Wet Tapping Pipe Services - Barton Construction Corporation

The purpose or concept behind these procedures is to mechanically cut a hole of various sizes into an existing main. Our Hot/Wet Tapping Service utilizes various sizes and types of drilling / pipe tapping machines to install new branch connections into existing pipelines operating under pressures up to 500 PSI. The process is completed without any product leakage or interruption to flow. The components for a typical tap application include a fitting designed to contain system pressure, a valve used to control the new connection and a drilling machine used to make the pipe cut. We can perform pipe taps on all types of pipe including Steel, Copper, Ductile Iron, Cast Iron, Transite, Asbestos Cement, PVC, or Concrete (PCCP). Special applications are available upon request. The benefit behind these procedures is not only time effective but also cost effective.

APPLICATIONS:

A typical installation involves mounting a tapping sleeve or saddle of various brands and models (depending on the Authority overseeing the system and its requirements) to the main. A permanent valve is then installed and a pressure test is performed to ensure the integrity of the installation. After the test is verified by the Authority, we attach our TAPPING machine to the valve. Based on the application we have several from which to choose. The hole or tap is then made into the main. The piece that is cut out, referred to as the coupon, is then retracted from the main through the permanent valve with the pressure and the main's contents safely contained. The valve is then closed and our machine disconnected. Tap sizes from 1/2 inch to 12 inches located 360 degrees around the main are available.

Wet Tapping allows the contractor to provide additional branches (tie-ins) or modifications on an existing system that is pressurized or in service without interruption of that system or the inherent costs involved in shutting the system down and cutting in a mechanical tee.