A “wet tap” or “hot tap” is a method of connecting a new water line to an existing water line while the line is under pressure. What Is A Cut and Section A cut and section is a method of connecting a new water main line to an existing water main line while the main is shut down and the pressure has been relieved.
What's really in your "tap" water?
Common Contaminants In Tap Water
- Arsenic. Arsenic can be found in the Earth's crust and it can make its way into the water supply through a variety of channels.
- Chlorine. Chlorine is often added to water as a disinfectant, but it can have other effects too. ...
- Copper. ...
- Fluoride. ...
- Lead. ...
- Mercury. ...
How does DEP wet tap a city water main?
Why would a property owner have to install a new tap?
- If you are having a water main installed for a brand new home or building, a NYC licensed plumber must facilitate having the NYC DEP install a new tap connection ...
- If you have a water main leak and your existing tap is an old “driven tap”. ...
- If your existing tap connection is leaking
What is the best tap water?
✔️ Which States Have the Best Water?
- Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health has a number of practices in place to ensure clean water, including offering grants to public water suppliers and arranging training for water treatment ...
- Kansas. ...
- Rhode Island. ...
- Missouri. ...
- South Dakota. ...
- Oregon. ...
- New Hampshire. ...
- Massachusetts. ...
- Connecticut. ...
- Vermont. ...
What is a driven wet tap connection?
Making Successful Wet Taps
- Use tapping sleeve, tapping valve, tapping machine of same manufacturer.
- Use experienced tapping/supervisory service.
- Test tapping sleeve and valve assembly hydrostatically before tapping (Do not use air test.)
- Block properly under the tapping sleeve and valve to support the tapping assembly.
- Take measurements for adequate travel and clearance.
What is dry tapping?
Dry Tapping is simply tapping into an empty line or pressure vessel. Advantages are shorter lead times, usually a fraction of the cost, less time consuming than traditional bolt-ups and reduces risk of potential leaks by reducing the number of gasketed connections.
What is tapping construction?
Tapping is the process of cutting threads on the inside surface of a drilled hole. This is achieved by using a special tool called a tap. Tapping a hole is necessary to develop the full strength of a connecting screw or bolt.
Why are wet taps of water mains preferred instead of dry taps?
Wet taps, or hot taps, which use sleeves or saddles, are performed when the main or lateral is under pressure. It may seem as though dry taps would be the method of choice, but shutting the main down can cause water loss, increased potential for contamination, and lack-of-water or dirty-water complaints.Jun 11, 2009
What is a tap in plumbing?
A tap (also spigot or faucet: see usage variations) is a valve controlling the release of a liquid or gas.
What are the 3 types of taps?
So what are the types of taps? There are 3 main taps you should be familiar with and they are: Taper, Plug, and Bottoming tap. The taper tap can be identified by the visible and pronounced tapering of the cutting edges.Mar 17, 2022
How are taps selected while tapping?
This is done using sharp teeth. The tap is spun down a hole within a work piece. The hole is referred to as a pilot or tap hole and is sized according to the desired thread and the material to be tapped. As the tap scrapes along the sides of the hole, it cuts away a spiraling ramp making the female thread.Nov 8, 2016
How do you tap into a water main?
It involves placing a tapping fitting onto a water main, in addition to a gate or ball valve that will control the water. After the fitting and valve are in place, the main is then tapped, with the valve being closed before the drill is detached.
Why are water mains tapped under pressure?
The Wet Tapping process allows professionals to deliver supplementary tie-ins or modifications to an existing system that is either pressurized or in service without any interruption to that system.Feb 3, 2018
What is a tapping saddle for?
Tapping saddles are ideal for service connections and provide an effective means of conducting an under pressure tapping. The saddle body supplies a strong reinforced aperture for the parent and offtake pipe.
What is a wet tap plumbing?
When you do wet tapping, you place a tapping fitting on the water main in addition to a valve to control the water at that line. Once the fitting and valve are in place, the main is tapped. Once the drill is pulled back, the valve is closed, keeping water from leaking out of the main.Feb 19, 2016
What are the four types of taps?
Tapping tools are divided into four types: straight flute tap, spiral point tap, spiral fuse tap, and forming tap. Which type you use depends on what type of hole you want to thread, blind hole or through hole, and the component material.
What are the different types of tap?
The 7 major types of taps ... explained!Pillar taps. Close your eyes and think of those run-of-the-mill, standard tap types marked 'hot' and 'cold' - probably in a bathroom. ... Mixer taps. ... Monobloc taps. ... Washer taps. ... Disc taps. ... Ball taps. ... Cartridge taps.Dec 3, 2020
What is a wet tap?
