Aquatherm North America and McElroy are introducing the mechanical and plumbing industry’s first hot tap tool designed specifically for polypropylene piping systems.

This new tool allows the installation of branches to a live service line, eliminating service disruption. While the technology has been available for other applications, such as buried high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, the new tool design offers a much more compact alternative, specifically for use with Aquatherm PP-R piping inside buildings and tighter spaces.  

The patent-pending design completely seals the system, drills through the pipe wall and retracts cutout pipe pieces, leaving in place a fusion-welded outlet fitting and ball valve. It is designed to provide branch lines ranging from 1-2 inch nominal diameter (32-63 mm) on Aquatherm PP-R piping systems. As with the Aquatherm fusion outlet fittings that have seen widespread use, the hot tap outlet can be used on larger main pipes that are at least twice the nominal size of the branch line.

The tool is available exclusively through all Aquatherm Authorized Distributors in North America. The package comes with the Polypropylene Hot Tap Tool; 1, 1¼ , 1½, and 2 inches (32, 40, 50, and 63 mm) cutters; and a carrying case.

The use of the PP Hot Tap Tool requires a special outlet fitting and ball valve combination, which is also available from Aquatherm distributors. This offering of a tool in branch sizes of 1-2 in. sizes provides a very good solution for many cases where a new line is needed. Future expansion is planned for branch sizes to 4 inches (125 mm).

Manufacturer Name: Aquatherm