Frequently asked questions
Questions about your pipeline project.
Find answers about Koppl's services, project planning, and emergency response.
Project planning
Core questions before method selection.
These answers are general guidance. Project feasibility and equipment selection depend on verified line and field conditions.
01What information helps Koppl evaluate a project?
Start with the pipe size, material, operating pressure and temperature, media, location, access conditions, schedule, and the outcome you need. Drawings and current photos are useful when available.
02Can work be performed without a full system shutdown?
Many Koppl methods reduce or avoid broad shutdowns. The right method depends on the line condition, service, operating parameters, and the work that must occur downstream.
03Does Koppl provide emergency response?
Koppl supports qualified emergency needs around the clock. Call (323) 888-2211 so the crew can assess the condition and route the request.
04Where does Koppl provide service?
Koppl maintains regional service coverage from California, Hawaii, Texas, and North Carolina and supports work beyond those locations. The wider ISS family extends the connected footprint across the United States, Canada, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
05Can Koppl supply custom fittings and field service?
Yes. Koppl fabricates tapping and line stop fittings, custom contoured outlets, reinforcement material, thermowell fittings, concrete-pressure-pipe repair components, and other project-specific products.
Service questions
Hot Tapping
Add a branch connection to an operating pipeline and maintain service across the wider system.
Explore the service01Can a hot tap be performed without shutting down the line?
That is the purpose of the method. A qualified hot tap creates a new connection with the system still pressurized and operating, subject to technical review of the line and service conditions.
02What information should I provide first?
Start with pipe size, material, wall thickness if known, operating pressure and temperature, media, connection size, location, access, and the desired schedule.
03What happens to the coupon?
Koppl uses a wired pilot-drill retention method so the cut coupon can be recovered with the cutter when the machine is retracted.
Service questions
Line Stopping
Temporarily isolate a section of active pipe so modifications or repairs can move forward with less system-wide disruption.
Explore the service01Can line stopping avoid a system-wide shutdown?
It can create a temporary isolation point so targeted work proceeds without shutting down the entire system. Some projects require a bypass to maintain flow.
02What is a barrel-style line stop?
It is a stopping method that seals on the opening made by the hot tap. It can be useful when internal scale, corrosion, or uncertain inside diameter makes another head style less suitable.
03Is the fitting left on the pipe?
The completion plug seals the fitting after the stopping equipment is removed, and a blind flange completes the installation.
Service questions
Pipe Freezing
Create a monitored ice plug for targeted work where draining or a broader shutdown is impractical.
Explore the service01Does pipe freezing damage the pipe?
A safe application depends on correct system review and controls. Koppl uses temperature sensors, bleed-off points, and continuous frost-line monitoring to manage the pressure condition associated with plug formation.
02Does the line need to be drained first?
No. The method requires liquid in the pipe so a controlled ice plug can form, which is why it can avoid draining a larger system.
03What happens after the work is complete?
The freezing equipment is removed and the plug is allowed to thaw, returning the line to its original physical configuration.
Service questions
Valve Insertion
Install a permanent valve on an active water main with minimal service interruption and a focused excavation footprint.
Explore the service01Can an insertion valve be installed with water flowing?
Qualified insertion-valve systems are designed for installation on an active line, allowing the owner to add control with little or no broad service interruption.
02Which pipe materials can be considered?
Available systems can support common materials including cast iron, ductile iron, steel, PVC, and asbestos-cement pipe. The exact valve system and limits require technical review.
03Which valve brands does Koppl support?
Koppl offers systems from Hydra-Stop, Advanced Valve Technologies, and Mueller. The right system depends on the pipe and project requirements.
Service questions
Concrete Pressure Pipe Repair
KOPPL-KRETE™ combines isolation, in-house fabrication, and field repair for concrete pressure pipe systems.
Explore the service01Which concrete pressure pipe types does Koppl support?
Koppl identifies bar-wrapped pipe (B303), prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (L301), and embedded-cylinder pipe (E301) among its supported concrete pressure pipe applications.
02Can Koppl isolate the line as part of the repair?
Yes. Line stopping can be incorporated when existing valves do not provide dependable isolation for the affected section.
03Are custom repair fittings available?
KOPPL-KRETE products are fabricated in-house and can include adapters, butt straps, tees, cross fittings, hot tap saddles, and other project-specific components.
Start with what you know
Talk to Koppl about your line.
Share the information you have. Koppl's crew can help identify the next step.