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An order that starts with the right information ends with the right material on your job site. An order that starts with a guess risks returns, delays, and product nobody can use. This guide covers exactly what to have ready before you order, product line by product line, built from the same order procedures the A-LOK team follows.
To order the right connector, have four things ready: the nominal pipe outside diameter, the size and type of pipe, the pipe manufacturer, and whether the structure is roundwall or flatwall. A connector is sized to the outside of the pipe, not to the nominal size printed on it, so the pipe O.D. is the number that determines the part.
What does every A-LOK order need?
Whatever the product line, these details are confirmed on every order before it is entered:
- Product or part number, if you have it
- Product quantity
- Your P.O. number, shipping method, shipping address, and required delivery date
- Any specifications the material must meet
- Any special requirements or non-standard applications
If you do not know the part number, that is normal. The table below covers what to know about the job instead, and we identify the part with you.
What information does each product line need?
| Product line | Products | What to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Compression connectors | A-LOK PREMIUM, X-CEL, STM, INSERTA-LOK | Size and type of pipe, nominal pipe O.D., pipe manufacturer, storm or sanitary, roundwall or flatwall structure |
| Boot connectors | Z-LOK, Z-LOK STM, G-3, QUIK-LOK | Size and type of pipe, nominal pipe O.D., pipe manufacturer, corrugated or smoothwall, roundwall or flatwall structure |
| Grout-in connectors | WATER-STOP | Nominal pipe O.D., corrugated or smoothwall, new line or existing line, sealant for wedge installations |
| Septic tank connectors | SEPTIC SEAL, RAIDER SEAL | Size and type of pipe |
| Mandrels and field sleeves | Matched to the connector | The connector details above, plus manhole diameter, wall thickness, and mount style |
| Corrosion resistant liners | DURAPLATE 100 | Manhole diameter, riser height, whether the floor is lined, slabtop opening size, location, and thickness, base joint details, and drawings for custom products |
| Grade ring liners | WATER-LOK | Kit size and quantity |
| Invert systems | TRU-CONTOUR | System pipe size, manhole diameter, system height, configuration, pipe O.D. and I.D., pipe manufacturer |
| Lifting equipment | Lift inserts, pins, holders, bars | Wall thickness, wetcast or drycast, single or multi-diameter bar, attachments |
| Steps | Step inserts, bolt slot anchors | Size, mount style and quantity |
| Knock-outs | Steel knock-outs | Hole size, manhole diameter, wall thickness, and knock-out style (taper or wedge) |
A few lines that need more detail
Liners. DURAPLATE 100 is custom formed to the job, so the configuration matters as much as the dimensions. Base joint details are important, as liner panel height may need to be adjusted to accommodate. A lined floor means a base slab plus riser; an unlined floor means a base plus riser. Base and base slab are different components, and we are glad to walk through which one the job calls for. Slabtop orders need a drawing showing the opening size and location and the slab thickness, plus whether the opening itself is being lined. All slabtop installations require adhesive, so plan for it in the order.
Mandrels. Mandrels pair with connectors by part number on the dimensional data sheet. Ordering both together is the simplest way to guarantee they match.
Grout-in connectors. New line and existing line installations use different components, and sealant is required for wedge installations only.
Why does pipe O.D. matter more than pipe size?
The connector seals by compression between the outside circumference of the pipe and the opening in the structure, so the outside diameter is what the part is built around. Two pipes with the same nominal size can have different outside diameters depending on the manufacturer and the wall profile, which is why the manufacturer name matters as much as the number. When in doubt, measure the actual outside diameter, or tell us the manufacturer and we will confirm it against our dimensional data. The dimensional data sheet lists each nominal pipe O.D. with a tolerance of plus or minus a quarter inch.
When should you call before you order?
Some details deserve a conversation before a P.O. is issued. Dual wall and specialty profile pipe may pair with an adapter or oversleeve rather than a standard connector. Some specifications call for a specific connector material. And anything on the plans that looks unusual or contradictory is worth a call. Our team consults Design and Development on questionable details rather than guessing, and that is a much better conversation before the pour than after.
Frequently asked questions about ordering
What is the most common ordering mistake?
Ordering by the pipe’s stated size instead of its actual outside diameter. The connector seals against the outside of the pipe, so the O.D. and the pipe manufacturer determine the right part.
Can I order the connector and the mandrel together?
Yes, and you should. Connectors and mandrels are matched by part number on the dimensional data sheet, so ordering them together confirms they pair correctly.
What if I do not know the pipe manufacturer?
Check the pipe print line, your submittals, or ask your pipe supplier. If it is still unclear, measure the actual outside diameter and we will identify it with you.
What is the difference between a base and a base slab on a liner order?
It depends on whether the manhole floor is lined. A lined floor uses a base slab plus riser, and an unlined floor uses a base panel plus riser. Tell us which the job calls for and we will confirm the configuration.
Are orders reviewed before they ship?
Yes. Every order is reviewed against the stated specifications, drawings, and requirements before it is confirmed, and you receive an acknowledgement of exactly what was entered. If you notice an error on your order confirmation, please contact us ASAP.
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