How To Support Vertical Cast Iron Pipe
Vertical cast iron pipe is often used in the water and wastewater industry. This type of pipe can be found in buildings, sewer systems, homes, and schools. However, as with most other materials used in construction, it’s not without its drawbacks. Vertical cast iron pipe must be handled carefully because it’s prone to stress fractures and other kinds of damage. As such, you should know how to support vertical cast iron pipe.
What is Vertical Cast Iron Pipe?
Cast iron pipes are a common choice for water distribution systems. A cast iron pipe is created by pouring molten iron into a sand mold. This process is known as casting. The mold is cooled, and the cast iron pipe is removed. The surface of the pipe is then given a coating or finish to protect it from corrosion. This finish can be either a paint or an oxidation layer. Cast iron pipes can be made with a number of wall thicknesses and compositions. Vertical cast iron pipes are commonly used in commercial buildings and large-scale water distribution systems. There are many advantages to using vertical cast iron pipes in water distribution systems. One of the most significant advantages is their long lifespan. Vertical cast iron pipes can last for more than 100 years if properly installed. Vertical cast iron pipes are also relatively inexpensive.
How to Support Vertical Cast Iron Pipe
As previously mentioned, vertical cast iron pipe must be handled carefully because it’s prone to stress fractures and other kinds of damage. Vertical cast iron pipe can be supported with a number of different materials and techniques. In-line supports are a common method of supporting vertical cast iron pipe. In-line supports are rings or sleeves that go around the pipe. These supports are made of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) or concrete. FRP sleeves are common in newer installations because they are lighter, easier to install, and cheaper than concrete. Cast iron supports are another common method of supporting vertical cast iron pipe. Cast iron supports are usually made of steel, with a concrete core. Cast iron supports are heavy and bulky, but they are effective. Cast iron supports have a shallow integrally formed trough around their outer edge. This trough is designed to accommodate the end of the pipe. Cast iron supports are commonly used to support water mains distributed by the municipal water system.
Tips for Supporting Vertical Cast Iron Pipe
You can minimize the risk of problems with vertical cast iron pipe by following these tips:
- Use FRP supports if you’re installing new piping. They can handle the weight of the pipe better than concrete supports.
- Use rigid pipe whenever possible. Rigid pipe is less flexible than flexible pipe and is less likely to move or vibrate against the cast iron pipe.
- Keep the pipe clear of obstructions. Even a small amount of debris can be enough to cause damage.
- Keep the ground at the ends of the pipe as clean as possible. This will help minimize ground-induced stresses.
- Make sure the pipe isn’t resting on a concrete slab. Concrete slabs can cause the pipe to settle unevenly and cause stress fractures.
- Use a vibrator and jacks to level the ground at the ends of the pipe. This will help minimize ground-induced stresses.
- Always use an end cap to seal off the ends of the pipe.
What Can Go Wrong with Vertical Cast Iron Pipe?
As long as you follow good practices when installing or supporting vertical cast iron pipe, you can minimize your risk of problems. However, if you don’t take proper care of your installation, you could have problems. Some common problems with vertical cast iron pipe include:
Stress fractures – When stress fractures occur, the pipe wall is damaged due to an uneven settling or movement of soil around the pipe. This damage is commonly caused by large, uneven loads on the pipe.
Impact damage – Impact damage occurs when something strikes the pipe and damages it.
Ground movement – Ground movement can cause the pipe to settle unevenly, which can damage the pipe.
Corrosion – Over time, iron pipes are prone to corrosion.
Conclusion
Vertical cast iron pipe has many advantages in the water distribution industry. It’s durable and long-lasting, especially if properly installed and maintained. There are several ways to support vertical cast iron pipe. You can minimize the risk of damage by keeping the pipe clear of obstructions, keeping the ground at the ends of the pipe clean, and using an end cap to seal off the ends of the pipe.
