How to create a 110mm PVC rocker pipe

What is a drainage rocker pipe?

A ‘rocker pipe’ is a short length of pipe used when installing drainage at connection points with a structure or a manhole. The rocker pipe adds some flex into a drainage system, thereby allowing for ground settlement at different rates. Typical rocker pipe lengths are 300mm or 600mm in plastic UPVC pipe, although longer lengths, such as 1m, are sometimes used.

Why are rocker pipes needed?

Rocker pipes are an important part of a foul or storm water drainage system. They prevent or reduce stress on joints and connections within the drainage system and can prevent failure of the system in time. The ground beneath a drainage system and other structures will inevitably settle at different rates, this leads to movement and the best way to allow for that is by use of rocker pipes that give some flex within the system.

How can you create a rocker pipe?

To create a 110mm or 160mm rocker pipe while working on a UPVC drainage system, you would follow these steps.

1. Measure the desired length of the rocker pipe. A typical length is 600mm, however you may need a slightly longer or shorter one in some situations, for instance, 1m long.
2. Cut the pipe to the desired length.
3. Chamfer the cut pipe end to make it easier to add the required fitting without damaging the seal.
4. Attach the required fittings to the end of the rocker pipe. For example, a coupler, junction or bend.

See our previous blog post on How To Cut And Chamfer UPVC Drainage Pipe for more detail on working with pipe.

How a SiteStak workstation can help with creating rocker pipes

When creating rocker pipes on site a mobile SiteStak workstation can be a tremendous help. The SiteStak stores lengths of drainage pipe along with an assortment of drainage fittings, keeping them out of the mud and protected from damage. It also provides a workstation at an ergonomic height for cutting and chamfering pipe. They are available to purchase or hire.

We also now have a SiteStak Saw Guide that can be added to the end of the workstation making it quicker and safer to cut pipes straight every time including rocker pipes.

(Please note that this article contains observations and is intended for guidance only.)