Hot Tapping Services

Hot tapping services for water and sewer mains (3/4”–36”) that allow utilities to add new connections without shutting down active systems.

Pipe Sizes: 3/4" – 36"

Maintain Service While Expanding or Modifying Water Infrastructure

Water Services Group provides professional hot tapping services that allow utilities and contractors to safely add new connections to pressurized water and sewer mains, without shutting down the system. Our team supports both planned infrastructure upgrades and time-sensitive projects where maintaining continuous service is critical.

With experience across a wide range of pipe sizes and system conditions, we help municipalities expand, reroute, or modify pipelines while minimizing customer disruption and operational risk.

What does this service consist of?

Hot tapping (sometimes called wet tapping or pressure tapping) is a controlled method of creating a new branch connection on an active, in-service pipeline. This process allows a new valve or connection point to be installed while the main remains pressurized and operational.

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Hot tapping is commonly used when:

System shutdowns would impact customers, critical facilities, or treatment operations
Existing infrastructure must remain online during construction
Project timelines or emergency conditions require uninterrupted service

Why professionals choose Water Services Group

Municipal contract managers and system operators rely on us because we offer:

Minimal service disruption for customers and facilities
Experience with complex live-main conditions
Support for both planned and emergency projects
Clear coordination with utility staff and contractors
Reliable execution on critical infrastructure

Our focus is on doing the work correctly, safely, and efficiently, with respect for system reliability and public impact.

When is it time to consider?

Municipal utilities and water system operators often choose hot tapping for:

System expansions and new service connections
Infrastructure upgrades where shutdown windows are limited
Tie-ins to existing mains during phased construction
Rerouting pipelines while keeping customers in service
Supporting line stopping or valve insertion operations

Hot tapping provides a flexible solution that supports both long-term system planning and short-term operational needs.

The process

Our hot tapping process follows proven industry practices and emphasizes safety, preparation, and system integrity:

Sleeve Installation
A hot tap sleeve is installed and secured around the existing pipeline at the desired connection point.
Valve Installation
A valve is bolted to the sleeve, creating a controlled access point for the tap.
Pressure Testing
The sleeve and valve assembly is tested under pressure (using hydrostatic or pneumatic methods) to confirm a watertight seal.
Tapping Machine Setup
A hot tapping machine is mounted to the valve using a watertight packing gland.
Cutting the Opening
The valve is opened, and the cutter and retention pilot bit are advanced to drill through the pipe wall.
Coupon Retention
The retention bit captures the removed section of pipe (“coupon”) to prevent debris from entering the system.
Completion
The cutter is retracted, the valve is closed, and the new connection is ready for integration.

This controlled approach allows work to be completed safely while the system remains operational.

Our Capabilities

Supported Pipe Sizes:
3/4" through 36", depending on pipe material and site conditions.

Applicable Systems:

Water distribution mains
Sewer and wastewater pipelines (project-dependent)
Municipal and industrial utility systems

Every project begins with a review of system conditions to confirm feasibility and determine the safest, most effective approach.

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Common Scenarios

Adding new distribution branches
Installing connections ahead of valve insertion or line stopping
Expanding service areas without full shutdowns
Supporting treatment plant or facility tie-ins
Coordinating with phased capital improvement projects

Talk With a Utility Services Specialist

If your project requires expanding or modifying water infrastructure without interrupting service, Water Services Group can help evaluate the right hot tapping solution.

Get a free quote

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