Tapping saddles for PVC and PE: how to make a service connection without draining the network

An irrigation or water supply network is never finished: there is always a new plot, a hydrant to add or a meter to install. Making that branch connection without draining the main pipeline is the job of the tapping saddle, one of the families with the most references in our catalogue, because every pipe diameter and every outlet needs its own.

Ductile iron or stainless steel band

The ductile iron tapping saddle for PVC/PE is the saddle for construction sites: two GGG-50 halves with blue epoxy coating, an EPDM gasket that wraps around the pipe and a threaded outlet from 1/2" to 2". Rigid, resistant to tightening and designed to stay buried for decades. Its grey iron version for PVC is the economical option for low-pressure irrigation networks.

The threaded band tapping saddle replaces the lower half with a stainless steel band that adapts to a range of diameters. With a Ø50–200 universal head and the right band, many sizes can be covered with little stock, ideal for maintenance and pipes with an irregular outside surface.

Threaded outlet or flanged outlet

For household service connections and drip laterals, a threaded outlet and a bronze ball valve with push-fit socket for PE fitted directly on the saddle. For hydrants, sector branches or any outlet from DN 50 upwards, the tapping saddle with flanged outlet, which allows a flanged gate valve to be fitted without adaptors. The band version is also available with a flanged outlet.

How to drill under pressure

1. Clean the pipe and fit the saddle with the gasket centred; tighten crosswise until the two halves meet.
2. Screw a ball valve onto the outlet and open it.
3. With an under-pressure tapping machine (or, on small irrigation pipes, with a hole saw and great care) drill through the open valve.
4. Withdraw the drill and close the valve. The network has not stopped delivering.

The drill must be slightly smaller than the outlet so as not to weaken the pipe. In PE, drill slowly so that it does not heat up and close the hole.

Mistakes that cost a leak

• A saddle of the "approximate" size. 110 mm PVC will not take a 125 saddle, however hard you tighten it.
• Tightening one side only. The gasket ends up off-centre and weeps at the first pressure surge.
• Tappings too close together. Leave at least one pipe diameter between two saddles.

Service connections that are made properly are never touched again. In Saving water with Almagromur products we explain why every joint that does not weep is water that reaches the crop. And if you have to make many tappings in a short time, ask us for a batch price.