When it comes to construction projects, Inflatable Pipe Plugs are crucial devices providing a reliable solution for sealing pipes during maintenance, testing or repair works. An Inflatable Pipe Plug is made of rubber reinforced with fiber cords. It has different names in different regions such as Pipe Stopper, Pipe Balloon, Pipe Bung or Pipe Cushion…etc.
What Tools Are Needed for Installing Pipe Plugs?
Before listing the tools needed for installing properly the inflatable pipe, it’s important to emphasize that the inflatable pipe plugs can be dangerous due to the burst risk if used improperly. Thus, these products need to be handled by qualified personnel only.
Inflatable Pipe Plug
Of course, the main tool is the inflatable pipe plug itself. It is essential to choose the right pipe plug to be used before starting any application. For more details on how to choose the correct pipe balloon, refer to our previously published article: How to Choose the Right Pipe Plug for Your Application
Air Supply
Either a compressor or a pump, in order to inflate the pipe plug, a proper tool must be chosen. The compressor is the ideal solution for quick inflation, while the hand or foot pump can be used for small plugs. In some cases, inflatable pipe plugs can also be filled with water instead of air.
Control Device
Monitoring the inflation pressure is critical. Using the right control device helps ensure safety and effectiveness. For more information, refer to this article to discover the diverse options PlugCo offers for its clients: https://www.plugco.net/plugcos-pressure-monitoring-and-alarm-system
PlugCo Accessories
PlugCo offers for its clients other accessories to safely use the Pipe Plugs, such as long air hose to inflate the plug outside the danger zone, a centralizer which is used to centralize the plug in the pipe during its inflation, and many other helpful accessories that you can check in the Accessories Page.
Pipe Cleaning Supplies
Before installation, it is important to clean the pipe thoroughly to ensure a proper sealing and to avoid pipe plug failure.
Installation Manual
As noted earlier, inflatable pipe plugs should only be used by trained professionals. To safely install and remove the pipe plugs, it is very important to follow PlugCo User Manual.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Installation and Removal
Before using an Inflatable Pipe Plug, always inspect the plug and its accessories for any damage and ensure that no air leaking is present either in the body of the plug or in the fittings by using a soapy water.
Another important step to be follow before the installation is to inspect the pipe conditions and clean it from any debris and sharp objects which may damage the plug and/or reduce its sealing capability.
Install the Pipe Plug with all its accessories and make sure you support it against the back pressure and NEVER inflate the plug with more or less pressure than the instructed value.
All PlugCo’s pipe plugs are equipped with hooks designed for easy installation and removal using a rope or chain.
Always ensure to monitor the inflation & back pressure in the application while the plug in use to avoid any fatal damages caused by plug burst.
Before removing the plug, make sure to completely discharge the back pressure and fully deflate the plug before removing it from the pipe.
Before, during, and after using the plugs, always follow the safety rules defined by PlugCo in its Safety Instructions Manual.