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Our Frequently Asked Questions below contain valuable information on helping you find the right product for your needs. View pipe OD charts, manuals, install sheets and certifications available in PDF format.

Pipe OD
Chart
RPM
Table
TM-1 Pro
Parts List
TM-1 Pro
Manual
Wheeler Rex 8100 Manual
PS 3425
Install Sheet
NSF vs. UL Certification

Frequently Asked Questions By Product Type

Hot Tap Machines
Tapping Sleeves
Service Saddles
Hot Tap Weld On Fittings
Hole Saws

Top Questions

What is Hot Tapping?
How can I isolate a line to add a new line or valve?
Do you have a hot tap saddle made just for copper pipe?
Is a 1/2" outlet available for hot tap saddles or machines?
What is the difference between using a service saddle and a tapping sleeve?
Why can’t I choose next day air shipping on your website?
My question isn't answered here. How do I submit a question?

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 can I isolate a line for repair, to replace a valve or extend out a new line without draining the system or causing a long shutdown?

This can be achieved through several different methods. The most popular way if the water in the line is not flowing is pipe freezing. Pipe Freeze Kits using CO-2 are an inexpensive way to get the job done when draining the system is not an option. By pipe freezing you can place a 7000 PSI ice plug on one or both sides of your repair, complete the job and just let the ice plug thaw out. It just requires a pipe freeze kit and dip tube CO-2 cylinders.

The second way is a little more complicated and expensive. If you can’t shut off a valve and stop the flow a Line Stop will allow you to accomplish the same task. It requires Hot Tapping the pipe and then doing a Line Stop. This requires a Hot Tap Machine, Valve, Hydrostatic pump, Line Stop Machine and Saddle.

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.

Is a 1/2" outlet available for hot tap saddles or machines?

We offer products for mainly the Waterworks industry. The hot tap supply industry dictates that 3/4" and above is what they manufacture. However 1/2" outlets can be special ordered for several styles if needed. Many companies use a 3/4" outlet and only make a 1/2" hole with their cutter for flow or simply use an inexpensive reducer from 3/4" to 1/2".

What is the difference between using a service saddle and a tapping sleeve?

A service saddle is a smaller more economical unit that uses an O-ring gasket to seal the saddle and the pipe. There are four basic styles: Single bale, Single wide strap, Dual bale and Dual wide strap. The bale style works best on harder pipe like Carbon Steel, Ductile Iron and Cast Iron. The wider strap units work well on softer metals like copper and PVC.

Why can’t I choose next day air shipping on your website?

We prefer you call us if you need your products by a certain date. We want to ensure you get what you need when you need it, and strive to make this happen at the lowest cost to you. If we offered next day shipping and you chose that method, but were within one day of transit through ground shipping, it would be difficult to adjust your total. We also want to verify availability of the product to correctly assess which mode of shipping would best suit your needs. The online shopping cart does not enable us to serve you as well as we can in person. To calculate your shipping costs properly for expedited shipping, we prefer to take your order by phone at 1-877-PIPEMAN (747-3626). This ensures the lowest UPS rate if you need expedited shipping.

Questions By Product Type

Tapping Sleeves

Question: With so many products to choose from, how do I know which tapping sleeve I need?

Answer: Knowing which tapping sleeve to use can be difficult. If you don’t know which product to buy, please call us Toll Free at 1-877-PIPEMAN (747-3626) and let us help you. To correctly assess which product will meet your needs we need to know several things:

1. Type of Pipe: (carbon steel, PVC, copper, Ductile Iron, C900 ACP and others).

2. Correct Pipe O.D.: (some saddles have range and some are exact fit).

3. Contents in the Line: (Saddles do offer several types of gaskets for different applications).

4. Temperature and Maximum PSI: (water sewer and air/gas lines have different ratings).

5. Location of the Line: (above/below ground, inside/outside and type of soil can make a difference).

Question: 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.

Answer: 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” 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.

Service Saddles

Question: What is the difference between the JCM Service Saddles - Models 402, 404, 406 and 408?

Answer: The JCM 402 and the JCM 404 utilize the heavy duty double strap saddle body with corrosion resistant shop coat primer. The 402 is furnished with two electro galvanized straps (bales) for 2.00"-12.00", on sizes 15.20" and larger the 402 incorporated two fabricated steel straps. The 404 is furnished with two wide stainless steel straps. The JCM 406 and JCM 408 utilize the heavy duty double strap saddle body with a fusion applied, heavy resilient plastic coating. The JCM 406 is furnished with two wide stainless steel straps. The model 408 is furnished with two coated steel straps (bales).

