What Does
Offset Joint Mean?
When the joints in a pipe aren’t properly aligned and the ends of two pipe segments, called joints, are offset from each other so much that the pipe leaks at that junction, they’re called offset joints.
Offset joints can result in decreased pressure in the pipes because of friction losses. The energy that moves the water through the pipes is affected by friction losses, which also affects the velocity of the water, resulting in loss of volume at downstream taps.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Offset Joint
When the offset between pipe joints is severe enough, the fluids passing through the pipe will follow a straight path, one that follows the centerline of the pipe. When it encounters an offset pipe joint, the fluids flow from between the leaky, improperly aligned joints. The leak resulting from the offset, improperly aligned pipes may be minor, with few ill effects. If the offset between pipe segments is severe, the fluid will wash soil away from the pipes. Most of the soil will flow into the downstream pipe segment, resulting in muddy water coming from downstream taps.
If enough time passes before the leak is discovered and repaired, severe washout can lead to a manmade sinkhole.