What is a service saddle?
A service saddle, also called a tapping saddle, clamps around a water main and gives it a threaded outlet. A corporation stop threads into the outlet and a tapping machine drills the main through it, so a new service line is connected while the main stays in service.
Which service saddle goes on PVC pipe?
Use a strap or band saddle, never a bale saddle. Style 397 is built for PVC; 315, 317, 371, 372 and 377 also fit PVC; 325 has PVC-specific bodies; 357 handles 3 and 4 in taps. Smith-Blair limits PVC to steel-OD DR26 or thicker and C900 Class 150 (DR18) or better.
Which service saddle goes on HDPE pipe?
Styles 317 (4–16 in), 372, 377 and 397 (4–12 in) on HDPE DR17 or thicker, installed with Smith-Blair stainless spring washers on the studs to hold load as the pipe relaxes. Bale saddles are not for HDPE.
Which service saddle goes on ductile iron or cast iron pipe?
Any of 311, 313, 315, 317, 331, 371, 372, 377 and 366 for 18 in and larger. The large-tap 357 is not for ductile iron pipe; use a 313 or 317 with a 3 or 4 in NPT outlet instead.
What is the difference between a bale and a strap saddle?
A bale is a round steel U-bolt that draws the body onto the pipe: strong and economical on rigid metal pipe. A strap is a flat stainless band that spreads the load around the pipe, which is why strap saddles also fit PVC and HDPE.
Single or double strap?
Single bale and single strap saddles (311, 315) carry taps to 2 in at up to 200 PSI. Double bale and double strap saddles (313, 317) clamp harder, rate to 300 PSI and carry taps to 4 in NPT. Choose double for larger taps, higher pressure and larger mains.
CC or NPT thread?
Match the inlet thread of the corporation stop or valve going into the saddle. CC (corporation cock thread to AWWA C800) is the usual thread on corporation stops; NPT is the general pipe thread used on valves, nipples and larger taps. The two are not interchangeable.
How do I find the right size?
Order by the measured outside diameter of the pipe, not its nominal size. A 6 in main is 6.63 in on steel and IPS PVC and 6.90 in on ductile iron and C900 PVC. Wrap a pi tape around the cleaned pipe and send the reading with the pipe material.
What pressure are Smith-Blair saddles rated for?
313 and 317 up to 300 PSI; 311, 315, 331 and 397 up to 200 PSI; 325, 357, 362, 366, 371, 372 and 377 up to 150 PSI, depending on size and application.
Are Smith-Blair saddles approved for drinking water?
Yes. Most styles are certified to NSF/ANSI 61 and 372; the bronze 325 is certified to NSF/ANSI 61. Outlets are threaded to AWWA C800.
Can a saddle repair a leaking tap?
Yes. Style 331 has a ribbed repair gasket that seals around a broken or pulled direct tap, stripped thread or small hole and gives you a new outlet in the same fitting.
Are saddles returnable?
No. Smith-Blair saddles are made to order and non-returnable, so we confirm the part number against your pipe OD, material and tap before the order ships.
