Technical Requirements and Construction Safety for Sewer Pipe Installation

It’s worth noting that today, drainage pipes are used in a wide range of applications—whether on highways, underpasses, tunnels, or in wastewater treatment plants, water purification facilities, parks, stadiums, and more. In addition, various earthworks projects that involve installing underground drainage systems also rely on drainage pipes of different models and specifications. With so many businesses facing challenges in sewage pipe installation, the following provides a brief overview of key considerations to keep in mind during the installation process.

1. The surfaces of the spigot, socket, and rubber gasket must be thoroughly cleaned, with all adhering substances—such as sand, soil, loose coatings, and any foreign matter that could contaminate the water or damage the gasket—removed by brushing or scraping.

2. When installing the rubber gasket, wear gloves and bend the gasket into a heart shape before placing it in the socket groove to ensure proper positioning, with no warping or twisting, and verify that the gasket is securely fastened.

3. Clean the outer surface of the spigot; ensure that the spigot end is rounded and has a slight taper to facilitate easy insertion into the socket. Apply lubricant to the inner surface of the rubber gasket in the socket and to the outer surface of the spigot; suitable lubricants include soapy water or dishwashing detergent.

4. Align the spigot with the socket, and use a hand chain hoist to insert the spigot into the socket. The angular deviation at each joint shall be less than 2 degrees.

5. The minimum gap at the joint shall not be less than 3 mm. The maximum gap shall not exceed the specified limit (5–8 mm), and care must be taken to ensure that the joint‑filling material does not “fall out.” During joint inspection, insert a probe into the socket‑spigot gap to verify the position of the rubber gasket.

6. Rubber rings shall be stored separately, protected from heavy pressure, kept away from oil‑based substances, and stored at a safe distance from heat sources. During on‑site installation, cover them with canvas to prevent exposure to direct sunlight.

7. During installation, use edge lines or a center plumb line to align the pipe’s center. The elevation of the bedding layer must be precise to control the pipe’s elevation, and a level should be used for verification. When installing the pipes, place four wedge‑shaped concrete pads at 90° on either side of the pipe, spaced at one-fifth of the pipe end length along its longitudinal axis. Before lifting, inspect that the lifting hooks and all lifting components are secure and that the pipe is free from cracks or damage. A dedicated operator must direct the lifting process, ensuring gentle hoisting and placement to prevent damage.

The above are the precautions to observe during technical installation; however, even greater attention must be paid to the personal safety of workers throughout the process. Sewage‑network projects typically involve deep trenches and extensive pipeline routes, presenting numerous potential hazards. A moment’s carelessness can easily result in injuries or fatalities among workers and bystanders. The effectiveness of safety management directly impacts construction schedule, quality, and budget. Consequently, safety management is of paramount importance in pipeline‑installation work. Key safety‑management measures include: first, erecting perimeter fencing along the construction corridor and posting appropriate warning signs; second, ensuring slopes comply with relevant standards—where natural slope is not feasible, adequate shoring must be provided; third, limiting soil piles alongside the trench to a reasonable height and maintaining a pedestrian walkway at least 0.8 meters wide on both sides of the trench; fourth, providing ladders of sufficient length and structural integrity for safe access to and from the trench; fifth, intensifying slope‑monitoring efforts; upon detecting cracks or other anomalies, promptly evacuate personnel and resume work only after the hazard has been eliminated; sixth, strengthening safety training and briefing sessions and ensuring proper personal protective equipment is used; and seventh, reinforcing safety management during winter and rainy seasons to prevent accidents such as frozen‑soil collapses or erosion‑induced landslides caused by rainwater.