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This video is based off of a blog we wrote called “3 Features to Look for in Your Next Flexible Coupling". The original blog was published on January 31, 2019. To view the original blog, check it out here. Or, read the transcript below.
Transcript
Introduction
Hi, I'm Braedlyn McEwen and today we're going to talk about flexible couplings.
Flexible couplings are a plumbing product that can be used in many different drain waste and vent applications and industries. They are used for attaching pipes together in various situations. Although flexible couplings are a fairly simple Plumbing product, they are not all made equal.
It is important to use high quality couplings when installing flexible couplings to ensure you can trust them when they are no longer accessible.
In this video, we are going to go over three features to look for the next time you need to use flexible couplings.
Fit & Function
First we'll start with fit and function. One of the reasons that this problem exists is due to the change in pipe technology. Most of the soil and drain pipe the flexible couplings used to be used on were cast and ductile iron, now that the market has moved to mainly PVC, which has a larger outside diameter than ductile, those coupling designs are very tight, requiring the couplings to be stretched to fit over the pipe.
Many companies have not changed their molds sizing over the years, which is why this is still an issue to this day. Some manufacturers designed their flexible couplings to have a tapered edge so that it slides on the pipe much easier. This benefit is very noticeable in everyday situations but would be even more noticeable in cold weather.
If you are installing these couplings often, the increased productivity and reduction of frustration goes a long way. If you are a contractor who is working with PVC often, this is a feature that will benefit you greatly.
Quality of Gear Clamps
Now let's move to quality of gear clamps. Gear clamps are an essential part to a successful flexible coupling installation, as they hold the coupling on the pipe and ensure a leak-free installation. Having
the couplings assembled using high quality stainless steel clamps is a huge benefit.
The biggest issue with lower quality clamps is that they can slip just before you get it tight enough, breaking the clamp. Over tightening is something that people with less experience tend to do but even the pros will do it from time to time. A good clamp will let you tighten to 60 inch pounds without fear of stripping the gears or breaking the clamp.
The use of a 60 inch pound T-handle torque wrench to install the clamps is good practice to ensure the proper torque is applied. The main aspect that you are looking for when evaluating gear clamps for installing flexible couplings is the amount of torque that can be applied before breaking. The higher the spec is, the better quality clamp you are getting.
Type of Rubber Being Used
Let's move on to type of rubber being used. The type of rubber that is used will differ from coupling to coupling. In most cases, this will not alter the flexible coupling up front the performance or the quality but over time, this is a key aspect for longevity.
Some of the rubber that is used in the market does not have anti-fungal properties. This means that if the flexible coupling is being installed in a place with lots of moisture, which a lot of time, it is, mold can begin to grow and potentially compromise the coupling. This is something to pay attention to especially if you know there is a lot of moisture that will be present.
Conclusion
To sum this up, next time you are needing flexible couplings for a job, remember these three features to look for. They can help you save time, limit frustration, and lead to a more reliable install. Thanks and have a good day.
This video is based off a blog we wrote called, "3 Features to look for in your next Flexible Coupling" if you want more information head over to boshartu.com.
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