Inflatable Pipe Plugs

Inflatable pipe plugs are used when a pipe, sewer line, storm drain, or process line needs to be temporarily sealed, tested, isolated, or bypassed. This section groups RTO's inflatable pipe plug options by application so contractors, municipalities, maintenance crews, and industrial users can move from the job requirement to the correct plug style more quickly.

Start with the pipe inside diameter, then confirm the plug's sealing range, expected back pressure, insertion space, and whether flow must continue during the work. A simple blocking plug may be appropriate when flow can be stopped. A bypass plug is used when water or wastewater needs to be routed through the plug while the work area remains isolated.

Inflatable Pipe Plug Types

Small blocking plugs are commonly used for smaller pipe sizes, service lines, cleanouts, and commercial plumbing applications. Standard blocking plugs cover broader pipe isolation work in sewer, storm, industrial, and maintenance settings. Small bypass plugs and standard bypass plugs are used when flow needs to be redirected through a bypass connection. Large diameter plugs are used for larger pipe, culvert, sewer, and storm drain applications where plug size and handling requirements become more significant.

Selection Factors

Important selection factors include pipe inside diameter, pipe condition, plug length, inflation pressure, back pressure, bypass port size, flow volume, chemical exposure, and whether the plug must be installed through a manhole, cleanout, or other restricted access point. When back pressure is present, the plug must be properly restrained according to the manufacturer's instructions and the job site's safety requirements.

Rental and Purchase Planning

RTO offers rental and purchase options for many pipe plug applications. For rentals, allow enough lead time for delivery before the planned work date, keep the shipping materials for return shipment, and return the plug clean with all included accessories, hoses, controllers, and related items to avoid additional charges.