Spring clamp versus worm drive

[bluedog225]

I’m putting in 1000’ of poly pipe for a water service line.

If I go with barbed fittings, what it the best way to secure?

I have read several warnings about cheap worm drive clamps with some non-stainless parts (mostly the screw mechanism). But assuming I can find quality worm drive, are they the best answer? Or do they fail to exert even pressure on the pipe?

Are spring clamps the better way to go? Both from the perspective that they are one piece and much more likely to be stainless and because they hold the pipe better without damage?

Thanks

 

[Boogerman]

My experience with many repairs on poly pipe leaks is that the failure is at the barbed fittings, where they expand the pipe and it eventually cracks. I use compression couplings, with a stainless steel insert inside the pipe. Those joints don't fail.

Unfortunately, like most things that work right, the correct answer costs many times more than the cheap answer.

If you use barbed fittings, make sure you make the splices at accessible locations, and note where they are for future repairs.

 

[bluedog225]

Agreed. I leaning towards pack joint (ford) fittings. Though they don’t seem to make 1.25 tees.

If I want 1.25”, I’ll need to go with barbed.

 

[Jackfre]

If it is a question of pipe size vs best joining method I think I’d go up a size if the better joint material/method is available there

 

[charbar]

Im just a DIY guy when it comes to that type of stuff but I have a lot of poly line that has been buried for decades that hasn't leaked....All connections were made with two stainless worm clamps facing opposite direction from each other.....

 

[nadogail]

Go with whatever the manufacturer recommends, that way you are covered in the unlikely event there is a failure.

 

[Renegade1LI]

This is what you should be using with inserts if pe is being used. Shop around prices vary alot.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Legend-Valve-313-216NL-1-1-4-Pack-Joint-CTS-Union-T-4301NL-No-Lead-Bronze?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=shopping_neutral&utm_campaign=Shopping_Neutral_New_users&gclid=CjwKCAjw-eKpBhAbEiwAqFL0mtXbW4eK17ZQDDacgFj3M86p5qBvT_Ne-ss4XYWPAhMzv9UQlDgtqRoC_vMQAvD_BwE

 

[aptdweller]

By poly do you mean HDPE or PEX? I thought poly B piping had been banned just about everywhere by now.

For HDPE you want a compression fitting, likely with a stainless insert. You can use a Sharkbite style fitting in most cases, just remember that gasket won't last forever. For PEX use the copper crimp rings, they're the only option that doesn't seem to have leaking issues. At least where I am, the worm drive clamps and stainless crimp rings are not recommended for either pipe material.

 

[bluedog225]

HDPE. I keep reading that the pack joints with an insert are the way to go.

Though many have installed barbs and worm drive without issue. Need to get worm drives that are actually stainless don’t have mild steel screws.

That’s where I stumbled across the spring clamps.

End of the day, I’m probably going with pack joints and 200 psi hdpe.

 

[22-W]

Poly pipe that is IPS size uses barbed insert fittings with clamps. Poly pipe that is CTS size uses compression fittings.