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  • How Does Proper Bedding Allow a Pipe to “Sleep Well?"

    How Does Proper Bedding Allow a Pipe to “Sleep Well?"

    By Ken Rickvalsky, ENV SP, AMPP CT   01/22/2021  In Installation Technical

    Did you know the mattress industry is one of the oldest continuous industries in the world? The first mattresses were believed to have been manufactured in 37 BC in Persia. Today, more than 35 million mattresses are shipped world-wide to replace those that have been in service for an average of seven years. So, what does this have to do with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), you ask? This article will discuss how setting improper bedding in a pipe trench can cause sleepless nights for the water company and its crews due to pipe failures, seemingly always at night — as it is my experience that most large main breaks typically occur after dark!

  • What is the Ultimate Pressure Capability of Class 52 Ductile Iron Pipe?

    What is the Ultimate Pressure Capability of Class 52 Ductile Iron Pipe?

    By Mike Palermo   05/21/2021  In Products Technical

    Cast iron pipe was introduced to the United States in 1816. Since then, numerous other piping materials have been offered and utilized. None were able to supplant cast iron as the leading performer until Ductile iron pipe became available. The introduction of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) to the marketplace in 1955 remains among the most significant advancements in the history of the pressure pipe industry. It was quickly recognized as a pipe material with all the established durability of gray cast iron, yet with added strength and resiliency from its innate and lasting flexibility. It was first used for special and severe conditions of high pressure, such as where water hammer and excessive external loads might have existed.

  • How is Ductile Iron Pipe a Highly Adaptable Option for Waterworks Infrastructure?

    How is Ductile Iron Pipe a Highly Adaptable Option for Waterworks Infrastructure?

    By Stuart Liddell   08/15/2024 

    As a Sales Operations Manager in the waterworks industry, I recently attended the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE24) in Anaheim, California. This annual conference focuses on product innovations and the latest technological advancements in water infrastructure. 

  • Why Are the AWWA Standards Important to Ductile Iron Pipe?

    Why Are the AWWA Standards Important to Ductile Iron Pipe?

    By Dan Flaig Shawn Smith   10/14/2022  In Products Technical

    Have you ever wondered what’s behind the AWWA standards? What do they mean? And why do we need them? They’re listed all the time in specifications, mysterious numbers on plans. Have you ever reviewed them to know why they are important for working with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe)? In this Iron Strong Blog, we will briefly cover some of the applicable standards for DI pipe and how they help you complete your job safely, successfully, and on time.

  • Customer Spotlight- City of Waukesha Water Supply Line - A Partnership in Planning

    Customer Spotlight- City of Waukesha Water Supply Line - A Partnership in Planning

    By Shawn Smith   01/05/2024  In Our Company Products

    With the turn of the calendar into a new year, many people have already started planning for the coming months. Whether planning that warm weather vacation to take a mental break from the snow and ice many of us are experiencing or planning our grocery list for the week ahead, good planning leads to successful outcomes. This preparation is also the case with water utility projects.

  • How Does Ductile Iron Pipe Increase Energy Savings for a Water Utility?

    How Does Ductile Iron Pipe Increase Energy Savings for a Water Utility?

    By John Simpson P.E., ENV SP, AMPP CT   11/03/2022  In Products Technical

    Approximately 85% of a utility’s capital investment is underground. Since water and sewer infrastructure plays such a significant role in the total energy consumption of municipalities, more emphasis must be placed on energy savings when selecting pipe materials. This Iron Strong Blog will describe factors that affect energy cost at water utilities and how to save money.

  • 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.

  • What is the Maximum Direct Tap Size for Ductile Iron Pipe?

    What is the Maximum Direct Tap Size for Ductile Iron Pipe?

    By Jeff Houser   09/10/2020  In Installation Technical

    With Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), typical service taps can be installed directly into the wall of the pipe, which is called “direct tapping.” The ability to use direct tapping eliminates the need for tapping saddles. And the ease at which DI pipe can be "hot tapped" helps avoid the issue of unhappy consumers because their service and pressure are not impacted by the addition of a new tap. The waterworks community frequently asks us, “How big of a tap will DI pipe allow?” The simple, most conservative response, not having interrogated the user as to their DI pipeline particulars, would be as follows:

  • Why PVC is Inadequate for Fire Protection in Distribution Systems

    Why PVC is Inadequate for Fire Protection in Distribution Systems

    By McWane Ductile   10/31/2020  In Environmental & Safety product Technical

    Today, most water systems serve the public in two ways: by providing potable drinking water and enabling fire protection for the community. Fire protection provides more than just the obvious public safety benefits. It also enhances community property values and provides residents with lower home and property insurance rates.

  • How Does STEM Apply to Manufacturing Ductile Iron Pipe and Building Water Infrastructure?

    How Does STEM Apply to Manufacturing Ductile Iron Pipe and Building Water Infrastructure?

    By McWane Ductile   11/08/2023  In Our Company Products Technical

    November 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day, highlighting the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in children’s education. The manufacturing of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) and constructing pipelines for water and wastewater infrastructure are complex processes that rely heavily on STEM principles. In this #IronStrong Blog, we will explore the intricate connections between these fields and their significance in ensuring safe and efficient water and wastewater management now and in the future.

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Latest Posts

  • Are Your Water and Wastewater Specifications Keeping Up With Change?
    Are Your Water and Wastewater Specifications Keeping Up With Change? By John Simpson P.E., ENV SP, AMPP CT 09/02/2026  In Environmental & Safety How To Specifications Technical
  • TR Flex® Restrained Joints and Pressure Ratings – How Much Do You Really Need?
    TR Flex® Restrained Joints and Pressure Ratings – How Much Do You Really Need? By Jerry Regula, ENV SP, AMPP CT 08/27/2026  In Products Technical What is
  • The Case for Cupola Melting in Large-Volume Ductile Iron Pipe Facilities
    The Case for Cupola Melting in Large-Volume Ductile Iron Pipe Facilities By Jeff Otterstedt 06/19/2026  In Comparisons Technical What is
  • 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
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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
    • Hazard Resilient Ductile Iron Pipe (HRDIP)
  • 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
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