caulked joint meaning

[Architecture]

A type of joint used for cast-iron pipe having hub-and-spigot ends. After the spigot-end of one pipe is placed inside the hub-end of the other, a rope of oakum or hemp is packed into the annular space around the spigot end until the packing is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top. Then molten lead is poured into the annular space on top of the rope. Finally, the lead is pounded farther into the joint with a caulking iron.

caulked joint

Examples

1. A caulked joint is often iffy, and if the caulking deteriorates or cracks or breaks up, which it can despite some claims that it will last a lifetime, leaks occur.