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A boot connector seals with a stainless steel clamp. Where the clamp sits and how tight it goes are what make the seal.
Experience has shown that successful performance of this product depends on proper plant installation, as well as the backfill and the care in the field installation of the manhole or wastewater structure and connecting pipes.
The steps below are A-LOK’s own installation instructions for each boot connector, gathered in one place. Compression connectors have their own page; the mandrel work at the plant has another.
1. Before any pipe goes in
Pipe prep is the same for every A-LOK connector.
Confirm that the pipe surface is smooth, clean and free of foreign materials, chips, gouges and form seams due to manufacturing or handling. Make sure to lightly bevel any sharp or blunt edges caused by the cutting of the pipe. Without a bevel, rough edges may cause a cut or tear on the connector.
2. QUIK-LOK
Pull out connector from cast position and clean off debris (stones, dirt, etc.) that could weaken the sealing area.
Center pipe and insert. After inserting pipe, the stainless steel band should be tightened with the torque wrench to 60 in.-lb., then deflect pipe to flow or angle installation requires.
3. Z-LOK, inside and outside positions
Inside position
Center pipe in connector and push through. Attach proper size clamp beside o-ring then center pipe in connector and VERY IMPORTANT tighten clamp with torque wrench to 60 inch pounds.
Outside position
When installing a Z-LOK connector in the outside the manhole position pull pipe back out after inserting so the connector flips outward, then VERY IMPORTANT - center pipe in connector and tighten the take down clamp to 60 inch pounds with a torque wrench.
The Z-LOK installation drawing carries the same instruction on the drawing itself: no mortar, inside or outside the manhole.
4. G3 BOOT SYSTEM
Position G3-1208 Boot & Band in hole, then tighten to 25 ft-lbs using torque wrench. Insert pipe into rolled in connector. For inside mount, affix clamp behind O-ring. Torque to 60 in-lbs and backfill. For outside mount: pull pipe back, reposition pipe within the wall and affix clamp directly behind O-ring. Torque to 60 in-lbs and backfill.
To insure the best seal, place the bolt in the 12 o’clock position of the hole opening and tighten the nut to the specified torque value.
A-LOK strongly suggests use of proper torque wrenches to secure the G3 Boot in the structure as well as to secure the takedown clamp around the connector and pipe. Both torque wrenches are available through A-LOK Products, Inc.
5. Z-LOK STM
Corrugated pipe
Pipe is centered through the connector. The Stainless Steel Clamp is centered above the valley of pipe making sure the fastening points are positioned in the proper area of the rubber connector. Stainless Steel Clamp is tightened equally about the take-up point to 60 in./lbs. This action compresses the rubber against the side walls of the pipe valley and a watertight connection is formed.
Smooth wall pipe
Pipe is inserted and centered within the connector to obtain proper mechanical seal. Stainless Steel Clamp is tightened equally about the take-up point to 60 in./lbs, insuring a watertight connection. This should be done prior to any pipe deflection or backfilling.
The 60 in.-lb. Torque Wrench is available through A-LOK Products, Inc.
6. Two things not to do
No mortar at the connector
To ensure the A-LOK Premium Connector remains a flexible watertight connector, it is A-LOK Products, Inc. strong recommendation that no mortar be placed between the pipe and wall of the concrete structure. The use of mortar in this area would decrease the effectiveness of the connector to compensate for shear caused by settlement or ground movement.
Restrain every stub
When installing pipe stubs for future pipeline installation, all stubs must be properly restrained to prevent any movement by means other than the A-LOK Premium Connector.
7. Questions on a job
If a connector will not seat, or a joint is in question after backfill, call A-LOK before anything else is done. The A-LOK guarantee covers the connector when it is installed as above and evaluated by A-LOK.
Any questions regarding installation, call 1-800-822-2565.
Frequently asked questions
How do you install a boot connector on a precast manhole?
Remove all sharp edges on pipe, bevel edge and clean penetrating pipe section. Pull out connector from cast position and clean off debris (stones, dirt, etc.) that could weaken the sealing area. Center pipe and insert. After inserting pipe, the stainless steel band should be tightened with the torque wrench to 60 in.-lb., then deflect pipe to flow or angle installation requires. Every A-LOK boot clamp is tightened to 60 inch-pounds with a torque wrench; the G3 band is tightened to 25 ft-lbs first.
How much torque does an A-LOK boot connector clamp take?
60 in.-lb. on the stainless steel band or take-down clamp; 25 ft-lbs on the G3 band in the hole.
Where does the clamp go on a Z-LOK connector?
Attach proper size clamp beside o-ring then center pipe in connector and VERY IMPORTANT tighten clamp with torque wrench to 60 inch pounds. When installing a Z-LOK connector in the outside the manhole position pull pipe back out after inserting so the connector flips outward, then VERY IMPORTANT - center pipe in connector and tighten the take down clamp to 60 inch pounds with a torque wrench.
Should mortar be used between the pipe and the manhole wall?
To ensure the A-LOK Premium Connector remains a flexible watertight connector, it is A-LOK Products, Inc. strong recommendation that no mortar be placed between the pipe and wall of the concrete structure. The use of mortar in this area would decrease the effectiveness of the connector to compensate for shear caused by settlement or ground movement.
Questions on a boot installation?
Tell us the connector, the pipe and the position and we will walk through it with you.