Expansion coupling opinions Cancel The title field is required!

1. Dalton Andrew

   
   4/18/2015 6:04 PM

   I used a few expansion couplers many years ago of various sizes and never had good luck with them. In fact, at my current job we have dug up a few that have failed, but were installed before I got there. I know a few people that use them, and I am told they are made better now. Are they truly made better and what is your overall opinion of them?
   
   Thanks,
   
   Andrew Dalton
   Metamora Golf and Country Club

   
   
   
   
2. Harlyn Goldman

   

   0 posts
   
   4/19/2015 10:04 AM

   I would say your success/failure may depend on pressure and flow. I stopped using expanding couplers on pressures over 70, and using only "knock-on" type repair couplers. Use a joint restraint or thrust block if you're concerned about separation.

   
   
   
   
3. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   4/19/2015 3:04 PM

   We've been using expansion couplings for a while now and only on occasion have they failed, usually due to an odd pipe angles and poor repair techniques on our part. We've used them from 2" to 3" in sizes.
   
   We have a pretty well designed loop system and VFD drive pumps. We have few leaks as it is on a system installed in 1993. I bet we don't have 10 repairs a year and most have to do with quick couplers, and they are typically our fault.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
4. Andrew Cross

   

   5 posts
   
   4/19/2015 4:04 PM

   I won't touch those. Only use knock-on style couplings. I have dug up plenty of telescoping (expansion) couplers as well as compression couplers (dug one up last week).
   
   The positive with knock ons, use 2 per fix and turn water back on, no waiting for glue.

   
   
   
   
5. Jason Knuutila

   

   0 posts
   
   4/19/2015 9:04 PM

   Andrew Cross said: I won't touch those. Only use knock-on style couplings. I have dug up plenty of telescoping (expansion) couplers as well as compression couplers (dug one up last week).
   
   The positive with knock ons, use 2 per fix and turn water back on, no waiting for glue.

   
   I agree, won't touch them because guaranteed someone will have to dig them up.
   
   On a side note I try to use 1 knock on. I dig the one side of the leak back farther to get flex on the pipe. Will cut the bell end off another pipe and glue or slip the one side of the fix on. Knock the knock -on back to it. Bottom line the pipe failed in that spot for a reason and usually it's a bad angle.

   
   
   
   
6. Dalton Andrew

   
   4/20/2015 2:04 AM

   I don't mind compression couplers, have been using them for years. Only complaint I have had is they changed the design and needed a different spanner wrench. I don't recall replacing to many of them after installation.
   
   Andrew Dalton
   Metamora golf and country club

   
   
   
   
7. Matthew Noble

   

   0 posts
   
   4/23/2015 6:04 PM

   We use lots of compression couplings with good success. I've only had to dig up maybe two in the last 5 years because of any issues that come up later. Our system is over 30 years old and we have zero isolation valves so we avoid using any glued fittings if we can. I've also notices our wrenches don't fit the same anymore but we make them work. The knock on couplings work well also, just don't use as many.