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  • What Are Some Common Misconceptions Associated with Ductile Iron Pipe?

    What Are Some Common Misconceptions Associated with Ductile Iron Pipe?

      12/04/2020  In Products Technical

    In 1492, Christopher Columbus was shocked when his ship made landfall in a land Europeans had never explored. Along the way, he proved that Earth isn’t flat after all. Right?

    Wrong: Despite a persistent legend, neither Columbus nor his Spanish patrons thought Earth was a finite plane instead of a round planet. That was thanks to scientists, philosophers, and mathematicians who, as early as around 600 B.C., made observations that Earth was round. Using calculations based on the sun's rise and fall, shadows, and other physical properties of the planet, Greek scholars like Pythagoras and Aristotle determined that the planet is actually a sphere.1

    So, what’s the point of today’s history lesson? It often reminds me that there are numerous myths associated with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), and in this Iron Strong Blog, we’ll list some of those ideas, provide factual data, and discuss why they are simply misconceptions.

  • Updates to Envision® and How Ductile Iron Excels in The New Rating System

    Updates to Envision® and How Ductile Iron Excels in The New Rating System

    By John Johnson, ENV SP, NACE CT   07/23/2020  In Environmental & Safety Installation Products

    This Blog Reflects Significant Updates for Envision Manual V3. As we know, America's infrastructure is in crisis! According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the estimated investment needed is $1 Trillion over the next 25 years for underground water infrastructure. This investment, as well as the ever-increasing cost of electricity, limited water supply, ever-decreasing natural resources, and environmental concerns, are driving the need for change. Change on how infrastructure is designed and constructed – utilizing more sustainable design and construction practices. ENVISION is designed to provide guidelines for these changes to North American infrastructure. In short, it is a rating system approach very similar to LEED Building Certification; however, with the focus on infrastructure.

    Envision not only asks, ‘Are we doing the project right?’ but also, ‘Are we doing the right project?’

  • The McWane Ductile Universal Test Facility - Improving Products Today for Your Tomorrow!

    The McWane Ductile Universal Test Facility - Improving Products Today for Your Tomorrow!

    By Jerry Regula, ENV SP, AMPP CT   01/30/2019  In Environmental & Safety Services Technical

    Moving Forward

    Presently, in our industry, two essential components of a successful business include providing water professionals with high-quality, sustainable products in a timely manner, as well as offering outstanding customer service.

    However, continued success in our industry depends on the ability of a company to make continuous improvements. In other words, if we do not move forward, we are not only standing still but moving in reverse. 

  • What Trenching and Excavation Guidelines are Important when Installing Ductile Iron Pipe?

    What Trenching and Excavation Guidelines are Important when Installing Ductile Iron Pipe?

    By Bill Kleczka   01/07/2022  In Environmental & Safety Installation

    Have you ever been asked what size trench is needed when installing Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe)? How safe are the working conditions within a trench? Knowing the proper trench to utilize during the installation of the material will help save time, effort, and money on any job site. But most importantly, this knowledge will help keep everyone safe within and around the trench. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has gone to great lengths to define and identify any threats in the trenching and excavation safety when installing DI pipe. This Iron Strong Blog will share and explain the different trenches available while outlining the safety considerations required when excavating earthen material.

  • Gaskets, Goblins, and Ghouls, Oh My! A Cure from the Ditch Doctor

    Gaskets, Goblins, and Ghouls, Oh My! A Cure from the Ditch Doctor

    By McWane Ductile   10/31/2024  In How Products Q&A Technical

    Welcome to our Halloween edition of #IronStrong," where we’ve compiled the spooky challenges haunting construction builders and pipeline contractors. From tricky terrain to mysterious leaks and unforeseen obstacles, we’re here to illuminate the “scary” aspects of water pipeline installations that can send chills down a project manager's spine.

    See the “Ditch Doctor” advice column and a link to our blog, “Exorcising Restraint." We dissect a few daunting issues and present real-world solutions and insights to help brave contractors turn their nightmares into success stories. Grab your flashlight (and tools) as we guide you through the shadows, ensuring your next project is well-prepared to face any “frightening” twist that may lie ahead.

  • TR FLEX PIPE: The Truth About Availability and Pressure Ratings

    TR FLEX PIPE: The Truth About Availability and Pressure Ratings

    By McWane Ductile   11/14/2024  In Products Technical

    Misleading information has recently circulated regarding the availability of TR Flex® restrained joint pipe and fittings, creating a flurry of questions and uncertainty for engineers and utilities about its service performance and integrity. How can an engineer design a project without knowing the facts? After reviewing the information in this #IronStrong Blog, one can better understand future expectations.

