Tap Equipment for Pipeline Contractors and Utilities

Tapping machines are used to create branch connections on live, pressurized pipelines for water, wastewater, oil, gas, and industrial systems. They allow contractors to add valves, service lines, or monitoring points without interrupting flow or requiring a full system shutdown.

Schallert Enterprises manufactures tapping machines and cutters covering pipe sizes from 3/4 inch up to 84 inches in diameter, including the compact TM100 for small service connections and the TM6120 for large diameter hot taps up to 72 inches.

Hot tapping creates a new branch connection into a pressurized pipeline using a cutter and tapping machine. Line stopping goes further by inserting a folding or pivoting head through the tap to temporarily block flow, allowing downstream repairs, valve replacement, or pipe removal.

Most Schallert tapping machines and folding head assemblies are rated up to 350 psi, while plug setters can handle up to 500 psi. Pivoting heads are suited for high pressure and high temperature applications up to 450 psi at 250°F.

Yes. Tapping adapters and cutters can be manufactured to adapt to any tapping machine, including standard ANSI 150# bolt patterns with optional double drilling for MJ valves, ensuring compatibility with equipment already in your fleet.

A complete line stop setup typically includes a folding or pivoting head, a compatible housing, a jackscrew actuator to drive the head into place, and a completion plug setter to seal the tap once repairs or valve installation are finished.