A Wet Tap Connection for water service lines. The tap connection, is sometimes also called a wet tap. It is the connection from a water service line to the NYC DEP owned water main usually located in the roadway. If your connection is undersized it will not permit proper water volume to enter your premises. That is true no matter how large your ...
Who installs a wet connection in NYC?
Multiple DEP crews in each borough install wet tap connections, as stated above. However, when wet connections are required a specialized NYC DEP crew is utilized. This crew is sometimes still referred to as ‘the caulkers’ in the plumbing trade. The term ‘caulkers’ refers back to the day when lead joint wet connections were installed. These wet connections had their joints sealed with molten lead that were caulked in place. The lead used never came into contact with the water supply as a treated rope called ‘oakum’ actually made the joints water tight. The molten lead was used as a means to keep the ‘oakum’ in place. Nowadays, new wet connections are installed with ‘mechanical joints’ and contain no lead whatsoever. Have a question, or need expert advice? Feel free to contact Balkan Sewer & Water Main Service, your NYC water service line experts. After almost 70 years and over 70,000 satisfied customers, Balkan is “The Team You Trust”.
What is a driven tap connection?
A new tap connection actually had to be driven into the city main by hand. That is why these old water service line connections are referred to as driven taps. Unfortunately these frequently undersized connections can become clogged. They also became inadequate as most modern buildings require a greater volume of water, due to an increased number of plumbing fixtures. More troubling, however, is the fact that because they were ‘driven in’, they also frequently blow out without warning.
How long does it take to install a new water line in NYC?
New tap connections are easily installed by NYC DEP field forces in around 20 minutes after a NYC licensed plumber has secured the proper permits. With the modern tools now in use only a minimal amount of water is lost on the process. When a hole for a new connection is drilled into a NYC water main, only about a 1/2 gallon of water is lost. A wet tap connection ranges in approved sizes from 3/4″ up to 2″. An 1/2″ water line connection pictured below is not legal for use, and should be replaced if found. If a size larger than a 2″ tap connection is required, then a ‘wet connection’ would be required. Wet connections are installed by a different process, as described below.
What is caulking in water?
The term ‘caulkers’ refers back to the day when lead joint wet connections were installed. These wet connections had their joints sealed with molten lead that were caulked in place. The lead used never came into contact with the water supply as a treated rope called ‘oakum’ actually made the joints water tight.
Why are old water lines called driven taps?
That is why these old water service line connections are referred to as driven taps. Unfortunately these frequently undersized connections can become clogged. They also became inadequate as most modern buildings require a greater volume of water, due to an increased number of plumbing fixtures.
What was the water main made of in New York City?
In New York City, before the advent of cast iron water main pipes, the city’s water mains were actually constructed out of wood. They were typically hollowed out tree trunks, frequently with the bark of the tree still left intact (as pictured below). Old NYC wooden water main.
What is wet tapping?
When you do wet tapping, you place a tapping fitting on the water main in addition to a valve to control the water at that line. Once the fitting and valve are in place, the main is tapped.
How does wet tapping work?
Many municipalities are not familiar with how wet tapping works, so they use the same old technique they always have: shutting down the whole system. Unfortunately, that technique creates a lot of extra work, with pipe dewatering requiring that the water be tested for bacteria once it's turned on again according to regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It also requires that a boil order be activated for all customers receiving water through that service. With wet tapping, you simply go on with your day. Let's look at what wet tapping is, how it works and the benefits and drawbacks of this technique.
How does a tap fitting work?
Here's how it works: The tapping fitting is put in place on the water main and secured solidly. A gate or ball valve is installed and left wide open.
Why do wet taps work?
Using a wet tapping system helps you avoid the problem of unhappy customers because their service and pressure are not impacted by the addition of a new tap.
Does dewatering water require a boil order?
Unfortunately, that technique creates a lot of extra work, with pipe dewatering requiring that the water be tested for bacteria once it's turned on again according to regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It also requires that a boil order be activated for all customers receiving water through that service.
Is hot tapping more expensive than regular taps?
Wet tap fittings can be more costly than regular fittings, but are more cost-effective in the long run. Hot tapping is also an option for many other pipeline tapping needs, including several gasses and fluids used in both municipal and industrial complexes, providing additional usage for a tapping machine.
What is a wet tap?
