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HOW DO TAKE-UP CLAMPS WORK?

August 8, 2018

Watertight connectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with several featuring handy take-up clasps. But have you ever seen how the take-up clamps work? Did you know they play a vital role in sealing storm and sanitary collection systems?

What Are Watertight Connectors?

In the infrastructure industry, a watertight connector is simply a resilient boot or gasket, typically comprising molded rubber, that produces a secure seal between structures and/or pipes from which water will not leak.

Nylo Drive with a take-up clamp.

Press-Seal PSX: Nylo Drive with a take-up clamp.

A good watertight connector conforms to certain identifiable standards, such as ASTM C923 (Standard Specification for Resilient Connectors Between Reinforced Concrete Manhole Structures, Pipes, and Laterals). All Press-Seal’s watertight connectors meet or exceed a number of these international regulations.

When it comes to pipe-to-manhole connectors specifically, watertight connectors provide a flexible, resilient, and long-lasting seal between the manhole and pipe. This method of connection is much more effective than traditional means of connecting systems via mortar mix, for example.

Different Types of Connectors

Connectors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and functions due to the different pipe types and system requirements found around the world. Here are three of the most common types of connectors:

  • Mechanical connectors feature an internal mechanism made of steel or glass-filled nylon that creates an outward force inside the boot to create a seal in the manhole.
  • Compression seals do not require the same tools as mechanized connectors—as its the name suggests, a compression seal “compresses” around the pipe instead.
  • Cast-in connectors are cast into a structure during precast production but can still provide the same type of sealing force as a mechanical and compression seal.
Simulation of Press-Seal PSX: Direct-Drive, a mechanical connector, providing a watertight seal between a pipe and manhole.

Simulation of Press-Seal PSX: Direct-Drive, a mechanical connector, providing a watertight seal between a pipe and manhole.

Simulation of Press-Seal Kwik Seal, a compression connector, providing a watertight seal between a pipe and concrete structure.

Simulation of Press-Seal Kwik Seal, a compression connector, providing a watertight seal between a pipe and concrete structure.

Simulation of Press-Seal Cast-A-Seal 12-08, a cast-in connector, providing a watertight seal between a pipe and concrete structure.

Simulation of Press-Seal Cast-A-Seal 12-08, a cast-in connector, providing a watertight seal between a pipe and concrete structure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every type of manhole connector has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to capabilities, pricing, and functionality, and every municipality holds a different opinion on what works best. Press-Seal offers a wide variety of products to accommodate those market needs.

How Do Take-Up Clamps Work?

Some mechanical connectors, such as our flagship PSX: Direct Drive, implement take-up clamps to ensure a watertight seal. These clamps are automatically included with your purchase of a mechanical Press-Seal boot, so prepare for a quick and easy installation process!

  1. Place the first clamp in the groove closest to the manhole, ensuring the screw housing faces the 9-o’clock position.
  2. Utilizing our specialized T-Handle torque wrench, tighten the clamp until you hear a clicking breakover sound. To ensure the proper sealing force, please only use this tool with the appropriate Press-Seal boot.
  3. Place the second clamp in the groove farthest from the manhole, ensuring the screw housing faces the 3-o’clock position.
  4. Fully tighten the clamp with the T-Handle torque wrench.

Pipe ODs ranging from 1.7 inches (43.2 mm) to 13.3 inches (337.8 mm) require one take-up clamp, while pipe ODs ranging from 13.2 inches (335.3 mm) to 27.4 inches (696 mm) require two. Pipe ODs ranging from 27.4 inches to 44.5 inches (1,130.3 mm) require four take-up clamps. When all is said and done, the properly installed clamps will create a secure grip around the flexible rubber boot component, ensuring a watertight seal.

Secure Your Seal

Take it from a gasket manufacturer of over 70 years: take-up clamps are innovative and integral components of watertight connectors. Nobody likes a leaky pipe. If you have questions about your Press-Seal boot’s take-up clamps, don’t hesitate to contact us. Reach out to us toll free at (800) 348-7325 or locally at (260) 436-0521.

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