Define the line
Confirm material, diameter, wall condition, media, pressure, temperature, access, and the required connection.
Connect without shutdown
Hot Tapping
Add a branch connection to an operating pipeline and maintain service across the wider system.
1,440PSIG at 100°F capability for qualified hot tap applications
01Job-specific technical review before field mobilization
24/7Direct response path for qualified emergency needs
100+Years of equipment, fitting, and field experience
Method in context
Control the work. Protect continuity.
Koppl hot taps create a controlled connection to an active, pressurized system. The fitting, isolation valve, tapping machine, cutter, and coupon-retention plan are selected around the actual line conditions before field work begins.
Where the method creates value
- Maintain service while adding a branch, sensor, drain, or sampling point
- Plan fittings for steel, ductile iron, cast iron, copper, PVC, concrete cylinder, and other qualified pipe
- Use controlled coupon retention and tested isolation before machine removal
- Support straight, angle, long-travel, and valveless connection strategies
Common applications
- Water and wastewater
- Natural gas
- Steam and HVAC
- Oil, fuel, and industrial media
- Flow meters and thermowells
- Bypass connections
The technical-review boundary
Published sizes, pressures, temperatures, and equipment capabilities describe potential operating ranges, not automatic approval for a specific project. Final feasibility depends on verified line data, field condition, system configuration, media, procedures, and the selected equipment.
Typical project sequence
A field plan with visible control points.
The exact method changes by application. These four stages show the decision structure that keeps engineering, equipment, field work, and completion connected.
Engineer the connection
Select the fitting, valve, cutter, pilot drill, machine travel, test plan, and field controls for the application.
Install and test
Fit and secure the connection, complete required tests, and verify the isolation path before cutting begins.
Make the tap
Advance the cutter through the open valve, retain the coupon, retract the machine, and close the valve under a controlled procedure.
Safety + validation
Method before mobilization.
A usable plan connects the actual line data to equipment selection, fitting design, access, testing, operating limits, PPE, work-zone controls, and the final return-to-service sequence.
Start technical review
Service questions
Useful answers before the call.
These answers frame the method. A project-specific answer starts with the actual line and site conditions.
Browse all FAQs01Can 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.
Related capabilities
The final method may combine services.
Live-line projects often connect tapping, temporary isolation, permanent control, fabrication, or repair into one coordinated sequence.
Line Stopping
Temporarily isolate a section of active pipe so modifications or repairs can move forward with less system-wide disruption.
Explore capabilityPipe Freezing
Create a monitored ice plug for targeted work where draining or a broader shutdown is impractical.
Explore capabilityValve Insertion
Install a permanent valve on an active water main with minimal service interruption and a focused excavation footprint.
Explore capabilityStart with what you know
Plan a hot tapping project.
Share the line data, location, schedule, and desired outcome. Koppl will route the application for technical review.