FAQ: Can cement-mortar linings be repaired in the field?
Repair is achieved by first cutting out the defective or damaged lining to the metal so that the edges of the lining not removed are reasonably perpendicular to the pipe wall or slightly undercut. A stiff mortar is then prepared, containing not less than one part of cement to two parts of sand, by volume. This mortar is applied to the cutout area and troweled smooth with adjoining lining. To provide for proper curing of patches by preventing too rapid of a moisture loss from the mortar, the patched area is normally seal-coated immediately after any surface water evaporates, or alternatively the area is kept moist (e.g. with wet rags or burlap over the area or with the ends of the pipe or fitting taped over with plastic film, etc.). Of course, in potable water-related applications, no patch or curing components should be used in the repair that would negatively affect health or water quality.
FAQ: What are the UL and FM listings for U.S. Pipe products?
FAQ: Aren't all pipe lubricants pretty much the same?
No. It's always a good practice to use the lubricant furnished by the manufacturer. Our lubricant is formulated to be nontoxic, does not support bacterial growth, has no deteriorating effects on the gasket material, and is water soluble so it readily flushes away prior to acceptance testing of the pipeline. It doesn't impart any taste or odor to the water in the pipeline, and meets the requirements of AWWA/ANSI C111/A21.11.
Because it is water soluble, it's sometimes difficult to maintain lubrication on wet surfaces such as a wet trench or stream crossing. In these conditions, it's advisable to apply the lubricant liberally – as much as three times as much as would normally be used.
We do not recommend the use of spray-on lubricants.
FAQ: Are push-on and mechanical joints rated for the same pressure as the pipe or higher? What is the maximum rated pressure for push-on and mechanical joints?
Ductile Iron push-on and mechanical joints are covered in ANSI/AWWA C111/A21.11 "Rubber-Gasket Joints for Ductile-Iron Pressure Pipe and Fittings." Section 4.2.2 of that standard states: "The mechanical and push-on joints shall have the same pressure rating as the pipe or fitting of which they are a part." In other words, if the pipe is rated for 150 psi working pressure plus 100 psi surge (250 psi), so is the joint. If the pipe is rated for 350 psi working pressure plus 100 psi surge (450 psi), so is the joint.
This is not to say that Ductile Iron pipe and push-on and mechanical joints cannot be rated above 350 psi working pressure plus 100 psi surge (450 psi). Footnotes under Table 7 in ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51 "Ductile-Iron Pipe, Centrifugally Cast, for Water" state: "Ductile Iron pipe for working pressures higher than 350 psi is available." There are numerous Ductile Iron pipelines operating at working pressures well in excess of 350 psi throughout the United States. Additionally, Ductile Iron’s push-on joints have been proven effective in actual tests and/or service with at least 1,000 psi internal pressure, 430 psi external pressure, and 14 psi negative air pressure with no leakage or infiltration.
