Pump engineers are justifiably concerned about the damaging effects of high nozzle loading. They are quick to point out that excessive loading will cause internal clearance issues, and in some cases, cracking to the pump casing. Unfortunately, this concern is often, and incorrectly, associated with rubber expansion joints based on their flexibility and an unacceptable pressure thrust force they could impose. An optimal approach requires understanding the imposing pressure thrust forces from some expansion joint arrangements, and when needed, incorporating more advanced rubber expansion joint arrangements that can facilitate both system flexibility and restraint.