Rieber gaskets have a metal stiffener ring located within the gasket, which helps the gasket stay in place in the gasket groove. The incorporation of a metal ring stiffener means Rieber gaskets are non-removable and can withstand higher insertion forces.

 

Non-Rieber gaskets, such as Fluid-Tite® gaskets (typically found in AWWA C900 PVC pipe) and O-rings, do not have an internal stiffener ring; therefore, they can be removed in the field, if needed.  If a non-Rieber gasket has been removed, it is required to inspect and clean the gasket and associated gasket groove. 
 
Rieber and non-Rieber gaskets both conform to ASTM F477, Standard Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets for Joining Plastic Pipe and ASTM D3139, Standard Specification for Joints for Plastic Pressure Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals.
 
Please refer to the associated Westlake Pipe & Fittings Installation Guide for proper joint assembly instructions.