A wet tap is used to connect a domestic water main no larger than two inches. Tap sizes vary based on the size of the new water main being installed. A new tap installation may range from ¾” to 2”. The DEP drills a tap into the city water main which is different than a wet connection. A wet connection is used when the new water line is three inches ...
What is a water main tap?
A water main tap is the valve used to connect a homeowner’s water line to the city water main. The tap allows a homeowner to install a new water main without having to affect any of the neighbors. A tap connection controls the volume and pressure of water from the city main to the house. In many cases, increasing the size ...
Why would you install a new tap?
If you have a broken water line that is being replaced and the licensed plumber finds an undersized or driven tap connection, you would be required to have a new tap installed. The most common reason is if you are experiencing problems with the amount of water pressure in your home. The plumber would follow the plumbing fixture table to determine what size pipe and tap would resolve your pressure problems. The least common would be if the tap itself was broken.
How to obtain info on your tap size?
The DEP has records on file for each house or building which is known as a “tap card”. A tap card provides information on the size of the existing water tap connections and the location of the tap. This info is useful for plumbers when installing a water line to determine if a new tap is necessary. New water main and tap information is required to be submitted back to the city by the licensed plumber after any repair or replacement work is performed.
What is the smallest size tap for a water main?
The smallest size tap connection allowed for a water main in the five boroughs is 5/8”. If you are installing a new tap connection, the minimum size the DEP will install is ¾”. It is common to find smaller taps in older houses which are required to be replaced as per the city plumbing code.
How does DEP install a wet connection?
A wet connection is installed by the DEP by core drilling a hole in the city main where the new wet connection is going to be installed.
Do you need a wet connection for a 3" sprinkler?
Example: A 3” ductile iron pipe would require a 3” wet connection to be connected to the city main.
What is a wet tap?
Wet taps involve the process of connecting a new pipe to an existing pipe installation without having to interrupt the service at any point. The process is different depending upon a number of different factors. In most installations, a tapping sleeve is used to cover the existing pipe that is about to be tapped and have new pipe added on to it. The tapping valve will then be connected to the sleeve. Following the installation of the tapping valve, a tapping machine is connected that begins the tapping process.
What is a tap machine?
The tapping machine is the heart and soul of successful wet tap operations. With most tapping machines, they include a shaft that is able to extend, giving access to the tapping valve through the sleeve. A drill or shell cutter is used to cut through the side of the pipe, and larger taps are able to retain the portion of the pipe that is cut out, which is called the coupon. The coupon measurements are important in order to ensure future pipe fittings can be appropriately applied to the installation. Then, the tapping valve is closed, assuming that the effort has gone correctly and there are no issues with the wet tap, but keep in mind that issues may arise.
Can you tap a pipe?
Not all pipes are meant to be tapped. Sometimes, further problems can arise if the tapping goes wrong, such as additional leaks. It is important that you are able to identify whether or not a certain pipe is even able to be wet tapped before beginning the process, and if so, make sure to contemplate workarounds.
What is a wet tap connection?
A connection to a public water main for a water service line is much more important than a property owner may realize. A wet tap connection for a main water line may be a ‘driven tap’. Which means it was installed before power tools were used. A driven tap can blow out of the main line without warning. This article will act as a basic tutorial ...
How long does it take to install a NYC water line?
The NYC DEP has highly experienced crews specializing in wet tap installations. The DEP can do a complete installation for a water service line in about 20 minutes with a total about a 1/2 gallon of water lost during each installation. Furthermore DEP has crews that install many taps each and every day in all five Boroughs to keep NYC water supply lines up to date and up to code.
Is it legal to drive a tap in NYC?
Driven taps are no longer legal in NYC for a water service line. However an existing wet tap connection will not be violated unless a water main repair or replacement is being performed on that particular water line. Whenever a water main repair or water main replacement is performed and a driven tap is found it must be replaced. ...
Can a driven tap blow out of the main line?
A driven tap can blow out of the main line without warning. This article will act as a basic tutorial concerning the connections from your water service line, that then lead into your property. A wet tap connection can be too small to supply the proper volume of water to a property. A wet tap connection can leak or be defective.
Can a DEP install a water tap?
In some cases, such as in an emergency, the DEP will allow for a tap to be installed or grant an inspection – but proper documentation of the situation must be provided by the licensed plumber. The DEP utilizes specialized tools to install a water tap.
Can a wet tap leak into a water main?
A Leaking Tap Connection. On very rare occasions a wet tap connection on a NYC water main may leak or become defective. Sometimes the ‘core’ of the fitting can be tightened, or the connection itself can be screwed further into the NYC water main to stop the leak. But in most cases it would have to be plugged or removed with a new one installed in ...
