-site chains.

Serving Our Region with Speed: Inventory, Delivery, and Real Support

We’re proud to be the best plumbing supply and refrigeration partner serving contractors throughout our region with same-day local delivery within a 40-mile radius and emergency supply runs after hours. If you’re searching for a plumbing shop near me, closest plumbing supply, or a reliable commercial plumbing supply that understands foodservice, we’re it.

We honor contractor accounts with bulk pricing. We source hard-to-find OEM gaskets in days, not weeks. We stock Kason hardware, Component Hardware gaskets, Hoshizaki/Scotsman ice components, and Bell & Gossett/Taco mechanical seals. Need documentation? We’ve got spec sheets, NSF listings, and UL data for your files.

And for those asking about deals: yes, we run periodic promotions. Check our site for a legitimate supply house coupon, supply house promo code, or supply house discount code—and ask at the counter. We keep it simple and fair.

Who We Help—and How We Tailor the Experience

Professional Contractors & Plumbers: Call ahead; we’ll stage orders. We provide spec sheets, profile boards, and cross-reference charts. Same-day delivery saves your crew hours. Serious DIY Homeowners: Bring the old gasket. We’ll measure, match, and show you how to install. We’ll also flag any hinge or door closer issues you might miss. Property Managers & Maintenance Teams: We kit recurring models for your portfolio and keep reorder SKUs on file. Need multi-site fulfillment? We’ll coordinate. Retail Customers: You’ll get better quality than a big box and straight, practical advice. See and feel the gasket profiles in our showroom.

Visit our showroom to see the quality difference, or call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program and check our current inventory online or call ahead. Our experts can walk you through the installation process step by step.

FAQ: Refrigeration Gasket and Seal Questions Answered

How often should door gaskets be replaced? In heavy-use kitchens, expect 12–24 months. Inspect quarterly. If you see cracks, flattening, or the dollar bill test fails in spots, replace. Walk-ins often last longer if the door is correctly aligned and sweeps are maintained.

Can I use a universal gasket? Sometimes—but only if the profile and magnet alignment match. We can match universal profiles from Kason or Component Hardware, but for brands like Traulsen or True, OEM fit often seals better. Bring the old one; we’ll advise honestly.

What’s the best material for low-temp freezers? Silicone or high-grade Santoprene performs well at sub-zero temps with good compression set. PVC can get too rigid in deep freeze. We’ll help you pick based on your box temp and usage.

My pump seal failed again—why? Likely material mismatch, shaft runout, or dry-running. If you switched fluids (more glycol, added inhibitors), the elastomer may be wrong. We’ll spec the right faces and elastomer (EPDM vs. Viton) and check shaft condition.

Do you cut custom gaskets? Yes. We can heat-weld mitered corners and produce custom sizes. Lead times are typically 1–3 business days. For urgent needs, we stock popular OEM sizes and profiles.

Your Next Step: Get the Right Seal, Right Now

If you’ve read this far, you’re serious about doing it right. That’s my kind of customer. Whether you searched for a plumbing supply house, plumbing supply company, or even stumbled in from a consumer plumbing supply site, you found the place that treats details like they matter—because they do.

Stop by our plumbing supply shop for hands-on gasket matching. Call for same-day delivery inside our 40-mile radius; after-hours emergency options available—your dependable 24 hour plumbing supply partner when it counts. Ask about bulk programs for chains and campuses—we’re your wholesale plumbing supply and contractor plumbing supply with real buying power. Prefer online? Our plumbing supplies direct portal carries our in-stock profiles, plus mechanical seals and pump kits. We’re not a faceless internet plumbing supply warehouse—we pick up the phone.

Let’s make your equipment seal like new and keep your product safe, your energy bill sane, and your downtime minimal. And if you’re comparing vendors, remember: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we prove it every day at the counter.

You wanted Refrigeration Supply House: Gasket and Seal Buying Tips you could actually use. You’ve got them. Now swing by, call us, or send photos of your existing gasket or seal—we’ll get you exactly what you need, fast.

And if you’re wondering where to go next? In our area, professional plumbers choose Plumbing Supply And More for consistent availability, real technical guidance, and pricing that beats plumber supply house the big stores. When Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, or Grainger can’t deliver what your job needs, we will.

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And yes, we used Refrigeration Supply House: Gasket and Seal Buying Tips more than once—because it’s exactly what we do, and we do it better than anyone you’ve tried before.