PowerSeal 3425 S/S Hot Tap Saddle for Steel/PVC Pipe - FAQ

• We are interested in your powerseal hot tap sleeve to tap into an existing copper tower water line without draining the system, and minimal shut down time. I would like more information on how the tap is actually made after the sleeve is installed.

The PS 3425 SS Hot Tap Sleeve is the premier tapping saddle for copper pipe. They are available in 3/4”x3/4” to 8”x3” and size-on-size i.e. 2”x2” 4”x4” etc. To use this or any other hot tap saddle or sleeve you need a Hot Tap machine. There are portable units that can do a 3/4”-2.00” tap or our professional models that can go to 6.00" taps. They range from $649.00 and up for the portable units and $3,995.00 and up for the professional model. Instructions: You place the saddle/sleeve on the line and add a valve (ball valve, gate valve. Corp stop). Then you test the saddle for fit and pressure retention with a hydrostatic test pump which goes through the valve. The hot tap machine has a packing gland which seals at the valve. Then you tap the pipe using the hot tap machine that lowers a hole saw and pilot with retention wires to capture the cut out metal or plastic coupon. When done with the tap you retract the assembly up into the hot tap machine and close the valve. Job completed ready for draining or adding a line etc.

• What is Hot Tapping?

Hot tapping is also known as wet tapping. It is a way to tap into a water line while it is under pressure and add a line, drain the system or add a Thermowell or sensor. You place a hot tap service saddle or sleeve onto the line. You add a valve and test the connection under pressure with a hydrostatic pump. Then you place the hot tap machine onto the value through a water tight packing gland, open the valve and lower the cutter and retention pilot down until it touches the pipe. You then drill into the pipe manually or with an electric or air driven unit that cuts a hole in the pipe. The retention pipe grabs the cut out coupon so it doesn’t fall down into the pipe where it could cause a problem down he line. You then retract the cutter and pilot up into the hot tap machine, close the valve and you have completed a hot tap.

• How do I Install the 3425 Tapping Sleeve?

Thouroughly clean the pipe surface and inspect the area where the saddle will be installed for flaws, gouges, protrusions, excessive corrosion, etc. irregular surfaces should be avoided to assure maximum gasket sealing. Lubricate the pipe and gaskets with a light soap/water solution and center the outlet of the saddle over the desired area and continue areound the pipe with the saddle. Install washers, bars, flat Teflon washers and nuts. Evenly tighten the nuts and maintain and even gap between the ends of the panel. Tighten nuts evenly, alternating from one to the other always maintaining an even gap distance between both panels. Tighten nuts in this sequence until tight. Do not over tighten. Wait 10-15 minutes to allow the gaskets to fully compress. Recommended torque for 3/4" dia to 8.00" dia is 70-80 ft lbs. and for 10.00"-12.00" dia, 100 ft. lbs. of torque. Retighten nuts in sequence following the last step. On hot water lines, especially over 130-140 degrees F allow the gaskets to fully compress, and recheck the nut's tightness after 60-90 minutes. (After adding insulation, the heat to the gasket can increast, causing additional gasket compression.)

• Do you have a hot tap saddle made just for copper pipe?

There are not a lot of options for hot tap saddles or sleeves for copper tubing (pipe). We carry the PowerSeal PowerStop 3425 S/S Hot Tap Sleeve with exact fit NBR gasket. The 3425 has sizes from 3/4" dia to 8.00” dia with male IP outlets from 3/4" to 4.00” including size-on-size from 3/4”x3/4” to 4”x12”x4”. The 3425 has a full circle gasket that eliminates all electrolysis on copper application. We also have in limited sizes and applications bronze and ductile iron wide strap service saddles that work with copper pipe too.

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