Live Tap Service

At Watertap Inc., we specialize in performing live taps on water mains, forced sewer, chilled water, and glycol lines. Live tapping, also known as 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 environmental advantages, versatility, and enhanced safety.

What is Live Tapping?

Live tapping 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. Live tapping is particularly useful for making connections, adding branches, or performing maintenance on pressurized systems. This method is often used in water, gas, and industrial pipelines to ensure continuous operation and minimize downtime.

Why Choose Live Tapping?

Live tapping is an underutilized technique, particularly among municipalities, that provides significant benefits:

Cost Savings

By avoiding system shutdowns, live tapping results in over 40% cost savings. Traditional methods of shutting down the system involve extensive labor, planning, and potential disruptions, leading to high costs. Live tapping eliminates these expenses, making it a more economical solution in the long run.

Enhanced Control

Live 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

Live 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. Live tapping aligns with modern water management practices that emphasize conservation and environmental stewardship by maintaining system integrity and reducing waste.

Improved Safety

Live 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. Live tapping requires only a small excavation at the tapping point, significantly enhancing worker safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

The Live Tapping Process

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

1. Attach Tapping Fitting: Secure the fitting to the water main.
2. Install Valve: Place a gate or ball valve on the fitting and leave it open.
3. Attach Tapping Machine: Connect the machine, which includes a cutting head and watertight housing, to the valve.
4. Cut the Main: Activate the machine to cut into the main while retaining the cut-out piece 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. However, it is not recommended for older, corroded pipes due to the risk of burn-through. In such cases, pipe replacement is often the better option. Modern live tapping equipment includes advanced safety features to prevent accidental leaks or damage during the operation.

Emergency Response Capability

Watertap Inc. offers rapid response for urgent pipeline issues, ensuring minimal downtime and swift resolution of critical problems. Our team is ready to address emergencies efficiently, providing reliable and effective solutions when you need them the most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is live tapping safe? A: Yes, live tapping is safe when performed by experienced technicians using advanced equipment. It reduces the need for extensive excavation and minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries.

Q: What types of pipelines can be tapped? A: Live tapping can be performed on various pipeline materials, including asbestos concrete, C900, carbon steel, cast iron, ductile iron, HDPE, and pre-stressed concrete.

Q: How does live tapping compare to traditional shutdown methods? A: Live tapping is more efficient and cost-effective than traditional shutdown methods. It eliminates the need for system-wide shutdowns, reduces water wastage, and minimizes the risk of contamination.

Q: When is live tapping not recommended? A: Live tapping is not recommended for older, corroded pipes due to the risk of burn-through. In such cases, pipe replacement is often the better option.

Why Choose Watertap Inc.?

• Experience: With over 25 years of industry experience, Watertap Inc. has the knowledge and skills to perform live taps 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 live tap operation. Our advanced equipment allows us to perform live taps with minimal disruption and maximum safety, adhering to the highest industry standards.
• 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.

Contact Us

Opt for Watertap Inc.’s Live Taps service for a reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible solution to your pipeline maintenance needs. Our state-of-the-art techniques and equipment ensure the highest standards of safety and customer satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your water main maintenance.