Hot TappingSafe and Efficient Pipeline Connections
Hot tapping, also known as under-pressure tapping, is a specialised technique that enables the installation of live tees and connections on existing pipelines without disrupting operations or isolating the infrastructure. This innovative method ensures continuity of service while facilitating the fast and safe installation of new branch connections and bypass mains.
Our Solution Overview
Hot Tapping is the ability to safely tie into a pressurised system while it is on stream and under pressure. It enables us to cut live tees and connections to existing water mains without the requirement for isolation of existing infrastructure. A typical Hot Tap installation consists of a tapping saddle or welded flange offtake fixed to a gate valve, and Hot Tapping Machine.
Saltire Infrastructure utilises high pressure rated Hot Tapping Equipment for the fast and safe installation of new branch connections and bypass mains, with the current capability to install DN25-DN400 off-takes. Our equipment has been used successfully in regional and metropolitan locations across Australia on varying utilities and processing facilities.
Key Features of Our Hot Tapping Service
Non-Disruptive Operations
Maintain uninterrupted water flow during installations, minimising downtime and customer impact.
Versatile Applications
Suitable for a range of industries and utilities, from water distribution to processing facilities.
Multidisciplinary Knowledge:
Access to industry-leading engineers and experts across all facets of water and wastewater projects.
Tailored Solutions
Equipment engineered for enhanced diameter and pressure capacity, ensuring compatibility with unique project requirements.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Seamless coordination with clients, contractors, and stakeholders for smooth project execution.
Safety First
Designed for high-pressure systems, our equipment and processes prioritise safety at every step.
Our Equipment
We have engineered our hot tapping equipment to enhance the diameter and pressure capacity for unique applications around Australia.
Applications of Hot Tapping
- Installation of live branch connections for water mains.
- Bypass systems for maintenance or upgrades.
- Modifications to existing infrastructure without service interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot Tapping is an essential part of maintenance and repair solutions on potable water lines. Learn more about our solution below:
What is hot-tapping?
Hot tapping, also known as pressure tapping or live tapping, is a technique used in pipeline maintenance and repair that involves drilling into a pressurized pipeline while it is still in operation.
What are the benefits of hot-tapping?
What are the common applications for hot tapping?
Our Capabilities
At Saltire, we pride ourselves on delivering intelligent, tailored solutions for water infrastructure. Our expertise spans from major project consultancy in civil construction to rapid emergency repair works, ensuring reliable and efficient water networks at every scale.
Wastewater Infrastructure
We deliver wastewater infrastructure that’s built to last—prioritising durability, performance and client needs across every project.
Design and Construct
End-to-end design and construct solutions delivering smarter, sustainable water infrastructure—engineered for efficiency, durability and performance.
Project Management
From concept to completion, we manage projects with precision, collaboration, and a focus on delivering results.
Civil Construction
Saltire delivers end-to-end civil construction services with a flexible, client-first approach—ensuring quality outcomes across roads, drainage, earthworks, and concrete works.
Dry Vac Excavation
Saltire’s dry vac excavation services for safe, non-destructive underground asset exposure, ensuring precision and environmental responsibility.
Pipeline Condition Assessment
Saltire offers expert asset condition assessment services for pressurised pipeline inspections, leak detection and mains tracing.
Valve & Hydrant Replacements
Saltire’s efficient valve and hydrant replacement services, ensuring minimal disruption, future access, and reliable infrastructure solutions.
Emergency Repair Works
Swift and efficient emergency repair services ensure pipeline integrity and minimise downtime, safeguarding communities and resources.
Case Studies
Our case studies showcase Saltire's expertise in delivering innovative and reliable solutions across various water and pipeline projects. From emergency repairs to large-scale construction, explore how our commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency has made a positive impact on communities and industries alike.
Industry Leading Technology
We harness a unique mix of technologies and solutions to ensure your system continuity during repairs. This includes hot tapping, flow stopping and s-gate valves.
Live Water Mains Inspection
Advanced live inspection technology detects issues in pressurised pipelines—maintaining network integrity without isolations, shutdowns, or service disruption.
Hot Tapping
Saltire Infrastructure utilises high-pressure rated Hot Tapping Equipment for the fast and safe installation of new branch connections and bypass mains, with the current capability to install DN25-DN400 offtakes.
Flow Stopping
Line Stopping allows works to be undertaken on water mains without interruption to customer supply. Deploying a stopper and bypass system, the rig set-up allows for sections of pipelines to be made dry allowing safe repair or replacement of the existing network.
S-Gate Valve
Saltire Infrastructure’s S-gate Valve System is a WSAA-approved live insertion valve system, designed to be used on live under pressure pipelines, providing mechanical isolation on the network to operator’s requirements and a future asset on the pipeline network to be used time and time again.
The Saltire Advantage
Eliminate Shutdowns & Outages
Ensuring the continued operation and supply of water to stakeholders.
Reduce Construction Footprint
Reduce excavation work and traffic management with location-specific isolation solutions.
Safer Equipment
Safe, modern and efficient equipment engineered to comply with international and Australian standards.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Eliminate loss of treated water on the network by redirecting supply during maintenance work.
Save Money
Save an average of 40% of installation and repair work by eliminating 100% of the costs related to system shutdown.
Service
Saltire provides reliable and emergency services you can count on and customised for your needs.
Our clients rely on us to innovate, deliver and excel.
Our team possesses a strong understanding of client requirements and we focus on building long term professional relationships and exceeding expectations within safety, quality, and environment. Being a Western Australian owned and operated company, Saltire supports local communities by prioritising partnerships with WA suppliers and Contractors.
"I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the excellent work your team did during the hot-tapping operations in Allanooka. The quality of work and professionalism exhibited by everyone on the team was truly impressive. We were particularly impressed with the care and precision with which all equipment was operated."
P. Lee
Senior Project Manager - Rob Carr"The whole job was exceptionally organised and the teamwork between the crews was seamless. That is the level of preparedness and safety we strive for on all work, especially nightshift. The feedback from the Operations Manager, Communications Advisor, and local customers have all been full of praise for the work."
J. Collier
Project Leader - Water Corporation“Saltire successfully delivered works for the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (ALUA), including self-performed Water Corporation relocations for the Beckenham, Cannington, and Wharf Street packages. Saltire demonstrated strong performance, meeting the standards expected on a Tier 1 project.
Despite site complexities and programme challenges, Saltire maintained a strong commitment to safety and delivered the works in alignment with the ALUA schedule.
Saltire’s proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and problem-solving was a key factor in the project’s success. Their flexibility in adapting to evolving site conditions and ability to coordinate efficiently with other contractors contributed significantly to minimising disruptions and ensuring the seamless delivery of critical project milestones.”
S. Doogan
Delivery Manager - Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance“Being unable to carry out our traditional in-house inspections under isolation due to no contingency for supplying over 30,000 homes, we had to look for an alternative solution.
Previously working with Saltire on other projects using other equipment, we were confident the job would be delivered successfully. Working in an environmentally sensitive area and in a complex excavation, the team delivered beyond expectations. Utmost professionalism from scope to delivery”
Specialist, Inspection & Condition Assessment, Engineering Department
Water Corporation WA
