Jaotustorudest

Jaotustorudest is the Estonian term referring to distribution pipes within a utility network. They form the segment that distributes a utility—such as water, gas, or district heating—from main lines to the service connections of buildings. In water and gas networks, jaotustorudest connect trunk mains to individual service lines, metering points, and sometimes smaller local reservoirs or booster stations. They are typically located underground, in public rights-of-way or on private plots, and are designed to withstand soil loads, frost, and corrosion.

Materials and design vary by utility and project. Common materials include ductile iron, steel, copper, PVC, and plastics such as HDPE or PEX for water, while gas networks may use steel or PE pipes. District heating supply pipes are often insulated metal or plastic pipelines. The diameter and wall thickness depend on the required pressure, flow, and distance between mains and customers, with service lines usually several tens of millimeters in diameter and distribution mains ranging into hundreds of millimeters. Joints and connections use appropriate methods for the material, such as mechanical joints, solvent welding, or fusion for plastics.

Functions and components include isolation valves, sectional valves, metering points, and sometimes pressure-reducing or flow-control devices. Installation involves underground trenching, bedding, backfill, and protective coating, with attention to frost depth, load bearing, and corrosion protection. Maintenance focuses on leak detection, valve operation testing, and timely replacement or rehabilitation of aging pipes and fittings.

Regulatory context: jaotustorudest are designed and operated in accordance with national standards and EU directives governing utilities, safety, and environmental protection. In Estonia, design and construction typically follow EVS standards and relevant local regulations.