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Ductile Iron Pipe

What Is Ductile Iron Pipe?

Ductile iron pipe is the successor to the tried-and-true gray cast-iron pipe. It has been in use since the year 1455 in Germany and came to the United States in 1817. Over 600 utilities in the United States and Canada have used cast-iron mains for over 100 years.

In the mid-1950s, ductile iron pipe was introduced to a more reliable means of moving fluids and chemicals. After more than four decades in use, it is now an industry standard for water and wastewater systems.

Like Cast Iron, But Better

The chemical properties of ductile iron pipe are similar to those of cast iron. It is just as resistant to corrosion and equally machinable, but it’s even stronger and tougher. Advancements in casting, metallurgy and quality control produce a higher-quality pipe than ever before.

How Is Ductile Iron Pipe Better?

The manufacturing process that produces ductile iron pipe changes the graphite in the iron from the flake form in cast iron to a nodular or spheroidal form. This is done by adding magnesium and other elements to the molten iron during the manufacturing. The spheroidal graphite nearly doubles the strength of the iron, which bears out in bursting, bending, beam and tensile-strength tests.

A Green Building Material

Ductile iron pipe (DIP) carries many benefits over traditional cast iron and other types of pipe for mains. This form of pipe is designed to last more than a century, and it is recognized as a green building material. DIP, when it does wear down after over 105 years, can be recycled into new products. It also provides energy savings during use because of its increased flow capacity. That means if you’re looking to go green, it’s hard to do better than this type of pipe.

Withstands the Toughest Conditions

Ductile iron also has such a high strength that it can stand up against everything from heavy earth to high pressure, high traffic loads, unstable soil, and the most serious environmental conditions without rupturing or breaking. It’s highly resistant to corrosion and requires only a loose sheath of polyethylene in the most aggressive conditions. This makes it the best material to stand up against years of high-pressure loads and surges.

Easy, Safe, Maintenance-Free

Ductile iron pipe is exceptionally easy and safe to install by trained contractors. DIP requires no complicated laying schedules or complicated line-and-grade diagrams. It’s good for use in a wide range of conditions, and it maintains its structural integrity even when it’s subject to direct tapping in straight lines. DIP also resists damage during installation, transport and handling, and it’s virtually maintenance-free once installed.

Finally, since it is iron, that means it’s still easy to locate underground with existing pipe locator technology.

United Pipe Supply is your source for PushTite ductile iron pipe that meets all American Water Works Association and American National Standards Institute standards for ductile iron pipe. 

PushTite Ductile Iron Pipe

  • All pipe has a metalized zinc coating.
  • Made from raw material (iron ore) not recycled materials. This ensures quality and consistency.
  • Available in sizes 3”-36” in multiple pressure classes.
  • Offered with a wide range of exterior coatings.
  • Meets all AWWA and ANSI standards for DIP
  • Known for its remarkable quality by contractors, utilities, and fabricators alike.

PushTite Pipe is a pushon type connection known for its rugged design, ease of use and water tightness. PushTite Pipe is available in sizes 3” through 36”. All diameters of PushTite Pipe are UL Listed.

All PushTite Pipe is beveled for trouble-free assembly and is available in all AWWA C150 Pressure and Thickness Classes. Through careful manufacturing and intensive quality control, all of our pipes can withstand pressures in excess of their ratings.

ANSI/AWWA Standards

PushTite Pipe represents the highest quality achievable in ductile iron. We meet or exceed every standard required. Those standards are shown below.

  • Centrifugally casting for water standard meet ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.5
  • Cement lining and fittings for water adhere to ANSI/AWWA C104/A21.4
  • Metal molds, centrifugally casting to ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.5
  • Asphalt coatings conform with ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
  • Pipe weight standards adhere to ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51
  • Lining and coatings conform with ANSI/AWWA C104/A21.4
  • Special linings and coatings available PushTite Rubber Gasket Joints meet ANSI/AWWA C111/A21.11
  • PushTite RJ Gaskets meet ANSI/AWWA C111/A21.11
  • Polyethylene encasement for ductile iron pipe in accordance to ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5

NOTE: When there is potential for installation in corrosive soils, ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5 should be consulted for quality assurance.