  • The What, Why, and How of Continuing Education for Civil Engineers

    The What, Why, and How of Continuing Education for Civil Engineers

    By John Simpson P.E., ENV SP, AMPP CT   12/14/2023  In Our Company Technical

    After completing my continuing education lunch presentation on restrained joints and horizontal directional drilling for a civil engineering office and reminding the group to sign the sign-in sheet to verify their attendance, I had a younger engineer approach me to ask a question. The question was whether I knew how many continuing education hours his state required and what information he needed to confirm his attendance for the continuing education activity. Those questions are relatively common, and this #IronStrong Blog will focus on answering what continuing education hours are, why civil engineers need them, and how they get them. 

  • What Training Resources Does McWane Ductile Provide?

    What Training Resources Does McWane Ductile Provide?

    By Shawn Smith   08/09/2021  In Our Company Services

    At McWane Ductile, we believe that training and continuous education for our staff and customers are vital to a company's success. Because of this, we offer a wide variety of training opportunities for water professionals throughout the industry. Here are the many training resources available to you.

  • UPDATED - Ductile Iron Pipe Versus HDPE - A Comparative Narrative

    UPDATED - Ductile Iron Pipe Versus HDPE - A Comparative Narrative

    By Ken Rickvalsky, ENV SP, AMPP CT   05/29/2025  In Comparisons Products Technical

    Selecting the right pipe material is essential for the longevity and success of any water infrastructure project. While Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) each offer distinct benefits, their differences in strength, performance, and long-term cost are significant. This article serves as a refresh of our previously published article in November 2019. It outlines key comparisons to help engineers and specifiers make informed decisions based on project-specific conditions, such as soil type, pressure, and environmental factors.

  • What Type of Ductile Iron Pipe Joint Is Right for You?

    What Type of Ductile Iron Pipe Joint Is Right for You?

    By Scott Rhorick   03/08/2021  In Installation Products Technical

    There are a variety of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) joints on the market. These different types of joint designs can now allow for additional benefits for various applications. Joining pipe together is just as important as the pipe itself. It sounds like a simple procedure, but the environment in which the pipe is assembled is critical.

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Latest Posts

  • The Future Is Now: How the Water Industry Is Revolutionizing
    The Future Is Now: How the Water Industry Is Revolutionizing By Jacob Lovin, ENV SP 01/29/2026  In Products Technical Technology Training
  • What is Ceramawrap Epoxy and When Should You Specify It for Ductile Iron Pipe?
    What is Ceramawrap Epoxy and When Should You Specify It for Ductile Iron Pipe? By Isabella DiCristofaro Jerry Regula, ENV SP, AMPP CT 01/28/2026  In Products Technical
  • How to Repair Ceramawrap Coating on Ductile Iron Pipe in the Field
    How to Repair Ceramawrap Coating on Ductile Iron Pipe in the Field By Jerry Regula, ENV SP, AMPP CT 01/28/2026  In How To Products Technical
  • Developing an Asset Management Plan for Your Future Utility or Engineering Organization
    Developing an Asset Management Plan for Your Future Utility or Engineering Organization By Roy Mundy, P.E., ENV SP, Assoc. DBIA 12/04/2025  In Comparisons Industry
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Products
  • Products
  • Ductile Iron Pipe
    • Tyton® Joint Pipe
    • TR Flex® Restrained Joint Pipe
    • Mechanical Joint Pipe
    • Mechanical Joint Lock Joint Pipe
    • Fabricated Flange and Wall Pipe
    • Ball and Socket Joint Pipe
    • Long-Span Pipe
    • Permaloy™ Pipe
    • Seismic Flex Coupling™
  • Gaskets
    • Tyton® Gaskets
    • Mechanical Joint Gaskets
    • Flange Gaskets
    • Sure Stop 350® Gasket
    • Specialty Gaskets Service & Usage
  • Fabrication
    • Fabricated Flange and Wall Pipe
    • Grooved Pipe
    • Welded Outlet Pipe
    • Thread-o-Lets
    • Weld-On Boss
  • Fittings and Accessories
    • Bronze Wedge
    • Cable Bond
    • Pipe Joint Lubricant
    • Mechanical Joint Accessories
    • Seismic Flex Coupling™
    • TR Flex® Accessories
    • TR Flex® Fittings
    • V-Bio® Encasement
  • Linings
    • Cement-Mortar Lining
    • Glass Lining
    • Protecto 401™ Lining
    • Ceramapure™ PL90 Lining
  • Coatings
    • Asphaltic Coating
    • Zinc-Coating
    • Ceramawrap Coating
    • V-Bio® Enhanced Polyethylene Encasement
  • Technical Bulletins
  • Specifications
  • Certifications
  • Submittal Builder
  • Product Warranty
Learning Center
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  • Iron Strong Blog
  • Installation Guides
  • Ditch Doctor/FAQ
  • Videos
  • Training Presentations
  • Iron Strong Insights
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  • Downloadable Tip Sheets
  • Archived Catalogs
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