2.7.

JOINTS IN WATER PIPES

Pipe joints are the assemblies, used to connect one pipe with other without any
leakages or other losses.
Joints are classifies based on the following two factors.
$ Based on rigidity and flexibility
Based on functions and locations
lConveyance jromthe source 2.39

2.7.1. CLASSIFICATION BASED ON RIGIDITY

loints are classified into the following three categories depending upon their
rigidity and flexibility.
LRigid Joints
Rigid joints are joints in pressure pipes, which admit no movement at all and
comprise flanged, welded and turned and bored joints. Flanged joints require
perfect alignment. Close fi.ings are frequently used where a longitudinal thrust
must be taken such as at the valves and meters. The gasket used between flanges ofi
pipes shall be compressed fibre board or natural or synthetic rubber. Welded joints
Droduce a continuous line of pipes with the advantage that interior and exterior
coatings can be made properly and are not subsequently disrupted by the
movement of joints.
II. Semi Rigid Joints
Semi rigid joints are represented by the spigot and socket with caulked lead
joint. A semi rigid joint allows partial movement due to vibration etc. The socketed
end of the pipe should be kepi against the flow of water and the spigot end of the
other pipe is inserted into this socket. A twisted spun yarn is filled into this gap and
itis adjusted by the yarning tool and is then caulked well. A rope is then placed at
the outer end of the socket and is made tight fit by applying wet clay, leaving two
holes for the escape of the entrapped air inside. The rope is taken out and molten
lead is poured into the annular space by means of a funnel. The clay is then
removed and the 1lead is caulked with a caulking tool. Lead wool may be used in
wet conditions lead covered yarn is of great use in repair work, since the leaded
yarn caulked into place will keep back water under very low pressure while the
joint is being made.
II. Flexible Joints
Flexible joints are used where rigidity is undesirable such as with filling of
granular medium and when two sections cannot be welded. They comprise nmainly
mechanical and rubber ring joints which permit some degree of deflection at each
2.40 Water Supply Engineeringl
rubber
joint and are therefore able to stand vibration and movement. In jointing
are cast
Special type of rubber gasket are used to connect cast Iron pipe which
with a special type of spigot and being socket in the groove, the spigot end beino
lubricated with grease and slipped into the socket by means of a jack used on the
other end. The working conditions of absence of light, presence of water and
relatively cool uniform temperature are all conducive to the preservation of rubber
and consequently this type of joint is expected to last as long as the pipes. Hence
rubber jointing is to be preferred to lead jointing.
2.7.2. CLASSIFICATION BASED ON FUNCTIONS AND LOCATIONS
Spigot and socket joints
3 Expansion joints
* Flanged joints
Flexible joints
Screwed joints
PVC pipe jointing (solvent cement jointing)
I. Spigot and Socket Joints
Bell or Socket

Lead Jute

Pipe dia.

Spigot
Conveyancefrom the source 2.41

This method is alsO called Bell and Spigot joint and it is mostly suitable for cast
iron pipes. This type of joint is connected by inserting the spigot end of one pipe
in to the socket or bell end of another pipe. The spigot end is pushed in such a
passion to make it seat comfortably in the socket end. The connecting procedure
includes the wrapping of jute around the spigot before inserting it into the socket.
Then in the remaining space or gap between spigot and socket is filled by molten
lead. Cooling time will be given for the solidification of molten lead. The
flexibility of this type of joint is less and skilled labours are in need at the time of
installation.
Bell end Strands of hemp
Lead,

Spigot end

Fig. 2.13.

I. Flanged Joint
will make the
Thistype ofjoint mostly used for temporary pipe networks. This
both the ends
assembling and dismantling process easy. The pipe has tlanges at
connection
this ends are connected by bolts and nuts or by welding. During the
ends (flanges) which wili
process a rubber gasket is placed between the two
pumping station,
Prevent the leakage. This type of joints are commonly used in
it willbe better to connect
Doiler house etc. But if this joint is used in steel pipe
Dy nuts and bolt rather by other connection.
 2.42 Water Supply Engineering

Bolts

-Hard rubber gasket

Bolt
-Nut
Rubbering or washer
(Gasket)

Pipe dia
-

Flanges
Fig. 2.14.
These joints are strong and rigid. Hence it cannot be applied for the pipes, where
deflections and vibrations are expected to occur. These joints are expensive and
mostly used for indoor water pipe works, such as pumping stations etc.
II. Expansion Joint
The main advantage of the expansion joints is its flexibility. In some cases the
pipes are laid over the ground and exposed to the atmosphere. Due to the thermal
stresses the pipe will tend to expand and contract, which ultimately results in the
formation of cracks in the external surface of the pipe and leak in the joints.
 Conveyance from the source 2.43

C.I. Follower
Nut ring Bolt

Socket end

Rubber gasket Spigot end

-L. a. T= gap

Fig. 2.15. Expansion Joint(for cast iron pipes)

Stray ring Bolt

Outer sleeve
Weld

Packing

Fig. 2.16. Typical expansion joint for steel pipes

In this type of joint the socket end is connected rigidlyto an annular ring which
can slide freely over the spigot end. While making this joint, a small space is kept
between the face of the spigot and the inner face of the socket, and the spigot is
illed by means of rubber gasket. Then the flanges are tightened by means of nuts
and bolts. The provision of gasket will aid the pipe movement at the time of
Cxpansion due to thermal stresses.
2.44| Water Supply Engineering
-Bolts Bell end

Flanged ring
Rubber gasket

Spigot end

Fig. 2.1.
IV. Flexible Joint

Flexible joints are used under following circumstances.

1. Places where large scale flexibilities required.
2. Places where the ground has more undulations or unequal settlements
3. Laying the pipes on curves
4. Laying the pipes on uneven beds etc.
Bolt
Nut
Rubbering or washer
(Gasket)

Pipe dia

Flanges
 Conveyance jrom the source 2.45

C.I. Follower ring

Space for bolt

Retainer ring
Bead

Gland ring

Rubber gasket

Fig. 2.18.
The pipes to be connected by flexible joint
should have special ends, and in which the Duck is the special rubber
socket should be spherical and the spigot gasket used in flexible joint
should have bead at the end. A retaining ring is lined with a special type
placed over the bead and which keeps the fabric.
special rubber gasket in position.
Asplit C.I. Gland Ring is then placed over it. They are then tightened by using
nuts and bolts. The spigot end can be moved to give away the desired deflection
and nuts are tightened over the gland ring.
V. Mechanical Joint (Coupling Joint)
This type of joint is used for joining the C.l. pipes. In this, a special type of
metallic collar is fitted and then tightened over the abutting ends, thus forming a
mechanical joint.
2.46 Water SuPply Engineering
Bolt Middle Iron Ring

Gasket Pipe stop

Fig. 2.19.
Dresser Coupling Joint is the one of the most commonly used type of
mechanical joint. In this, a gasket and an iron ring are slipped over each of the
abutting ends of the pipes. An iron sleeve is inserted between the gaskets. The iron
rings are then tightened by means of bolts.
Mechanical joints are strong and rigid like flanged joints. Hence it can withstand
vibrations and can be used for joining the pipes on bridges or below bridges in
hangers.
2.7.3. REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD JOINT
Following are the requirements of a good joint.
1. The joint should be water-tight and air-tight.
2. It should not be affected easily by solids or other materials in the water.
3. It should have adequate strength.
4. It should be easily detached when required and should be attached at
other timings.
5. It should be cheap.
6. It should not be corroded.
7. It should not create or impartany bad odour or taste to the water.