Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest size tap that you
can do on my 12" carbon steel
main?
We can tap size on size on any
pipeline material except concrete cylinder
pipe.
Can you tap a steam line or a natural
gas line?
We can tap lines
containing anything and everything except
oxygen.
My main is in a ceiling. Can
you do a tap off the bottom of the
pipe?
We can perform our services
360 Degrees around the main provided the
fittings are installed square and perpendicular
to the main.
What is the difference between a Pipe
Freeze and a Line Stop?
Both
services accomplish the same end result by
providing a temporary shut-off allowing you, the
customer, to make repairs, alterations or
relocations without shutting the entire system
down. Pipe Freezes can only be
accomplished if there is no flow and the line is
full. Should you have flow or if the line
is not full then a line stop can be
performed.
How does the high pressure and flow
affect a Pipe Freeze?
The working
pressure does not affect the success of a pipe
freeze. On a high pressure line equal pressure
must be applied on both sides of the ice plug
once the customers work is completed. Flow
(including movement, turbulence and convection)
will affect the success of a Pipe Freeze.
For a complete ice plug to form the line must be
full and there must be no flow in the line.
Can you Pipe Freeze a line that has
glycol in it?
The ability to Pipe
Freeze a line containing glycol is based on the
concentration and type (ethylene/green or
propylene/pink). Please call our office
for more details.
How do we know whether we should use a line stop or a valve insertion?
You need to determine whether you need a temporary or permanent service. A line stop is a temporary service, although the fitting left in place can usually be used for a restop. An in-line valve insertion is a permanent service.
What is the difference between a Hot Tap and a Wet Tap?
The services are the same. They both provide branch connections. The difference lies in the pipeline material. Hot taps are performed on carbon, galvanized and stainless steel, brass, copper and several other pipeline materials. While this is normally a welded application, in many cases we can provide a bolt-on application. Many people call the service a "Wet Tap" because the product in the pipeline is often a liquid; for example chilled, condenser or hot water. Wet taps are performed on cast and ductile iron, transite, concrete cylinder pipe and several other pipeline materials. As you cannot weld these materials, wet taps are bolt-on applications. The mains generally transport water or sewer.
What parts of the United States does
Pro Tapping service?
Pro Tapping
services the entire United States including
Alaska and Hawaii.