manhole connector leaking in Marion INKnowing why a manhole connector leaks is just as important as knowing which manhole connector is right for your job. So why do they leak?

In our experience, the majority of all reported gasket and connector field problems are due to contractor installation issues. Don’t take offense contractors, we’re not saying that you aren’t capable of doing a good job. We think you’re amazing.

But we also know that 50% of the time the initial problem reported is different after visiting the job site.

Things Contractors May Miss On Installation

In no certain order, these are things we have seen quite often that could cause improper installation of our manhole connectors, which in turn could cause leaks.

  • Firm, stable, uniform bedding
  • Unauthorized repairs
  • Improper placement of butyl sealant or not equalizing rubber gasket
  • Incorrect stacking
  • Not understanding manhole vacuum test standards
  • Carelessly inserting pipe into manhole connector
  • Chipped, broken or cracked openings on manhole

Proper Manhole Connector Installation

A manhole connector might look more complicated because of the steel take up clamps, but it’s actually a fairly easy process.

  1. Clean pipe section at least 3 feet from insertion end.
  2. Center pipe in opening until pipe breaks the plane of manhole. On tight boot throat openings, lube can be used.
  3. Attach take-up clamp or clamps. If one clamp and boot with two grooves, clamp goes on first groove.
  4. Tighten clamps to 60 inch pounds.
  5. Adjust pipe to line and grade.
  6. Use proper bedding and backfill materials and techniques so that pipe deflection and deformation is minimized. More on bedding & backfill later.
  7. Here is a more detailed video on how to install our PSX: Direct Drive.

Proper Field Gasket Installation

So how do you install a gasket? What are the critical steps in ensuring a better seal each and every time?

  1. Clean step and bell, check for any chips or imperfections.
  2. Stretch gasket over spigot and seat squared area against the step. Gasket print towards you.
  3. Equalize gasket; pinch, pull, snap technique or metal object underneath making 1-1/2 revolutions.
  4. After equalizing, ensure rear of gasket is seated against step.
  5. Heavily lubricate bell and entrance slope (lubricating gasket is optional on profile gasket).
  6. Align pipe sections squarely and bring home slowly.
Prelubricated gasket being installed on a concrete pipe

A prelubricated gasket we’ve designed and manufacture right here in northeast Indiana is a simple and reliable seal for joints in concrete pipes, manholes and box culverts. The unique design of the RFS (Reduced Friction Seal) prelubricated gasket also helps with reducing insertion forces virtually eliminating any twisting of the gaskets or rolling out of […]

Nate joins our team after serving six years as a U.S. Army Armor Officer, most recently as the Executive Officer overseeing Recruiting Operations across Northeastern Indiana. Throughout his military career, he led teams of 6 to over 100 people, working across operations management, strategic planning, and large-scale talent acquisition. Before the Army, Nate worked as […]

Eric brings a strong background in the Stormwater and Waterworks industries, having held key roles in industry leading organizations within the waterworks, stormwater, and drainage markets. He led the launch of a trench drain product line in partnership with a European manufacturer as a Product Manager. His experience with waterworks and drainage solutions will be […]

Press-Seal Corporation, a leading manufacturer of water tight sealing solutions for the underground infrastructure industry, has acquired the assets of a sealant and adhesives manufacturer on January 15th 2021. The acquired company has a long history of manufacturing rubber-based adhesive sealing products and Press-Seal has a long history of selling adhesive sealing products in the […]

Box culvert being lowered down into a ditch with other concrete boxes

The alternative to precast concrete pipe is the building block of underground infrastructure called the box culvert. They are essentially the Lego of modern precast structures and simply snap together for easy installation. As with any product that utilizes a joint that could move, you inherently run the risk of infiltration or exfiltration. Therefore you […]