A saddle valve is an inexpensive way to create a side stream from a main water stream. It consists of a clamp, tee, and stem. It’s used to supply water to appliances such as ice makers, coolers, filters, and humidifiers. The valve is installed on a nearby cold water line and the position is chosen based on accessibility and distance from the appliance. The self-tapping feature may be sufficient for small diameter copper pipes, but larger pipes may require drilling. The flow leaving the pipe must be measured before installation. Hot water should not be tapped as it can clog the valve opening with salts.
An inexpensive method of creating a side stream from a main stream of water is the use of a saddle valve. The installation can often be done by a homeowner without the services of a plumber. However, not all jurisdictions allow the use of a saddle valve.
The valve consists of a two-piece clamp, a tee for new water flow, and a stem that opens or closes the valve. A self-tapping saddle valve has a sharp screw-like point on the end of the stem that pierces the tube without having to drill the hole in the tube. Pipe is defined as a pipe less than 1 inch in diameter. A typical installation is on a piece of copper pipe or tubing that is the cold water supply to a sink or water heater or any nearby cold water line. Hot water is not tapped, as it is more likely to clog the small valve opening with salts.
The primary uses of saddle valves are to supply water to an appliance such as an ice maker, cooler, filter, or water softener. A humidifier for a furnace also requires a water supply which could be supplied by the use of a saddle valve on a nearby water line. The position of the valve is chosen according to the available cold water supply, the distance from the appliance and the accessibility to the valve.
A tee-joint self-tapping saddle valve is used in many installations. For small diameter copper pipes, the self-tapping feature may be sufficient to provide reliable water flow. For larger pipes, pipes, or non-copper installations, manufacturers may suggest drilling penetration into the power supply before placing the saddle valve. The supply pipe must be drained before installation.
Two clamps, once screwed on, surround the tube. The curved shape of the clamps gives the saddle valve its name. A rubber gasket is placed over the point of the drilling screw of the self-tapping saddle valve stem and the clamps are tightened evenly. Once firmly seated, with the rubber seal slightly compressed, the stem is tightened until it pierces the pipe wall and finally can no longer be rotated. For non-self-tapping valves, the rubber gasket is placed over the pre-drilled hole.
The fixture feed, often a plastic pipe, is attached to the valve tee by a ferrule and nut. The flow leaving the pipe must be measured to ensure it meets the requirements of the appliance manufacturer before the appliance is installed. This can be done by timing the filling of water into a large measuring cup, juice container, or other marked container. The stem should always be in the fully open position to minimize deposits.
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