Can Ductile Iron Pipes Crack? (A Comprehensive Guide)

Yes, they can crack. Ductile iron pipes can crack for different reasons, although they are one of the most used options in many industries. Environmental factors such as soil condition, mechanical factors like pressure or temperature changes, and installation quality are all effective. These factors determine the lifespan and vulnerability of ductile iron pipes. Fortunately, you can prevent DI pipes from cracking or repair them when needed. Epoxy, welding, and sleeves are some of the common repair methods. Keep reading to understand why ductile iron pipes crack.

Is It Possible That Ductile Iron Pipes Crack?

Shortly, the answer is yes. Just like any other industrial material, ductile iron pipes can crack for different reasons. These materials are widely utilized in a broad range of industries. Referring to McWane Ductile, pipe cracking issues should be addressed immediately to prevent more complex problems. In such conditions, having enough information can help you solve this issue and maintain the piping system.

Conditions That Can Make Ductile Iron Pipes Cracked

In the first place, you need to have adequate information about common conditions causing this problem.

Soil Condition: One of the most common causes of cracked ductile iron pipes is soil erosion. When it moves, it can cause cracks and chips over the ductile iron pipes.

Temperature Changes: When the temperature of a piping system changes too often, it can lead to extreme expansion or contraction. This negatively affects the durability of ductile iron pipes and causes them to crack.

Pressure Variation: Sudden fluctuation of pressure in the piping system can result in cracked materials.

You must consider these environmental and mechanical factors to prevent ductile iron pipe damage.

Common Causes of Cracked Ductile Iron Pipes

In addition to those mentioned conditions, there are some common reasons for damaging these materials.

Impact: Sometimes, heavy objects or sudden accidents can cause harmful impacts on ductile iron pipes.

Low-quality Materials: Ductile iron pipe lifespan is directly affected by the quality of the materials. When they aren’t high enough, the system can experience cracked and chipped pipes.

Stress: Professionals should know the maximum amount of pressure they can apply to pipes. Otherwise, ductile iron pipes can crack under excessive stress.

Poor Installation: DI pipes need to be installed following specific standards. Otherwise, the risk of ductile iron pipe failure will be greatly increased. For instance, the backfilling should be done correctly. Otherwise, it results in uneven pressure distribution.

How Can You Repair Cracked Ductile Iron Pipes?

There is no need to worry if ductile iron pipes crack. Some important factors can’t be controlled and may result in cracked DI pipes. According to NuFlow, there are some ways to repair them to save money.

Epoxy Repair

This method easily fills the cracks to increase the durability of ductile iron pipes. Epoxy repair strengthens the cracked and weak pipe. However, it can’t meet your needs when the cracks are major and significant.

Welding

It’s the most common repair method. In this approach, professionals seal the cracks and other damaged areas.

Sleeve Repair

Sleeve repair can protect DI pipes from cracking. It adds more protection to the system and reduces the risk of ductile iron pipe failure.

When Is the Time to Repair?

Repairing cracked ductile iron pipes isn’t always the right solution. Under some specific circumstances, professionals recommend replacing them instead of repairing them.

• Structural Integrity: You can’t repair ductile iron pipes if they threaten system integrity. Integrity is much more important, and you have to replace the cracked ductile iron pipe.
• Extensive Damage: Sometimes, the ductile iron pipes are cracked and damaged so badly that they become irreparable. When ductile iron pipes crack extensively, it’s better to replace them for system safety.
• Age: Old DI pipes are more likely to crack. For system efficiency, they should be replaced.

How to Prevent Ductile Iron Pipes from Cracking?

As you know, DI  pipes are significantly important in water distribution systems. That’s why you should understand the causes of ductile iron pipe cracking. This will prevent them from getting chipped and maintain a more practical system overall. There are some key steps to follow to prevent ductile iron pipe damage.

Follow the Best Installation Method.

First of all, you must understand how to install ductile iron pipes safely. You can’t just install DI pipes without the needed knowledge and hope they work efficiently.

1. Follow the guidelines provided By the Manufacturer.
2. It helps you assemble joints correctly and shows you how to reduce the pressure on pipes to prevent further issues.
3. Take the backfilling step seriously. You must use quality materials and techniques to pass this step successfully. One of the common causes of ductile iron pipe cracking is poor backfilling.
4. Understand the importance of support. You have to provide reliable support for DI pipes.

Maintain Your System Regularly.

After installation, you should still maintain the piping system regularly. It helps you detect issues in the very early stages. That’s how you can solve them easily and prevent ductile iron pipe cracks.

1. Plan for regular inspections. If you can’t do it yourself, ask a professional.
2. Use lead detection methods. There are many advanced techniques you can consider to detect any possible leaks. Leaks are one of the common reasons for ductile iron failure.

3. Take flushing seriously. You need to flush your piping system to remove sediment and debris on a regular basis. It maintains the water quality as well.

Learn Inspection Techniques.

Detecting issues in very early stages can save you a lot of money and time. There are many different techniques for utilizing and preventing ductile iron pipe cracks.

1. Do a visual inspection. Some cracks and fractures are clearly visible on the ductile iron pipes.
2. Run a magnetic inspection. It helps you to discover surface and subsurface defects.
3. Consider an ultrasonic test. This test helps you know more about wall thickness loss or internal defects.

These three important steps help prevent ductile iron pipe damage and guarantee a long-lasting piping system that works well for water or sewage. Visit our specialists for more information. Yasmin Trading is one of the greatest suppliers of Ductile Iron Pipe fittings in the UAE, Middle East and Africa. You can rely on our experts whenever needed!

What Factors Can Determine the Ductile Iron Pipe Lifespan?

As explained, cracked ductile iron pipes are a serious problem. That’s why you should know the factors affecting DI’s lifespan. This will help you protect the piping system more effectively. There are three important groups of factors impacting their durability.

Mechanical Elements

Generally speaking, mechanical factors can determine the lifespan of DI pipes. For instance, pressure changes and physical impacts play important roles in the strength of ductile iron pipes. Experts must manage these repaid pressure changes and impacts to keep these pipes efficient and practical.

Environmental Elements

You can’t ignore the effect of environmental factors. These environmental elements influence many stress factors in ductile iron pipes, so it’s necessary to keep the condition ideal.

Installation Quality

The last effective factor that causes ductile iron pipes to crack is the quality of installation and materials. When everything is maintained to the highest standard possible, you can expect your DI pipes to become more durable.

Do Ductile Iron Pipe Alternatives Crack Too?

Many want to know whether ductile iron pipe alternatives are less vulnerable to getting cracked. When you compare ductile iron pipes vs cast iron pipes, you notice many differences and similarities. Another common alternative is PVC. If you don’t know how to choose the best option, read DI pipe alternatives for more information.

Conclusion

While ductile iron pipes can crack, they are still beneficial for many different industries. All you need to do is learn about this equipment. Knowledge gives you the power to keep your piping system efficient. Visit our professionals if you have any other questions!