Wet Tapping
What is Wet Tapping?
If you need to connect a new pipeline to an existing water main, you have two options: shut down the entire system to insert the tap or use the innovative technique of wet tapping while the system is still under pressure. Despite the benefits of wet tapping, many municipalities are not familiar with the process and continue to use the traditional method of shutting down the system.
This outdated technique creates unnecessary work, including dewatering the pipes, cutting flow, and testing the water for bacteria. Alternatively, our wet tapping process allow us to make a new branch connection to an existing pipe while it remains in service and under pressure. At Pacific Flow Control, we specialize in wet tapping services to help you avoid the extra work and hassle of shutting down your entire system.
Contact us to improve your pipeline connections without any disruptions.
Locations We Serve
We are proud to be one of Canada's leading wet tap contracting companies. Our highly trained and experienced professionals provide services throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. We serve many cities throughout Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Regina, Saskatoon, and many more. Need to expand or modify your piping? Reach out to our team today!
British Columbia
Metro Vancouver
Address: 19696 Telegraph Trail Unit # 10, Langley Twp, BC V1M 3E5
Phone: 604-888-6363
Vancouver Island
Address: 2076 Balsam Rd Unit B, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1T5
Phone: 250-739-5497
Okanagan
Address: 199 Pinto Rd Unit 102, Kelowna, BC V1V 2G9
Phone: 250-212-7335
How Wet Tapping Works
When done right, the wet tap installation process is simple and effective. Here's how it works:
- Our team begins by securing the tapping fitting in place on the wet tap water main, ensuring it is stable and secure.
- We install a gate or ball valve and leave the water line wide open to allow for a smooth and uninterrupted flow of water.
- Using a specialized tapping machine with a cutting head and watertight housing, we attach it to the valve opposite the main.
- The tapping machine is then started, and the cutting head advances to cut through the main with precision and accuracy.
- Our team ensures that the tapping machine, valve, and fitting are all securely fitted, preventing any loss of water pressure during the process.
- Once the cut is complete, we withdraw the cutting head into the tapping machine and close the valve to ensure a safe and functional connection.
- Finally, we remove the tapping machine from the valve, leaving behind a fully functional valve and tap with no loss of service.
Pipe Materials
Generally, our wet tap service uses a combination of custom-designed fittings to contain water pressure, a valve to control the new connection, and a drilling machine to cut the pipe. Our tapping machines are suitable for a wide range of pipe types, including cast iron, ductile iron, PVC, asbestos cement, steel, copper, transite, and more. This makes it an ideal solution for an existing pipe installation, as well as new pipe connections. If you want to improve your pipeline connections, our wet tap method has you covered. Please contact our team to get started.
What is the difference between a wet tap, a hot tap, and a dry tap?
There are three terms often used when referring to methods of tapping: dry, wet, and hot tapping. Dry tapping involves drilling into an empty pipe or pressure vessel and requires the system to be shut down completely to perform. When it comes to wet and hot tapping, these are two different terms that describe the same process/ methodology and can be used interchangeably. Both wet and hot tapping involve making a new branch connection to an existing pipe while it is still in service and under pressure, therefore, no shutdown is required.
