Strainers
Y strainers are used to filter unwanted solids from liquid, gas or steam pipelines by passing the flow through a perforated or wire mesh straining element housed in a Y-shaped body. They protect downstream equipment — pumps, control valves, steam traps, flowmeters and regulators — from scale, debris and particulate that would otherwise cause wear or blockage. Y strainers are considered the standard solution for steam line straining and are widely used across water systems, compressed air circuits and industrial process pipework. The Hosemaster stocks Y strainers across all main pipe diameters, suitable for new installation and replacement.-
-
REF #5332
Y Strainer - Stainless
From
View Product
£56.41 INC VAT
£47.01 EXC VAT -
REF #2937
Y Strainer
From
View Product
£10.26 INC VAT
£8.55 EXC VAT
Y strainers: protecting pipework equipment from contamination
Most problems in fluid systems that get blamed on pumps, valves or steam traps have the same root cause — something in the pipework that shouldn't be there. Scale from old pipework, swarf from installation, sediment from tanks or mains supply. A Y strainer fitted upstream of sensitive equipment catches that contamination before it reaches anything expensive.
The Y-shaped body is compact enough to fit into most pipework runs without a major reconfiguration. The straining element is accessible from the drain plug end, which makes cleaning straightforward without removing the strainer body from the line. Fit a gate or ball valve immediately upstream and the whole process takes minutes.
Mesh size is worth considering. Standard mesh suits most general applications — it keeps out the debris that causes wear without restricting flow to a degree that affects system performance. If you're working with a system that generates fine particulate or you need a specific filtration rating, check the mesh specification in the product listing. Y strainers are available across all main BSP thread sizes in this range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Y strainer used for?
Y strainers remove solid particles — scale, debris, pipe swarf — from liquid, gas or steam pipelines. They're fitted upstream of pumps, control valves, steam traps and other sensitive equipment to prevent damage from particulate contamination.
How does a Y strainer work?
Flow passes through a mesh or perforated straining element housed in the Y-shaped body. Solids are caught by the mesh while clean fluid continues through. The straining element can be removed and cleaned — typically by closing the upstream isolating valve, removing the end cap and extracting the basket or mesh insert.
How often do Y strainers need to be cleaned?
This depends on the system and the level of contamination in the pipework. In new systems, strainers often need cleaning shortly after commissioning as installation debris works through. In established systems, cleaning frequency depends on the particulate load — some applications require periodic inspection, others can run for extended periods without attention. Fitting an isolation valve upstream makes cleaning straightforward.
What is the difference between a Y strainer and a basket strainer?
A Y strainer has a compact Y-shaped body and a cylindrical or cone-shaped straining element. It's suited to pipework where installation space is limited. A basket strainer has a larger body with a basket-type element that holds more debris before cleaning is needed. Y strainers are the standard choice for most steam and industrial gas applications; basket strainers are more common in larger water systems.