Expansion joints play critical roles in helping pipes endure expansions and contractions. The joints need anchors to do their jobs, and installing these products can help the joints perform for a longer amount of time. Learn below how far an anchor should be from your expansion joint.
An Anchor’s Role
Although expansion joints play a critical role in absorbing the stresses of pipes, something must absorb the stress of joints. When pipes experience expansion, the joints’ bellows become pressurized. That is where anchors play a vital role.
Two types of joints can absorb the joints’ stress: main and intermediate. The main anchors can take on the pressure of the joint itself, and the intermediate joint absorbs the force from the bellows.
Where an Anchor Should Go
You must place anchors at the end of a pipe. However, if you are trying to determine how far an anchor should be from your expansion joint, place the anchor as close as possible. This position will help the anchor do its job of preventing pipe movement.
The pipe’s nominal diameter can significantly increase how far you can locate an anchor from an expansion joint. For example, when dealing with a one-inch pipe, the maximum distance should be four inches. A two-inch pipe will allow you to space the anchor eight inches away.
Why Proper Installation Is Essential
It is important to install the anchor properly when adding it to the pipe. Otherwise, you will risk creating extra stress on the expansion joint, which will shorten its operating life. After installing it correctly, the anchor will be able to take on thousands of pounds of force and prevent you from having to replace the joint sooner.
Triad Bellows is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of expansion joints and pipe guides and supports. Additionally, we are an expert resource regarding information about expansion joint maintenance. To learn more, visit our webpage!