Hot Tap Weld On Fittings

hot tap weld on fittings - pipemanproducts.com

Question: When would I use a weld on fitting instead of a bolt on fitting?

Answer: There are many reasons why a weld on fitting would be used instead of a bolt on fitting. First and foremost is cost if the application allows welding. Secondly is temperature or PSI requirements. Normally weld on fittings can take a higher PSI and temperature.

Question: Which type of weld on fitting do I need?

Answer: Which style of weld on fitting you need may depend largely on the code requirements in your area. For instance, some areas have codes which prohibit vertical welds onto the existing pipe, so those styles would not be acceptable, yet other areas have codes that require a full circle body. It really depends on what is allowed or disallowed in that area.

Hot Tap Machines

Question: Which Hot Tap Machine would meet my needs?

Answer: It depends largely on what size tap you need to perform and how you plan on using your machine. For commercial use, and for taps up to 6.00", the TM-1 Pro Series is the model that will hold up to daily use. If you need to perform taps 2.00" or smaller and will only use the machine on occasion, the Wheeler Rex 8100 and the Wheeler Rex 8200 are great manual tapping machines. The Wheeler Rex has additional adapters available for matching up with unique thread patterns where the TM-1 Pro and Wheeler Rex are designed with NPT threads only.

Question: What kinds of pipe can I tap with the TM-1 Pro and the Wheeler Rex 8100 / 8200 Hot Tap Machines?

Answer: All of our Hot Tap Machines can tap into: Copper, Steel, PVC, C900, Ductile Iron, Cast Iron, Abestos Cement and other types of pipe. Each type of pipe may take different hot taps cutters depending on its softness or hardness.

Question: How big an outlet can your Hot Tap Machines tap?

Answer: The TM-1 Pro can tap from 3/4" - 4.00" NPT Taps and 6.00" Standard or MJ Flanged taps. The Wheeler Rex 8100 / 8200 units can make NPT taps from 3/4" - 2.00".

Question: Can I do smaller flanged taps with the TM-1 Pro?

Answer: Yes, we provide a 4x4 companion flange for flanged taps with the 4.00" NPT Adapter. You can also buy smaller companion flanges such as 2.00", 2-1/2" and 3.00" companion flanges if a flanged tap is desired in these sizes. It just screws on to the provided NPT Adapter.

Question: Why can’t your competitors do a 6.00" tap with their units that look similar to the TM-1 Pro?

Answer: Our competitors use an inferior and smaller boring bar attachment device that does not allow for larger taps. Our unit is built by professionals for professionals and has proven successful in the field for over 17 years.

Question: Can I use a hand drill on the Wheeler Rex 8100 / 8200 Hot Tap Machines?

Answer: No, the nylon bushing in the unit will warp or melt if spun to fast. This is a an easy to use manual ratcheting hot tap machine.

Question: Can you use the Wheeler Rex 8100 / 8200 with corp stops?

Answer: Yes, Wheeler Rex has a few Mueller 110 corp stop adapters in 1.50" and 2.00".

Question: Do you have any advanced technical support available besides the salespersons at your company?

Answer: Yes, we have several. Our service side company technicians can answer any questions you may have about using the equipment and it’s applications on different types of pipe.

Hole Saws and Pilot Drills

Question: When should I use a Bi Metal Hole Saw?

Answer: Bi Metal hole saws are recommended for cutting copper, steel, aluminum, brass, cast iron, plastic or wood.

Question: When should I use a Carbide Hole Saw?

Answer: Carbide hole saws are recommended for cutting cast iron, ductile iron, wood laminates, fiberglass, plywood or tile.

Question: What is the proper rpm for cutting wood, steel or other types of material?

Answer: Please see our Blu-Mol RPM Chart for best practices. Always wear proper safety gear when using hole saws.

Question: Does Blu-Mol make different kits for various types of jobs?

Answer: Yes, they have unique Blu-Mol Hole Saw Kits just for electricians, locksmiths, handyman, plumbers, industrial work and more.

Question: When should I use a STHS Hot Tap-Line Stop Carbide Tipped Cutter?

