How To Install Flexible Pipe Fittings For Earthquake Protection

Piping systems are used for a number of reasons that are fundamental in keeping a house secure during an earthquake. They supply a property with a number of things, such as gas or water, that would be vitally important in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Therefore it'is important to take the correct measures in adapting them to prepare for such events. 

Step 1: Attach Angles to Wood or Concrete

Locate the piping system to be adapted. The first step is to install the angles. The piping system should be encased by either wood or concrete. Attach the angles near a corner or joint. Use lag bolts to attach one end of the angle to wood or expansion bolts if the pipes are surrounded by concrete. The angles should drop down, creating an X shape over the pipe, which will be joined by u-bolts. This is a classic angle for bracing a pipe. 

Step 2: Attach Angles to Pipe

Take the u-bolts and fit them around the pipe, securing them to each end of the angles that have dropped down over the pipe. Once this has been done, make sure that the angle braces are rigid and secure, and cannot be moved with a moderate amount of force. This is important, because it will hold the pipe in place when it's subjected to great force. 

Step 3: Brace Rest of Pipe

There will be long stretches of pipe where there is nothing securing it in place. Use the pipe brackets at 16-inch intervals to hold any naked pipe into position. This will give the piping added strength and should ensure that key piping areas are not damaged during an earthquake. 

Step 4: Install Flexible Connectors

There are a variety of flexible connectors that can be bought from hardware stores. Use connectors that are similar to the size of the pipes. The connectors should come with installation instructions, but they will usually fit onto a solid surface. Use the drill and the correct bolts for wood or concrete to attach them. This is the most important step in the process, because flexible connectors will allow the pipes to move if they can't cope with the force that an earthquake will generate. 

Step 5: Double Check

Once everything has been installed, slowly look over the entire piping system. Make sure the correct size bolts, angles and piping brackets have been used. If any of these are incorrect, the flexible pipe fittings will simply fall away or break under the pressure from an earthquake.