Water Line Tap Connection Work in Denver
An independent, licensed plumbing contractor. Not affiliated with Denver Water or the City and County of Denver.
A water line tap connection is the fitting made at the water main using a tapping sleeve and valve or a direct tap, sized and positioned to the water utility's approved standard. Denver Sewer and Water makes this connection under live main pressure conditions with proper restraint and pressure testing before the service is put into use.
- Tapping sleeve and valve or direct tap methods.
- Connection method matched to main material and pressure.
- Thrust restraint set at every fitting.
- Pressure testing before the service is activated.
- Disinfection and clearance required before potable use.
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How Is a Water Main Tap Actually Made?
On larger mains, a tapping sleeve is bolted around the pipe and a tapping valve is attached to it, then a specialized machine cuts through the main wall under pressure without draining the line. Once the tap is made and the coupon removed, the valve closes off that opening and the service line connects downstream of it. On smaller residential services, a direct tap using a corporation stop is often sufficient instead of a full sleeve and valve assembly.
Both methods depend on matching the fitting to the main's material and diameter exactly. A tapping sleeve rated for the wrong pipe material or size will not seal properly, and getting this wrong on a live, pressurized main is a far more immediate problem than a similar mismatch would be on a sewer line.
(720) 935-6221What determines the tap method
- Main material: ductile iron, PVC, cast iron, or asbestos cement all take different fittings.
- Main diameter and operating pressure.
- Service size being connected.
- Whether the utility permits a direct tap or requires a full sleeve and valve.
- Condition of the main at the tap location.
How a Water Tap Connection Is Made
- 1
Locate the main and verify main size and material
Diameter, material, and depth at the proposed connection point are confirmed before ordering the tapping fitting.
- 2
Coordinate with the water authority having jurisdiction
The approved tap method and any restrictions on tap timing are confirmed with the utility.
- 3
Potholing and utility locates
The main is exposed carefully and other utilities in the area are located first.
- 4
Tapping sleeve and valve or direct tap
The connection is made under pressure using the fitting matched to the main.
- 5
Thrust restraint
Restraint is set at the fitting to keep the connection from shifting under main pressure.
- 6
Pressure test, disinfection, and clearance
The new service is pressure tested, disinfected per the utility's protocol, and cleared for potable use before activation.
What Denver Customers Say About Working With Us
“Denver Water And Sewer did an excellent job replacing my sewer lines. Trevor and his crew are extremely competent, honest, professional and prompt.”
“Denver Sewer and Water was a great experience. We had been out of water due to a water main leak into the house for 2 weeks. They came out, gave a go”
“We had an underground water valve break on a Saturday. No fun and expensive to fix regardless of the repair company. Nevertheless, greatly apprecia”
What Drives Water Tap Connection Cost
Main material and diameter drive fitting selection and cost, since a tapping sleeve for a larger main costs more than a corporation stop for a small residential service. Depth, traffic control needs if the main is in a street, and whether disinfection and clearance testing require a hold period before backfill all factor in as well.
Tap fees and system development charges are set by the water utility with jurisdiction over your address, not by us, and we confirm current figures with the utility rather than publishing amounts here.
Call (720) 935-6221 to get the main assessed before the tap method is chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Need a Water Main Tapped Correctly?
We match the fitting to the main and test before activation. Call (720) 935-6221.