Omar Khalid
Tapping into a plastic water line is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through various methods. The most common and cost-effective approach is direct tapping, which involves drilling a hole into the pipe and cutting threads to insert a Corporation Stop. Other methods include using tapping saddles and sleeves, which offer stability but increase overall costs. When dealing with PVC pipes, push-fit connections are popular, and T-joints or cross-joint connections can be used to extend a single pipe into multiple directions. Before beginning any work, it is essential to turn off the water supply to avoid leaks and interruptions.
Characteristics and their values for tapping into a plastic water line
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pipe material | PVC, CPVC, Polyethylene, Ductile Iron |
| Pipe diameter | 1", 1/2", 3/4", 24" and larger |
| Fittings | T-joints, elbows, connectors, shut-off valves, compression couplings, retainer nuts, ferrules, brass sleeves |
| Tools | Pipe cutters, adjustable wrench, Sharkbite deburring tool, flat file |
| Techniques | Direct tapping, tapping saddles, tapping sleeves, push fittings, compression fittings, soldering |
| Considerations | Water shutoff, pipe stiffness, pipe orientation, joint tightness, leak testing |
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What You'll Learn
Direct tapping
Direct taps can be performed on any diameter ductile iron pipe. All classes of ductile iron pipe 24 inches and larger in diameter can be direct-tapped for 2-inch corporation stops. The cut-off at 2-inch diameter taps is because most tapping machines used to direct-tap pressurised mains are limited to a maximum tap size of 2 inches. Only AWWA C900 pressure Class 150 and 200 PVC pipes 6 inches (150mm) through 12 inches (300mm) can be direct-tapped. Direct tapping is not recommended for Pressure Class 100 pipe, 4-inch.
To connect a tap into a PVC joint, one end of the tap joint has a washer and plastic fitting, and the other has a thread that the tap screws into. Once the pipe is attached to one end of the joint, the tap can be screwed into the other end. This is known as a push-fit joint.
To connect a water line to a refrigerator, a plastic pipe is fed through a hole. The pipe should be marked where it needs to be cut, and then cut using a pipe cutter. A push fitting, such as a Sharkbite, can be installed. The outside of the pipe must be deburred before insertion, using a deburring tool or a flat file. If not filed down, the burr could damage the o-ring inside the fitting and cause a leak.
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Tapping sleeves
The process involves placing a steel collar around the existing pipe and tightening bolts around the fitting. The collar has a pre-made flange, which is fitted with a special cutter that taps into the existing line. This allows for the creation of a branch outlet, while the attached valve helps to quickly isolate the section and prevent water flow.
Compared to direct tapping, the use of tapping sleeves increases the overall cost of the project due to the additional materials and installation costs. However, they offer size and stability advantages, especially when tapping PVC and HDPE pipes, as the hoop strength of the sleeve can exceed that of the pipe.
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Tapping saddles
Tapping sleeves and tapping saddles are two different methods used to tap into water lines. Tapping sleeves are used on ductile iron pipes and allow access to and branching of an existing water main. They are a good option when tapping PVC and HDPE pipes as the hoop strength of the sleeve may exceed that of the pipe.
Direct tapping is the most common and cost-effective method of the three. It involves tapping threads into the pipe wall and inserting a Corporation Stop. A hole is drilled into the pipe, and the threads are cut using the same bit. This method can be performed on ductile iron pipes of any diameter and on PVC pipes with a pressure class of 150 or 200.
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Using a push-fit joint
First, ensure you have the correct pipe inserts for the type of pipe you are using. Copper pipes do not require an insert. Mark the pipe with a pen to indicate how far to insert it into the fitting. Cut the pipe to the correct length using dedicated pipe cutters—a pipe slice for copper and plastic pipe cutters for plastic. Be careful not to damage the "O" ring inside the fitting.
Next, push an insert firmly into the end of the pipe, then push the pipe fully into the fitting. Some fittings have a twist-lock mechanism, so be sure to tighten the fitting by hand. Pull on the fitting and pipe to ensure it is correctly located.
Finally, screw the tap into the other end of the joint. You can now insert this section into a T-joint, and then insert the T-joint into your main water pipe.
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Connecting to a refrigerator
Connecting a water line to your refrigerator requires careful planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Planning:
Firstly, you need to determine the location of your water supply line and plan how to connect it to the refrigerator. Check if there is an existing cold water supply line near the refrigerator, either extending from the wall or up from the floor. If not, you may need to tap into the sink's cold water supply or a water pipe in the floor or wall.
Gathering Supplies:
You will need a variety of tools and supplies, including a tape measure, hole saw, power drill, screwdriver, wrench, tube cutter, bucket, tee fitting, stop valve, 1/4-inch water supply tube, sealing tape, and cable clamps.
Disconnecting Water Supply:
Before starting any work, be sure to turn off the water supply. If you are connecting to the sink, use its shut-off valves. If connecting to a water pipe, shut off the main water supply for your home.
Tapping into the Water Line:
Now, you can tap into the water line. Cut a square hole in the wall for access to the water line. If you are tapping into the sink's water supply, you may need to use a tee fitting that fits the threads of your valve. The third outlet should have a 1/4-inch diameter for the refrigerator water line.
Connecting the Water Line to the Refrigerator:
Connect the water line to the refrigerator's water supply valve at the back of the unit. Use sealing tape on the threads of the connection and tighten it with a wrench. Be careful not to over-tighten.
Testing:
Once everything is connected, turn on the water supply and test for any leaks. Cycle through a few buckets of water and check all connection points. If there are no leaks, push the refrigerator back into place and reconnect the power supply.
Remember to follow local plumbing codes and instructions specific to your refrigerator model. If you feel uncomfortable with any part of the process, consider seeking professional assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three methods of tapping into a plastic water line: Direct tapping, Tapping Saddles, and Tapping Sleeves.
Direct tapping is the most common and cost-effective method.
First, turn off the water supply. Then, unscrew one end of the joint and insert the plastic pipe. Finally, screw the joint back on.
It is important to ensure that the pipe is cut straight and free of any scratches or debris. Additionally, when tightening the connection, use an adjustable wrench and hand-tighten first to ensure it is not cross-threaded.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are commonly used for external water lines. The two standard sizes are 20mm (1/2 inch) and 25mm (3/4 inch), with the larger size being less prone to blockage.