What is a tap in plumbing?
A tap is the utility connection of a lateral to the primary utility system in the street ,or the connection of a secondary line to an already established piping system. There are varying types of taps for different utilities and different types of pipe. In many cases, the tap can be a ” wet ” tap, which is performed without the necessity of shutting down the primary utility line. This technique is preferred, due to the ability to tap the line, without interfering with the actual flow of the water or other fluid, or requiring the interruption of services to other customers on the same utility line. Utility contractors that specialize in water taps are extremely popular and busy, especially in the larger Cities and Towns.
Why are taps important?
Taps are also important in the chemical and industrial industries, where equipment is changed out, for replacement or updating. The small waterline required for the ice maker in a refrigerator, normally requires a wet tap into the primary domestic waterline, and is performed by the residential customer. The proper scheduling of taps by the general contractor is an important scheduling element of a large construction project. The necessity to shut down a utility, if a wet tap cannot be performed, or coordinated, requires substantial notification to customers along the utility line. In addition, the scheduling of any tap is important to the completion of a construction project. No testing of sprinkler lines, domestic water lines, or other systems requiring piping systems to be live, can be performed, until the tap has been completed and the water is flowing.
What is a water line tap?
The water line tap is the valve that connects the homeowner’s pipe to the city water main, all properties with running water must have a water main tap to receive water. When installing a water main, the tap allows the homeowner to connect a new water line service without affecting the surrounding neighbor’s water.
How big is a water tap?
Tap sizes vary based on the size of your water main; they range from ¾” -2”. When a wet tap is installed on the city main, DEP drills the tap into the city water main which differs from a wet connection installation.
What size tap does your property require?
If you are installing a new domestic water line less than 3”, NYC plumbing code reads that the water line tap must be one size smaller than the size of the pipe. EX. 1” pipe requires a ¾” tap. This rule may be subject to change if you are replacing an existing water main. Ex. If you are installing a 1 ¼” water main you can connect to an existing ¾” tap.
What is a driven tap?
Below are the three different types of water taps: A driven tap connection is an old tap that was installed before the usage of power tools and were installed into the city main by hand. Driven taps are known to malfunction and get clogged in many cases, for this reason they are no longer legal in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx.
Can you upgrade a lead water main to copper water?
If you are increasing the size or upgrading from a lead water main to a copper water main and the existing tap connection is too small to properly supply the necessary volume and pressure of water to your property.
Can you use a drive-in tap in NYC?
If you have a water main leak and your existing tap is an old “driven tap”. Driven taps are no longer legal to use in the five boroughs.
What is wet tapping?
T he wet tapping process is often the most convenient way of connecting new pipe to existing pipe without interruption of service. The procedure usually involves a tapping sleeve that is installed around the pipe to be tapped. A tapping valve is connected to the tapping sleeve and the tapping machine is connected to the tapping valve (Figure 1).
How does a tapping machine work?
The tapping machine uses an extendible shaft to advance through the tapping valve and sleeve. A cutter and drill bit attached to the end of the shaft makes a cut through the wall of the pipe. The drill bit contains some means of retaining the section of cut pipe or coupon when retracting the shaft back through the tapping sleeve and valve. The tapping valve is then closed and the machine disconnected. That is if everything goes right. And a lot could go wrong.
Why is tapping not successful?
Unsuccessful wet tapping procedures can be the result of (1) inexperienced personnel; (2) piping materials that are difficult to tap or not recommended for tapping; (3) or most commonly, incompatible materials and equipment. To eliminate this most common problem, it is important to use tapping materials, equipment and services from the same manufacturer, especially in larger diameter sizes.
Is tapping sleeve to valve standard?
This means that for tapping sleeve to valve connections fourteen inches and above, there is no approved standard. The only assurance of proper alignment at this connecting joint is to use a tapping sleeve and tapping valve from the same manufacturer. The newest standard, accepted in 1994, is MSS- Standard Practice 113.
What is wet tapping?
Most tapping done today, whether on a new or existing mains, is wet tapping. This method is preferred when adding a service connection to an existing main because it allows the connection to be made without turning off the water and interrupting service to existing customers.
Do you use wet or dry taps?
Most systems wait until the water main has been pressure tested to install service connections. Most then use wet taps. The line item costs for wet or dry taps is the same. If you do a wet tap, you will also be able to locate a leak at the time of the tap, rather than have to track down the problem later.
