Service pipe saddles are easily one of the most versatile water main materials known today. They are used in a diverse range of settings, ranging from residential to municipal to industrial and many more.

On the other hand, they can also serve a whole array of purposes within said settings, from acting as a simple bypass for a leaky pipe to ensuring the integrity of the pipeline through pressure control.

Today, we’re bringing you a list of the Top 7 incredible uses for this type of fitting which will, without a doubt, make you experience a newfound appreciation next time you browse for pipe saddles for sale.

When to use a pipe saddle?

As an incredibly versatile type of pipe fitting, service saddles can have a wide range of applications in pipeline systems across numerous industries and settings. Here are some of the most common ones:

Creating branch connections

The primary purpose of a water main saddle is to add a new lateral to an existing pipeline, without interrupting the flow of water or needing to cut and weld.

Application Examples:

• Extending water supply to new residential, commercial, or industrial areas.
• Adding irrigation lines in agricultural settings.
• Expanding fire protection systems.

Creating service connections

Service saddles, as the name suggests, can be used to create individual connections from the main pipeline, such as to homes, buildings, or businesses.

Application Examples:

• Installing water meters for new properties (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).
• Providing additional water connections for new buildings in a development.
• Adding new connections for fire hydrants.

Repair/Maintenance

A versatile tool, the water saddle can be used to repair the main water pipeline, typically by providing a secure, leak-free attachment point for repair clamps or by bypassing the damaged section:

Application Examples:

• Sealing leaks in the main pipeline without replacing large sections or excessive cutting and welding.
• Creating a temporary bypass to maintain service (water supply) while the repairs of the main line are ongoing.

Water pressure management & flow control

Certain types of saddles come equipped with valves designed to control the flow of water and/or the pressure within the pipe system.

Application Examples:

• Acting as pressure relief points (most commonly in industrial/commercial settings)
• Managing the flow of water to different sections of a distribution network.
• Creating controlled points for flushing or cleaning the pipeline.

Instrumentation & monitoring

A little-known application of water saddles is that, in certain scenarios, they can be an ideal attachment platform for sensors or equipment that serve monitoring purposes.

Application Examples:

• Installing flow meters to measure water usage or detect leaks.
• Attaching pressure sensors to monitor pipeline pressure.
• Adding sampling ports for water quality testing.

Specialized industrial applications

Across the world, pipe saddles are used in a diverse range of industrial settings for very specialized process needs.

Application Examples:

• Attaching injection points for chemicals in water treatment plants.
• Adding connections for steam distribution systems in manufacturing facilities.

Retrofitting & upgrades

Last, but not least, pipe saddles are ideal when updating or upgrading existing piping systems, as they ensure minimal disruption to water supply, thereby expediting and streamlining the process.

Application Examples:

• Upgrading pipelines to handle increased demand without replacing the entire system.
• Adding new components to an older pipeline system.
• Introducing new technologies into an outdated system.

Where can I find high-end pipe saddles for sale near me?

Blair Supply Corp. is a 60+ years veteran of the water and wastewater distribution industry, delivering top-quality materials throughout the nation. Since our inception in 1958, we’ve been an essential part of thousands of projects and a reliable partner to private and public contractors.

Whether you’re looking for a cutting-edge and reliable water main saddle or correctly sized, durable fittings for your upcoming project, you can count on us to deliver. Reach out to us today and find out why we remain the top choice after nearly seven decades!