Laying and Jointing of Pipes

1. Ensure that all pipes, specials/fittings and jointing  materials brought to site are of approved pattern, specified grade/quality and have proper  weight  and marking. Use IS certified fittings wherever  available. 
2. The use of rubber gaskets for jointing of CI  pipes is  considered to be a satisfactory alternative tot he "lead joint in view of the acute scarcity of "lead" in the country. While jointing pipes with rubber  gaskets ensure that the manufacturer's instructions regarding the jointing  methods are strictly followed. 
3. See that contractor has proper tools viz pipe wrenches, pipes cutters, pipe vices, pipe screwing tackle, fork tool tackle, rack and lever tackle, caulking tools, crow bars, set of spanners, hammers etc. 
4. In case of docketed pipes the sockets should face the direction of flow of water  but on slopes sockets should face "uphill" irrespective of direction of flow to facilitate laying of pipe lines. 
5. Before laying, the pipes and specials/fittings shall be  examined  that there are no cracks due to handling. 
6. Ensure that  all pipes, fittings/specials are cleaned of all dust and dirt, special 
7. care being taken to thoroughly  clean the extremities to be jointed. This is particularly important in case of jointing C1 pipes  with rubber gaskets, as  rubber joints are only as water tight as they are clean. 
8. See that the CUAC pipes are lowered into the  trench by means  of suitable pulley blocks, shear legs, chains, ropes etc, and  not rolled and dropped in. Specials or fittings should also be laid in  proper positions as stated above. 
9. Examine that CVAC pipes are carefully  packed under-neath. 
10. Ensure that  gravity  pipe lines are laid to proper slopes and gradients, as specified. 
11. See that the joints in the pipes are properly  laid  and correct method of jointing has been used. 
12. Check occasionally that appropriate quantity of lead is used  and joints  are properly caulked. 
13. See that polythene pipes are not laid in complete straight line but "snaked in a trench to allow for contraction and expansion. 
14. Ensure that polythene /PVC pipes are not used for conveying hot water. 
15. In situations where attack from rodents are expected ensure that polythene/PVC pipes are buried at least to a depth of 0.5 metres. 
16. See that at the end of day's work, the last pipe laid has its open end securely closed, so as to avoid dirty rats and other small animals getting in. 
17. Ensure that exposed CUAC pipes laid either on the ground or across,  are held firmly by adequate supports with an encircling clamp  placed near the joint. 
18. Examine that the pipe lengths  fixed on walls are in proper  straight line and they do not give an ugly appearance. As far as possible carry the pipes  on the outside faces of the buildings. 
19. See that CI/MS/Polythene pipes  are fixed clear of walls  with  approved pipe brackets, clips, pipe hooks  or holder  bats, as specified. 
20. Ensure that  proper anchorages (i.e thrust/anchor blocks) are provided  at each bend, on gradient more than  1 in 3 to take tangential thrust/unbalanced pressure. 
21. Take special care to have  adequate horizontal and vertical separation between water and sewer mains. The minimum horizontal  separation  should be 3 meters and the bottom of  water main should be at least 0.5 meter  above the top of sewer line. 
22. Avoid cross  connection between water mains and sanitary  plumbing fixtures or  sewer appurtenances. 
23. Ensure  that number of valves is kept  minimum consistent with efficient and utilitarian operation of pipe line system. 
24. See that all water mains are properly  disinfected before being put to use  and also after every major repair. 
25. See that linings and coatings of the pipe  are properly  protected against damage during laying.