In the realm of water mains, thousands upon thousands of different materials, components, and parts are being used every single day to guarantee that we have clean water on demand, ensuring our health and high quality of life.

One specific type of these materials is critical for virtually every setting from municipal to industrial to residential: water saddle. For sale in every water/wastewater shop in the US, this humble fitting is the unsung king of lateral service lines – and, today, we’ll show why.

What is a water main saddle?

• The water main saddle is a type of service fitting commonly used in plumbing and water distribution systems worldwide.

This component’s primary function is to allow the addition of a new branch (lateral) connection to an existing pipeline, without the need for excessive alterations or cutting and welding. It is this ease of installation, paired with the lasting durability of water main saddles, that made this specific type of fitting irreplaceable in modern infrastructure.

It should be noted that water main saddles are also commonly referred to as “service saddles”, “pipe saddles”, “water saddles”, “tapping saddles”, or simply “saddles”. While all these terms generally refer to the same, there can be slight differences in meaning, depending on the industry or specific application.

Anatomy of a Water Main Saddle

The design of the water main saddles is brilliant in its simplicity, and typically consists of:

• Saddle body: The main part of the fitting is most commonly made of highly durable and resilient materials, such as bronze, stainless steel, ductile iron, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The design of the body features two half-rings which, when put together, allow the saddle to fully enclose the pipe, ensuring a secure connection.
• Gasket: A rubber or elastomeric gasket located in the saddle body is there to ensure a watertight seal between the fitting and the pipe.
• Outlet: This is the part of the saddle where the new branch pipe or valve is connected, and can feature threads or a flange, allowing for other fittings or pipes to be attached to the main pipe.
• Nuts & bolts: These have a simple purpose –  to secure the saddle in place. However, the number of bolts can vary depending on the size and type of the fitting.

What is the use of saddle in water supply?

Water main saddles are quite versatile tools and have widespread applications in many situations, the most common being:

• Creating branch connections off the main water line, without the need for extensive modifications of the existing pipeline.
• Tapping the new service connection from the main waterline, in order to bring water to homes, businesses, and other buildings and facilities.
• Temporarily or permanently fixing the plumbing issues, usually by bypassing the damaged section of the main line or by acting as the connection point for repair clamps.
• Managing water flow or pressure within the system is also possible using special saddles with integrated valves.

Where can I find top-quality water saddles for sale near me?

In business since 1958, Blair Supply Corp. is recognized as one of the most reliable distributors of water and wastewater materials nationwide. Over the years, we’ve been an integral part of innumerable projects across many industries and collaborated with many organizations including WASDA, NFIB, and even the Chamber of Commerce.

Today, we partner with some of the most renowned manufacturers in the industry, including names such as Smith-Blair, Mueller, Ford Meter Box, and dozens of others, enabling us to introduce top-quality products to your projects. Reach out to our specialists in Rochester or Watertown, NY today and secure materials that are built to last!