General Distribution

Question 1

What are the major components of a distribution system?

Answer 1

• Water Mains
• Fire Hydrants
• Valves
• Booster Stations
• Storage Tanks
• Pressure Regulators

Question 2

What are the properties of a Cast Iron pipe?

Answer 2

Still in the ground - pre 1948
Strong, Heavy
Easy to "tap"
Long life expectancy (50+ years)
Corrosion

Question 3

What are the properties of Ductile Iron pipe?

Answer 3

What we use now instead of Cast Iron
Strong, Heavy
Easy to tap
Flexible to attach to fittings, less rigid than cast iron
Most popular

Question 4

What are the properties of a Plastic pipes?

Answer 4

PVC, Polyethylene
light, very flexible
High “C” factor (high carrying capacity, less friction)
Initial concern that inorganics could be absorbed into pipe
Starting to use now and will in future more

Question 5

What are the properties of an Asbestos Cement pipe?

Answer 5

This asbestos is different than we know it to be
This type has been phased out,
Susceptible to pH
High "C" factor (smooth)
Not used in Wisconsin

Question 6

What are the properties of steel pipes?

Answer 6

Not so popular anymore
Thin
Would have to be protected with encasement pipe
Low cost
Easy to make/weld
If it leaked, could make rivers under RR tracks

Question 7

What are the properties of reinforced concrete pipes?

Answer 7

BIG PIPES
For transmission mains.
Smooth, High “C” factor
Hard to tap… but can

Question 8

Explain the accepted water main installation procedures with respect to:

Unloading Pipe

Answer 8

Must arrive on flat surface
Look for damage
Use “chalks” to separate pipes… I don’t think this is a real word
May have unloading instructions per manufacturer (How high to stack)

Question 9

Explain the accepted water main installation procedures with respect to:

Storage of Pipe

Answer 9

Keep off ground, in secure area

OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR PVC… becomes brittle

Question 10

Explain the accepted water main installation procedures with respect to:

Trenching

Answer 10

Digger’s Hotline - communicate with other departments i.e. phone lines

Back Fill and Tap Down
Be Aware of Soil Type
Enough room to work

Question 11

Explain the accepted water main installation procedures with respect to:

Bedding

Answer 11

The bottom of the trench…

• Must support the “barrel” (the rounded part of the pipe)
• Must be smooth surface
• Not swampy, will support the weight

Question 12

Explain the accepted water main installation procedures with respect to:

Pipe Laying

Answer 12

Slowly

Use straps & power equipment

Question 13

Explain the accepted water main installation procedures with respect to:

Backfill

Answer 13

Backfill = filling under curves and over pipe with dirt

Tamp down to put in place because pipes move in dirt
Backfill fills the trench, good quality, no leaves/organics
No frozen materials (leaves air pockets)
Tamp recommended with 6 inch lifts - meaning add dirt in 6 inch layers at a time
Predisinfect with cl2 solution, swab out

Question 14

Explain the accepted water main installation procedures with respect to:

Clean up

Answer 14

Remove broken fittings, tools, extra soil, smooth lawn

Question 15

Describe the procedures to follow for safe trench shoring:

Answer 15

This is those giant metal fences to prevent hole for pipe installation from caving in…

Take note of soil, sand, loose clay - can cause collapse
#1 cause of collapse is WATER
#2 cause of collapse is loads adjacent to trench - backfill to close heavy things nearby to displace soil

Be aware of places dug before….Cleavage?

Question 16

Identify which State agency has code on safe trenching practices

Answer 16

State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Municipalities)

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Contractors & Private Companies)

NOT DNR

Question 17

Describe the procedures necessary before a main in placed in service

Answer 17

1 - Pressure Testing to make sure everything is connected, no leaks