Why are saddle valves illegal?
Most state and local codes prohibit the use of a saddle valve, also known as a piercing saddle valve, saddle tap or needle valve, consisting of a clamp that punctures a hole in an existing water intake pipe. Saddle valves tend to reduce water flow, causing them to become clogged and leak.
What can I use instead of a saddle valve?
A similarly DIY-friendly but more reliable alternative to a saddle valve is a push-fit tee connector designed for ice makers and water dispensers. You install these by cutting out a short section of pipe and installing the tee right into the water line, then you add the small supply line leading to the appliance.
What size is a saddle valve?
Saddle valve. For 3/8-Inch to 3/4-Inch copper or iron pipe with 1/4-Inch o.d. outlet. Self-piercing. Allows tapping of a water supply line without turning off the water.
Can you shut off a self-piercing saddle valve?
A saddle valve is mounted directly on to a pipe which is usually 1/2 inch copper tubing. Saddle valves are self-tapping devices. Turning the handle counter-clockwise opens the valve. These valves can be installed without shutting off the main water supply.
Are saddle valves against code?
Once the faucet is turned on, water will flow through the copper pipe, out the pinhole and through the ice maker line. Saddle valves are against plumbing code now because they are prone to leaks. Since saddle valves are often located in places where they get bumped or moved, the chance of a leak increases.
Can you open a saddle valve too far?
As far as opening and closing the valve, don’t worry about it. The saddle valve only pierces the pipe once. After that there is no further increase in the size of the opening. There is no additional stress placed on the valve by opening and closing it.
What is a self piercing saddle valve?
Also known as a refrigerator water shut-off valve, most saddle valves are self-piercing. This means that, once clamped on the pipe, the valve handle can be tightened until it pierces the pipe with no drilling or cutting involved.
Should you use saddle valves?
Saddle valves don’t have one. Most of them don’t leak, but they have a much higher chance of leaking than a properly installed water valve. My advice is to not use saddle valves. It will take a little more time to do it right, but you’ll dramatically lower the potential for leaks.
Are saddle valves bad?
Most of them don’t leak, but they have a much higher chance of leaking than a properly installed water valve. My advice is to not use saddle valves. When installing an ice maker or whole-house humidifier, tap off of an existing water line with a proper tee fitting and have a proper shutoff valve installed.
How big of a hole do you need to pierce a saddle valve?
Clamp the valve into position and turn the handle to pierce a 1/4″ hole in the tubing. Do not use with pipe. The outlet connection is a 1/4″ compression tube fitting. Max. Pressure @ Temp. Temp.
How do you attach a saddle valve to a water supply pipe?
Fit the top and bottom brackets of the saddle valve around the water supply pipe and hold them in place. Insert the bolts down through the holes on the top bracket and thread them into the holes on the bottom bracket until they are hand-tight. Note: Some saddle valves have nuts that tighten against the bottom of the bottom bracket.
A similarly DIY-friendly but more reliable alternative to a saddle valve is a push-fit tee connector designed for ice makers and water dispensers. You install these by cutting out a short section of pipe and installing the tee right into the water line, then you add the small supply line leading to the appliance.
What’s the maximum psi for a saddle valve?
Most saddle valves are designed to work with standard rigid copper pipes —they are not recommended for PVC, CPVC, or PEX plastic pipe. They are also designed for water systems with a maximum pressure of no more than 125 psi. What Is Maximum Psi of a System?