Going Down the Drain: How-To Tap A Sewer Main

by | Feb 3, 2023 | Construction Excavation, Demolition Company Allyn, Excavation, Excavation Company Allyn, Excavator in Western Washington, R.W. Excavation, Residential Excavation, Site Preparation, Utility Installation

Everyone wants to know How-to Tap a Sewer Main… But working on pressurized sewer mains takes an expert’s touch – and a plan! Before getting started, consider the two main approaches: shutting off pressure or hot tapping. Each has their own pros and cons, so it pays to figure out which is most suitable for your particular situation before jumping in. With the right knowledge, you can navigate this complex task like a pro.

First step when digging is to CALL for Locates! This can prevent you from breaking other utilities and incurring a costly repair or prevent you from ending up in a grave. For instance, striking an underground primary power can turn you and your spotter to burnt toast instantaneously.

Turning off the pressure

When turning off the pressure, the general steps for tapping into a pressurized sewer main are:

  • Locate the main: Identify the location of the pressurized sewer main that you need to tap into.
  • Obtain necessary permits: Check with the local authorities to see if you need any permits or approvals to perform the tapping.
  • Turn off the pressure: Before you can tap into the main, you will need to turn off the pressure in the sewer main. This can be done by shutting off valves located near the main.
  • Cut into the main: Use a saw or other cutting tool to make an opening in the sewer main. The size of the opening will depend on the size of the pipe and the type of tapping method you are using.
  • Install a tapping sleeve: A tapping sleeve is a device that is used to connect a new pipe to the existing sewer main. It is inserted into the opening in the main, and then sealed in place.
  • Install a service saddle: A service saddle is a device that attaches to the tapping sleeve, and is used to connect a new pipe to the existing sewer main.
  • Connect the new pipe: Once the service saddle is in place, you can connect the new pipe to the existing sewer main.
  • Test for leaks: After the new pipe is connected, it’s important to test for any leaks.

 

Hot tapping is a daring feat! This method requires skilled specialists to navigate the complexity of drilling into pressurized pipes – not for the faint-hearted. The process usually involves spinning up a specialized machine, then cutting through those tough materials with extraordinary care. All while avoiding any potentially hazardous situations in order to complete one’s mission successfully…A sewer main tap that withstands pressure? Now that’s impressive!

The Pressure’s ON!

The general process typically involves:

  • Locate the main: Identify the location of the pressurized sewer main that you need to tap into.
  • Obtain necessary permits: Check with the local authorities to see if you need any permits or approvals to perform the hot tapping.
  • Install a hot tapping machine: A hot tapping machine is a specialized tool that is used to create an opening in a pressurized pipe. It is equipped with a cutting wheel and a valve or fitting that can be installed simultaneously.
  • Cut into the main: Use the hot tapping machine to make an opening in the sewer main. The size of the opening will depend on the size of the pipe and the type of tapping method you are using.
  • Install the valve or fitting: The hot tapping machine will install a valve or fitting in the opening created in the main, which will allow you to connect a new pipe to the existing sewer main.
  • Connect the new pipe: Once the valve or fitting is in place, you can connect the new pipe to the existing sewer main.
  • Test for leaks: After the new pipe is connected, it’s important to test for any leaks… again, getting poo all over the place isn’t ideal for anyone!

When tapping pressurized mains, it’s a must to bring your A-game: proper equipment, safety gear and the right procedures are essential. Of course, having detailed plan is important too – but don’t stop there! Preparing for anything that could go wrong pays off in spades when taking on such an inherently risky task as this one – because let’s face it; no matter how careful you may be… shit happens!

Now that you know all there is to know about How-to Tap a Sewer Main, it’s time to get in touch with the experts at RW Excavation and Demolition. We have years of experience in managing these types of projects and would be happy to help get your project moving forward. Give us a call today to setup an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!