tapping sleeves vs tees 2

[mflam]

I read a 2007 post on this subject. Following up.
For now, I'm going to define a tapping sleeve as the stainless steel device and a tapping tee as a DI device with MJ gland to make the seal around the pipe.
My water crew insists that the DI tapping tees are the only thing they want used. Their claim is that the stainless device is not sufficiently rigid to resist deflection. If the branch pipe settles, the torsion pulls the sleeve out of round, breaking the seal, creating a leak along the existing pipe.
Another objection is that, when excavating for a repair, the excavator bucket will be sliding along the side of the pipe. If the bucket scrapes the DI flange, it will hold up. If the bucket scrapes the stainless sleeve, the first thing it hits is a bolt and damage ensues immediately.
I'd welcome input, especially water system operators.

 

[dicksewerrat]

First of all, if your crew is sliding the bucket along the pipe,they are doing it wrong. They should be hand excavating to locate the pipe. Then once the bucket has removed soils to within one foot of the actual pipe, it should be hand exposed. Naturally the machine works a little faster until you hook the line. " just one more bucket" is the last thing said before the water fountain starts. They seem to think they are in charge, not you. Regarding the sleeves themselves, both work as long as proper excavation methods are employed. Maybe someone could inspect the backfill procedures of the contractors installing the lines from the stainless tapping sleeves.

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com

 

[jgailla]

I've always used stainless steel tapping sleeves because they are the standard in the several locations I've worked.
Ductile iron tapping sleeves are not allowed in my local jurisdictions. I've never given any thought as to why.
The valve itself clamped onto the sleeve tee is ductile iron.

 

[mflam]

Thanks, guys. Dick, you are so correct about the "finesse" issue. Trouble is, I'm not out there in the middle of the night in January when there is a break. I will keep nagging on this. Your input is most useful for the conversation that we are having here.

 

[dicksewerrat]

Have a guy at the Roads Dept. call you for a few of the late night digs. The water guys won't call. Then you can see what they are doing. I spent a few nights watching the crews. Things in the digging and locating improved after that.

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com