Which component is the unsung hero of any temporary piping system? The O-ring, of course! Also known as packing or toric joints, O-rings are small, round gaskets usually made of elastomers (rubber-like materials) that prevent leaks and create a strong seal between two joined parts.
Because they are so simple, versatile, and cost-effective, O-rings are critical to nearly every industry, from aerospace and automotive to civil engineering and construction. Yet many of us take the humble O-ring for granted all too often. Without the right care and maintenance, O-rings can underperform and break down, which can result in project delays, jobs site injuries, and, in some cases, leaks or failures in temporary piping systems.
Today, we’re sharing a few tips to help you show a little TLC to your O-rings and extend their lifespan:
Keep O-Rings Lubricated
O-rings are made to be highly durable and reliable — as long as they’re maintained correctly. Using a protective grease or oil to lubricate your O-rings can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Making fittings easier to assemble and disassemble
Time is money, especially when it comes to projects involving temporary piping. Even small delays can have a major financial impact on construction projects. Time is also of the essence when temporary piping is used for emergency sanitary sewer system repair and stormwater diversion. Ensuring O-rings are well-lubricated will help to speed up the process of assembling a temporary piping set-up, preventing costly — and potentially dangerous — delays.
- Minimizing injuries in the field
Making temporary pipe fittings easier to assemble is also an important way to help your team avoid unnecessary frustration and injuries out in the field. If an O-ring isn’t properly lubricated, workers can struggle for minutes attempting to use force to close the lever on temporary pipe fittings. Not only does this limit their productivity, but it can lead to muscle strain and pinched, crushed, lacerated, or even lost fingers in the event of a slippage accident.
In addition to lubricating O-rings, we highly recommend the Wolf Creek Warhammer multi-closing tool to improve ease of closure when setting up temporary piping systems. Fabricated out of high tensile strength steel, the Warhammer is designed specifically for connecting and disassembling pipe fittings with both A-Type and B-Type connections. Our customers have found that equipping their teams with the Warhammer greatly reduces the time and effort required to set up and tear down portable piping while enhancing safety at their job sites.
- Preventing product failure
Rubber O-rings are designed to be flexible, durable, and reliable. However, they can be subject to failure with improper installation. Because temporary pipe fittings are formed from metal, there can be inconsistencies and sharp edges that may actually cut or displace the O-ring and cause failure if the fitting is not closed correctly. Furthermore, if O-rings aren’t well-lubricated, it will take multiple attempts to latch down on the levers and close the pipe fitting. All that extra pressure can weaken an O-ring over time and significantly shorten its lifespan.
How to Lubricate O-Rings
Applying an external lubricating agent to the surface of your O-rings can reduce abrasion, pinching, and cutting during set-up and tear-down while providing an extra barrier against temperature fluctuations and other harsh conditions in the field. But what type of grease or oil is best? When and how should it be applied?
When choosing a lubricant product, be mindful of the type of rubber used in your O-rings, as some oils and greases can create a chemical reaction that degrades the material. Oatney makes an effective paste commonly used to lubricate rubber seals and gaskets, and WD-40 and other lubricant sprays are also quick and easy to apply in the field. Generally, a thin layer of the lubricating product should be applied at the time of installation to ensure the O-ring sits correctly and tightly with the fitting.
Stock up on O-Rings and More at Wolf Creek!
By now, you know that taking steps to lubricate your O-rings can help you save time, limit safety issues in the field, and reduce the risk of premature product failure. With proper care, O-rings can even be reusable, although it’s always wise to have backups so you’re not caught off-guard in the middle of a project.
When you need new or replacement O-rings, turn to the portable piping experts at Wolf Creek! We stock true Genuine Bauer O-rings ranging in size from 2” up to 8,” tailor-made for the industry’s best fitting. These sealing rings, made from styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), are acceptable for most applications involving water, sewage, particles, and vegetable-based oils. They can handle temperatures ranging from -22 to 203 degrees Fahrenheit. And, if you need larger-sized O-rings for your temporary piping project, Wolf Creek also stocks 10” and 12” O-rings in both Anfor and B-type.
Ready to Order O-Rings for Temporary Piping?
When it comes to temporary piping projects, there’s no time to waste. That’s why Wolf Creek carries O-rings, the Warhammer multi-closing tool, and other portable piping products and support tools to make your life easier. Browse our complete catalog or contact us today. Our team is always here to answer your questions!