Answer: These are made specifically for hot tapping and line stopping with the TM-1 Pro Hot Tap System. They have a standard holesaw back-plate that can also be used with a standard or heavy duty arbor. They work well with ductile and cast iron pipe.

Question: What is the difference between your Relton Carbide Cutters and the Blu-Mol or TapMaster Carbide Hole Saws?

Answer: The Blu-Mol and TapMaster Carbide hole saws have carbide tips, which allow for greater heat and wear resistance than bi-metal saws. The Relton Carbide Cutters have brazed carbide teeth which have great endurance, can be sharpened, and can be replaced if needed.

Question: Can you make the Relton Carbide Tipped Hole Saws for any other sizes? What if I need special inside diameter?

Answer: Yes, Relton can make diameters to 60.00" and cutting depths to 48.00". Relton can make just about any combination of Pipe ID and OD as needed.

Question: Why are the Relton Carbide Tipped Hole Saws more expensive than standard carbide hole saws?

Answer: The Relton Carbide Tipped Hole Saws are commercial quality made for manufacturing and when being used often. They outlast a Bi Metal hole saw 50-1 to 200-1

Question: Can you replace the Relton Hole Saws brazed on carbide tips or resharpen them?

Answer: Yes, both can be done very inexpensive cutting down the real cost of ownership.

Question: Can I use my standard arbor with the Relton Carbide Tipped Hole Saws?

Answer: No, not unless you have a special order. Then we can have the standard hole saw back-plate made.

Question: Why are the TapMaster Bi-Metal and Carbide DoubleStack, TripleStack, QuadStack Hole Saws so expensive? Can I use my standard arbor with these?

Answer: The TapMaster Bi-Metal and the TapMaster Carbide Hole Saws are cut and perfectly welded together so they cut straight and round. There is not a major hole saw manufacturer currently making a cutting depth over 2.00” yet there is a big need for Xtra Deep hole saws. We provide these at a reasonable cost mainly for our hot tap and pipeline customers. These Hole Saws use the standard arbors made by all major manufacturers

Question: Do I need to use Pilot Drills with dual retention wires when I hot tap?

Answer: It is highly recommended that you use TapMaster Steel Pilots with Dual Retention Wires for Hot Tapping because the retention wires grab/catch the coupon/cookie so it doesn’t fall down into the pipe and block the line or jam a valve. That could be quite an expensive repair. These are made especially for the TM-1 Pro machines.

Please Note: Insta-Clamp™, Insta-Clamp Plus™, and Insta-Clamp Extended Range™ S/S Solder Joint Repair Clamp, Mighty Deep™ Bi Metal and Carbide Hole Saws, Mighty Kutz™ Bi Metal and Carbide Hole Saws, Deep , Tap Master™ DoubleStack™, TripleStack™, and QuadStack™ Xtra Deep Hole Saws™, TapMaster™ Leading Edge Sealing Elements, GorillaGrip™, Gorilla Grip™ Gasket, the GorillaGrip™ and Gorilla Grip™ Gasket Logo, CopperStopper™, SteelStopper™, DuctileStopper™, PVCStopper™, A-C-Stopper™ Line Stop Saddles, TapMaster™ Hot Tap Pilots, TM-1 Pro™ Series Hot Tap Machine, and all PipeMan Products, Inc, Logos are trademarks of PipeMan Products, Inc. Use without written permission is prohibited.

Jet Swet™ is a trademark of the Brenelle Enteprises, Inc., PowerSeal™ PS 3425 PowerStop™ Saddle is a trademark of the PowerSeal Pipeline Products Corporation, JCM™ is a trademark of JCM Industries, Relton™ Carbide Hole Saws, models HS, STHS, ISHS, IWHS, FHS, HST TG, PC and accessories are a trademark of the Relton Corp., Blu-Mol™ is a trademark of the Disston Co., Qwik-Freezer™ is a trademark of Cob Industries, Mini-Mite™, Pace™ and ASP™, Hot Dam™, and Arctic Freeze™ are a trademarks of the pace/ASP Co., Cold-Shot™ is a trademark of The General Wire Co., Wheeler Rex™ is the trademark of Wheeler Manufacturing, and Qualitech™ is the trademark of United Machine and Tool Co, Inc. Use without written permission is prohibited.