We recently completed a 42-inch wall tap through a 15-inch thick reinforced concrete reservoir wall in Ontario, Canada. Projects like this demonstrate how specialized pipeline and infrastructure services allow municipalities and utilities to safely modify critical systems while maintaining operational continuity throughout their communities.
Reservoir wall taps are highly specialized operations that require precise planning, engineered fittings and equipment, and experienced technicians. The Flow Control teams work closely with contractors, utilities, and engineers to complete these modifications while maintaining the structural integrity of the facility and minimizing disruption to operations.
What Is a Wall Tap
A wall tap is a method used to create a new connection point through the wall of an existing structure such as a pipe, tank, or reservoir. This allows operators to install a new pipeline connection or branch without draining the tank or pipe, removing the structure from service, or reconstructing the entire structure.
In water and wastewater infrastructure, wall taps are often performed on reservoirs, large transmission pipelines (particularly those with flat plate–style designs), or treatment facilities where new piping needs to be integrated into existing systems.
Because the work is performed directly on critical infrastructure, proper engineering review, structural considerations, and specialized cutting equipment are required to safely complete the connection.
When Wall Tapping Is Used
Wall taps are commonly used in municipal water and wastewater systems, as well as in industrial piping installations. They are especially valuable when a new connection must be installed while avoiding large-scale system shutdowns or costly structural reconstruction.
Typical applications include:
• Adding new connections to existing reservoirs or tanks
• Expanding municipal water distribution or transmission systems
• Installing new process equipment connections at treatment facilities
• Modifying infrastructure during system upgrades or capacity expansions
This approach helps reduce downtime, minimize disruption to customers, and allow essential infrastructure to remain operational during system modifications.
Other Pipeline Services
In addition to wall tapping, Pacific Flow Control provides a range of specialized pipeline services that support municipal and industrial infrastructure projects. These services include:
• Hot tapping
• Line stopping
• Pipe and line freezing
• Hydrant and valve servicing
• PE and HDPE pipe squeezing
• Valve insert installations
These techniques allow pipelines and infrastructure systems to be modified, repaired, or expanded while remaining in service.
Hot tapping, for example, is commonly used when it is impractical or undesirable to shut down a pipeline. The process involves attaching a branch fitting to an in-service pipeline and cutting an opening into the pressurized pipe without interrupting system operation.
Where We Operate
Pacific Flow Control supports pipeline projects across Western Canada and across Canada on specialized engineered projects.
Alberta
We regularly work with municipalities and utilities in cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, and surrounding communities.
British Columbia
Our team supports projects across the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Coquitlam, and nearby municipalities.
Vancouver Island
We work with utilities in Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River, and surrounding areas.
BC Interior
We support projects in Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton, and other communities throughout the region.
Need Pipeline Services?
Projects like this 42-inch reservoir wall tap through a 15-inch concrete structure highlight the importance of specialized contractors for modern infrastructure work.
Whether a municipality or industrial facility needs hot tapping, valve inserts, line stopping, wall tapping, or other pipeline modifications, Pacific Flow Control provides experienced technicians, specialized equipment, and engineered solutions to complete the work safely and efficiently.