Service Taps & Small Diameter Hot Tapping

What is a service hot tap?

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Service hot taps, or service taps are small diameter hot taps used to connect building with smaller water needs to the municipal system. 

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When would a service tap be used?

 

Service hot taps are ideal for connecting smaller buildings (such as homes or small businesses) to the water network without shutting off the water. 

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Small diameter hot taps are also a cost-effective and safe way to visually confirm a water main has been shut off. For instance, if there are concerns an upstream valves may be bypassing (leaking), it is safer to perform a small diameter hot tap prior to cutting into the existing pipe. 

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When we work in buildings or in industrial settings, we often perform small diameter (under 50mm / 2") hot taps. For more information on our work within buildings, manufacturing facilities and treatment plants, click here. 

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What is the difference between a "regular" hot tap and a service hot tap?

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There are several differences:

 

1) The mainstop: A service tap uses a special type of valve called a main stop. The mainstop is threaded directly into to the tapping saddle (just like a gate valve is bolted on to a sleeve). However, the main stop is left permanently open and can't be operated from the surface.

 

2) The Water Shut-off Valve (also known as a curb cock, or CC): A second, separate valve is installed near the curb of the properly in-line with the water pipe feeding the property. If the water must be shut down to the property, this may be operated from the surface. valve is used. The water shut-off valve installation falls outside of N.S. Pawliuk's scope of work, so you'd need to speak with your excavation contractor about it. 

 

3) Size: Service taps are for pipes 3/4" through to 2". It should be noted that 1-1/4", 1-1/2" and 1-3/4" service lines are rare and most building tend to use 1" and 2" connections.

 

4) Type of Pipe: A main stop typically is furnished with a compression fitting outlet. This style of outlet compresses the pipe which is installed into it to create a seal and to hold it in place. Pipe types commonly used for service taps include copper, "poly" and composite pipe (such as IPEX's Q-Line).​

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In comparison to the above, "regular" hot taps use a single valve attached directly to the tapping sleeve. 

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What are the risks of hot tapping in services?​

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Issues rarely arise during hot taps but can include leaks and lost coupons. 

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N.S. Pawliuk works hard to prevent issues from occurring through manufacturer-centred employee training, adherence to proper procedures, and adherence to the AWWA's best practices.