Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best Inflatable Sewer Pipe Plugs

A lot of factors go into choosing the best pipe plug for your specific application. Whether mechanical or inflatable, every plug is used to block some type of media, whether water, air, sewage, or something else. Using the correct one allows you to make repairs, replace sections of pipe systems, and perform other jobs with minimal disruption to your operation.

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To complete the project properly, you have to ensure your pipe plug fits the pipe and can handle the pressure, temperature, and media it’s blocking. In order to help you out, we’ve put together a list of factors that determine which pipe plug is best for specific applications.

Measure the inside diameter of your pipe

Both mechanical and inflatable pipe plugs come in a wide variety of sizes to fit different pipes. The only way they will deliver an effective seal for your application is if they fit that pipe correctly. The first step you need to take when choosing the right pipe plug is to measure the pipe’s inside diameter. The best way to find that number is to check the ID of the pipe and match it to the usage range of the plug to make sure the two are compatible together.

If you’re unsure whether a specific pipe plug will work for you, contact the Petersen team. We can help!

What will your plug be doing?

Once you understand the size of the pipe plug that you need, the next step is to ask yourself what you want the plug to do. For example, many inflatable pipe plugs are used for blocking, bypassing, or leak location testing with air. Many mechanical pipe plugs are designed specifically for blocking. Ask yourself questions like:

• Are you blocking a pipeline or an opening?
• Are you bypassing effluent that is moving through a live pipeline?
• Are you pressure testing a new pipe?
• Are you checking for leaks?

How large is the access point?

The size of the access point plays a large role in determining which pipe plug will work for your application. Inflatable pipe plugs are typically more versatile in this respect, because they can fit through smaller openings and then be filled with air or liquid to block pipelines that are much larger than the opening. You don’t want to choose a plug that will work with your pipe’s inside diameter, but that is too large to fit through your access point.

What’s the pressure?

Blocking a pipeline involves a lot of pressure. When deciding which pipe plug is best for the job, you have to think about the force that you have to hold back. If the plug can’t withstand the pressure, then the seal will break, leading to a potentially dangerous or work stopping situation. Always check the pipe plug’s back pressure rating and talk to a Petersen team member before choosing a plug.

Consider what you’re blocking

Different types of pipe plugs are better suited for blocking different types of media. For example, rubber plugs may not be suited to blocking corrosive chemicals or materials. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is strong and corrosion resistant. Whether you’re blocking sewage, air, water, or something else, different pipe plugs will be better suited than others.

If you have any questions about finding an inflatable pipe plug or mechanical pipe plug, the Petersen team is here to help! Contact us today.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Inflatable Sewer Pipe Plugs.

Disclaimer: The information may be used but with no warranty or liability. This information is believed to be correct but should always be double checked with alternative sources. Strictly adhere to and follow all applicable national and local regulations and practices.

Regardless of these comments, it is always necessary to read and understand manufactures instructions and local regulations prior to using any item.   

In , while working on an institutional job, Lloyd Cherne vulcanized a tire’s Schrader valve to a child's inflatable rubber ball to create the first-ever pneumatic plumber's test plug.

Since its inception nearly 70 years ago, the Cherne pipe plug offering has expanded to include testing, maintenance, and repair equipment for plumbing and municipal sewer markets in the United States. From humble beginnings, Cherne now offers two pipe plug types: pneumatic and mechanical, covering pipe sizes from .39 inches to 96 inches.

But the question remains: How do you decide between pneumatic and mechanical plugs?

Let's take a look at five questions or factors that will likely impact this decision.

• What is the inside diameter of the pipe you need to plug?
  • The first step in choosing a pipe plug is determining the pipe's I.D. (inside diameter). It's important to check the ID of the pipe to be plugged and match it to the usage range of the plug to make sure it will work in the intended pipe.
  • Pneumatic plugs come in sizes ranging from 1 inch to 96 inches and can be used for blocking (Test Ball), bypassing or redirecting effluent (Muni Ball), or conducting line acceptance or leak-location testing using air (Air-Loc Plug). Pneumatic plugs are designed to fit one pipe size or multiple pipe sizes.
  • Mechanical plugs are available in sizes ranging from .39 inch to 18 inches and do not need to be inflated. They are expanded to fit tightly within a pipe or open mechanically. Most only require to be hand tightened. 
• What do you need the plug to do?
  • Pneumatic and mechanical plugs can be used for various purposes. To determine which Cherne plug to use, you have to nail down the purpose of the plug by asking:
    Do I need to...
    • ...block a pipeline or an opening?
    • ...bypass effluent that is running through a live pipeline?
    • ...pressure test a new pipeline before placing it into service or test a pipeline already in service for leaks?
  • As mentioned above, pneumatic plugs are used for blocking, bypassing, conducting line acceptance, or leak-location testing using air. Most mechanical plugs are designed for blocking. However, Cherne’s mechanical Aluminum T-Handle Gripper Plugs are available with or without a bypass and can be used for bypassing or air testing. 
• What is the point of access size into which you need to install the plug, and what is the maximum back pressure the plug must withstand?
  • The size of the point of access into which you need to install the plug will likely impact the plug needed for the job. Back pressure is the pressure (air or liquid) in front or back of the plug that it must restrain or hold back. It is important never to exceed the plug’s back-pressure rating.
  • The total force exerted on a pipeline plug is directly proportional to both the pressure and the pipeline area. It’s important to check the back-pressure rating on the plugs to ensure the pressure you need to block does not exceed the plug’s capabilities.
• What media does the plug need to block and how long does it need to be kept in place?
  • The type of plug needed will depend on the media the plug needs to block; for example, air, water, sewage, or something else.
  • Pneumatic Plugs:
    • Pneumatic plugs are meant to be used in short-term applications. If a pneumatic plug needs to remain in place for longer periods, its inflation pressure must be checked every four hours and adjusted as required.
    • Pneumatic plugs can be inflated with air, water, or any inert gas (nitrogen). It’s crucial never to over inflate or under-inflate Cherne plugs. 
    • When pneumatic plugs are in use for safety reasons, the work area has to be cordoned off so that nobody gets in front of the plug. For this reason, an extension hose must be used to inflate and deflate pneumatic plugs from a safe distance.
  • Mechanical Plugs:
    • Mechanical plugs do not need to be inflated. They are expanded to fit tightly within a pipe or open mechanically.
    • Most mechanical plugs only require to be hand tightened.
    • Mechanical plugs are the correct choice for long-term or permanent installations.
    • Some offer specialized features such as chemical resistance, the ability to lock in place, or are designed for specific applications, such as Pipe Hubs and Clean Out Coverings.

To sum up: Once you have determined the ID of the pipe you need to plug, what you need the plug to do, the back pressure the plug needs to withstand, the media that needs to be blocked, and how long you need to keep the pipe plug in place, you can determine which Cherne plug to use based on your findings.

When in doubt, or if you have any questions about which plug is appropriate for your application, please call Cherne technical sales at 1-800-321- / 1-800-THE PLUG

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