Abstract: A gasket, a spigot, a bell and method of using same for reducing the force required to assemble a pipe or fitting joint, the method including isolating the act of progressively increasing compression of a heel portion of the gasket from the act of progressively increasing compression of a sealing portion of the gasket as the spigot advances into the bell and a seal is formed between the gasket and the spigot and bell. To isolate progressively increasing compression of the heel portion from progressively compressing the sealing portion, peak compression of the heel portion between the spigot and the bell is experienced by the heel portion prior to any material compression of the sealing portion of the gasket between the spigot and the bell occurring.