When it comes to construction or building there can be no set rules or bullet points to stick to, it seems that there is always something that pops up and whether it be good or bad if you own a construction company you need to make sure the issue is handled professionally but most importantly, safely.
Thus when it comes to valves, pipes, and pressurized areas or pipework that need additions it can be daunting, and understandably nerve-wracking, but with the help of industry experts you can call on in your time of need, you should be fine.
Understanding what the term ‘hot tapping’ means is not as complicated or as scary as we initially think, and to put it into simple terms, hot tapping means to add an extension or another arm to the pipework system you already have in place. What makes this procedure, albeit it a tricky and dangerous one, so sought after is that it can be executed without the need to halt existing operations which are costly.
You do need to be aware that whilst this instillation is occurring the pipes will be pressurized and all precautions need to be taken and all safety measures (and then some) in place.
Is there a need?
If you are unfamiliar with the techniques and building plan deadlines then you may not know that essentially time is money and the longer a project and job go on the more it costs. So if you can have a repair made or an extension added and still keep functioning and operating then you have the best of both worlds.
So why do companies opt for this procedure, let’s look at some of the advantages of using hot tapping methods and you may discover this could be just the answer you have been looking for.
- As mentioned this is the number one feature, which is the deciding factor essentially, to go ahead with the procedure, the fact that the hours and months you have worked up to this point needn’t stop. Your men can carry on as normal whilst the tapping professionals come in to complete the work, win-win.
- When thinking about what needs to happen for this tap to be installed and hooked up to the existing system, there is less downtime needed to execute it quickly and efficiently when considering the length which is needed for traditional pipework.
- Cost-effective. With the minimalist amount of disruption, you save yourself a fortune in the long run. Projects can stay on track and within the given time frames and you don’t need to pay staff for staying home till one part is done, it all works simultaneously and ideally, harmoniously.
To learn more and to get a deeper insight into how this method works and the costs and processes involved, make yourself a well-deserved cup of tea and relax with this interesting article https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/ll_hottaps.pdf here. Not only is it informative but there are extensive details on each point, and it is always better to know more about a subject than less right?
- One element that appeals to many business owners and their hands-on managers is that very little if any, of the product is lost during the installation. Compared with regular pipework and the opening and closing of pipe valves, taking them on and off, and having to shut down the system with gas or another still in the pipes, this is far less of a headache.
The right fit.
You know that hot tapping is the way and method to move forward with your project as seamlessly as possible, but as a specialist trade, there can’t be too many in the industry to choose between. What you do know however is that you want the best, a company that offers not only quality but that comes at a good rate and has the professionalism to match.
Finding the right firm for the job is not as tricky as you think, with a few fundamentals in place you will be well on your way to shaking hands on the first day of the job in no time. There are a few elements and traits to look for when searching and researching for a company, some more obvious than others, a handful as exceptions depending on your budget and needs.
You want a brand that has been in the industry for quite some time, has the experience to get the job done right the first time around but that has safety as a priority in all aspects of the project. Look for a firm, that when browsing their webpage and customer comments section, has good reviews and mentions from previous and current customers and clients. This will give you peace of mind that you are in safe and capable hands.
Companies who understand the importance of customer service, and when browsing the web for a pipeline hot tapping company have no issues offering references on past projects, is something to stay close to and add their name to the final options list. You want open, honest communication, and any firm that hesitates to answer questions or provide results on tests or other queries should raise a red flag and you are better off looking elsewhere.
Look for certifications and qualifications that confirm they are indeed licensed and insured to carry out the work according to safety and government regulations and standards. The last thing you want or need is for something to go wrong and to not be covered by your insurance for the fault of working with an unlicensed business. It not only puts you out of pocket but can have negative long-term financial effects.
Final thoughts.
The main priority at the end of the day will always be the safety of your employees, and working with a quality company can give you this confidence. You can sign off on the project being completed, begin the building of a great business relationship for future prospective projects, and maintain working functions all the while. What more could you want?
