Hot Tapping Service

Hot Tapping Services

At Watertap Inc., with over 25 years of experience, we specialize in performing hot tapping (also known as live taps) on water mains, forced sewer, chilled water, and glycol lines nationwide. Hot tapping is an advanced and efficient approach to connecting with existing pipelines without requiring a complete system shutdown. This method offers numerous benefits, including over 40% cost savings by avoiding shutdowns, enhanced control for targeted isolations via valve insertions, environmental advantages like preventing water wastage and contamination, improved safety by reducing excavation risks, and versatility across various pipe materials.

What is Hot Tapping?

Hot tapping, commonly referred to as live tapping in water utilities, is a method used to create connections to existing pipelines while they remain in service. This technique involves attaching a tapping machine to the pipeline and cutting a hole into it without disrupting the flow of the fluid inside. Hot tapping is particularly useful for making connections, adding branches, or performing maintenance on pressurized systems. It’s often used in water, gas, and industrial pipelines to ensure continuous operation and minimize downtime.

Why Choose Hot Tapping?

Hot tapping is an underutilized technique, particularly among municipalities, that provides significant benefits over traditional shutdown methods:

• Cost Savings: By avoiding system shutdowns, hot tapping results in over 40% cost savings. Traditional methods involve extensive labor, planning, and potential disruptions, leading to high costs. Hot tapping eliminates these expenses, making it a more economical solution in the long run.
• Enhanced Control: Hot tapping allows for the isolation of specific sections of the pipeline without shutting down the entire system. This targeted approach ensures that only the necessary part of the network is affected, maintaining service continuity for the rest of the system. This control is crucial for emergency repairs and planned maintenance, where downtime must be minimized.
• Environmental Benefits: Hot tapping prevents water wastage and minimizes the risk of contamination. Traditional shutdown methods often lead to significant water loss and the potential introduction of contaminants during drainage and refilling. Hot tapping aligns with modern water management practices that emphasize conservation and environmental stewardship by maintaining system integrity and reducing waste.
• Improved Safety: Hot tapping reduces risks by eliminating the need for extensive excavation and hazardous conditions. Traditional methods often involve digging large trenches and working in potentially unstable environments. Hot tapping requires only a small excavation at the tapping point, significantly enhancing worker safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Interested in how this compares to Line stopping? Check out our detailed article Line Stopping vs. Hot Tapping: Choosing the Right Pipeline Solution.

The Hot Tapping Process

Our Hot tapping process is designed to ensure minimal disruption and maximum efficiency:

1. Attach Tapping Fitting: Secure the fitting (such as a sleeve or tee) to the water main, often via welding or bolting for a pressure-tight seal.
2. Install Valve: Place a gate or ball valve on the fitting and leave it open for the procedure.
3. Attach Tapping Machine: Connect the machine, which includes a cutting head (hole saw) and pressure-tight housing, to the valve.
4. Cut the Main: Activate the machine to cut into the main while retaining the cut-out piece (coupon) with a pilot drill or u-wires to prevent debris from entering the system.
5. Complete Installation: Retract the cutting head, close the valve, and remove the machine, leaving a functional tap with no service interruption.

Suitability and Safety

Live tapping is suitable for various pipe diameters and materials, including asbestos concrete, C900, carbon steel, cast iron, ductile iron, HDPE, and pre-stressed concrete. Modern live tapping equipment includes advanced safety features to prevent accidental leaks or damage during the operation.

Emergency Response Capability

Hot tapping is suitable for various pipe diameters and materials, including asbestos concrete, C900, carbon steel, cast iron, ductile iron, HDPE, and pre-stressed concrete. Modern hot tapping equipment includes advanced safety features to prevent accidental leaks or damage during the operation, with pressure ratings up to 15,000 psi for high-demand applications.

Why Choose Watertap Inc.?

• Experience: With over 25 years of industry experience, Watertap Inc. has the knowledge and skills to perform hot tapping efficiently and safely. Our seasoned professionals are adept at handling various pipeline systems and conditions, ensuring high-quality workmanship.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: We utilize the latest tools and technology to ensure precision and reliability in every hot tap operation. Our advanced equipment allows us to perform hot taps with minimal disruption and maximum safety, adhering to the highest industry standards like ASME codes.
• Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: Our focus on clear communication, timely project completion, and exceptional workmanship ensures that we build long-term relationships based on trust and reliability. We strive to exceed customer expectations by providing tailored solutions and outstanding service.