A drilling band (also known as a drilling band, water drill or connection band) is an element of the water supply network that allows for simple and effective connection of the water connection to the main pipeline. It is used in situations where it is possible to drill the pipeline under pressure. Are you an installer and wondering how to choose the right drilling band? You will find the answer to this and other questions in the guide below.
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The influence of water supply network material on the choice of clamp
Modern water, sewage and gas networks consist of pipes and fittings made of various materials. Water supply networks and connections are mainly made of plastic pipes (polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester resins), metals, e.g. stainless steel or ductile iron or (less and less often) asbestos cement. When selecting a connection clamp, the material from which the main pipeline is made should be taken into account, as well as the diameter of the main pipeline and the diameter of the connection.
To connect a water supply connection made of PE pipes with a diameter of up to Dz 63 mm to a network made of PE or other materials (steel, ductile iron), a ductile iron clamp with a threaded outlet, mechanically screwed, can be used.
To connect a water supply connection made of PE pipes with a diameter above Dz 63 mm to a network made of PE or other materials (steel, ductile iron), a ductile iron clamp with a flange outlet, mechanically screwed, can be used.
To connect a water supply connection made of PE pipes with a diameter of up to DN 50 mm, a flanged gate valve for house connections and a water supply clamp with a threaded outlet should be used. In some situations, it is also necessary to use flanged gate valves for smaller diameters.
How to install a clamp to the water supply network?
There are several variants of connecting water connections to the network using tapping bands. Considering the orientation of the band, tapping under pressure from the side or from above can be used. In the first case, after drilling, the water flow is cut off using a valve, and in the second case - using a cut-off pilot in the band. However, due to the type of connection required on the connection side, a mechanical connection (screwing) can be made or electrofusion welding can be used.
Technical conditions for connection to the water supply network
The permitted methods of connecting water supply connections to the network are decided by local water and sewage companies. Guidelines should be sought in the issued technical conditions. In large cities, extensive studies are available, containing good practices in the design and construction of water supply networks and connections. In small towns and villages, designers and installers create connections, guided by their knowledge and experience and the principles of construction art.
The basic technical conditions for connecting to the water supply network include the dependence of the method of connecting the connections on the diameter and material of the main pipeline. In addition, the technical conditions impose on the user the obligation to install a non-return anti-contamination valve in the installation. Depending on its location (behind the shut-off valve, behind the water meter or between the water meter and the shut-off valve), the user or the waterworks will be responsible for it.
How to Choose the Right Drill Band
Selecting the right tapping sleeve requires taking into account several important factors. First of all, it is necessary to verify whether it is possible to tap the pipeline under pressure. As mentioned earlier, the key factors influencing the selection of the tapping sleeve (similarly to selecting a tee) are: the material from which the main pipeline is made and the diameters of the main pipeline and the connection.
The drill hole must also match the type of connection on the connection side: flanged, threaded or electrofusion welded. In addition, the installer should verify whether a clamp with a bolt is necessary in a given installation situation.
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