
Do not use a saddle valve on PEX (or anywhere else IMO), You will crush the pipe and it will leak. The tools for working for PEX are fairly expensive for a one time use so I would suggest using Sharkbite fittings. Let's assume you are coming of a 1/2" PEX line.
Can saddle valves be used on PVC pipe?
Most saddle valves are designed to work with standard rigid copper pipes —they are not recommended for PVC, CPVC, or PEX plastic pipe. They are also designed for water systems with a maximum pressure of no more than 125 psi.
How does a saddle valve work on a water pipe?
Once the valve is attached to the water supply pipe by means of its saddle bracket, the sharp valve needle is then screwed down to puncture the wall of the pipe and tap its water supply. Most saddle valves are designed to work with standard rigid copper pipes —they are not recommended for PVC, CPVC, or PEX plastic pipe.
What can I use instead of a saddle valve?
A similarly DIY-friendly but more reliable alternative to a saddle valve is a push-fit tee connector designed for ice makers and water dispensers. You install these by cutting out a short section of pipe and installing the tee right into the water line, then you add the small supply line leading to the appliance.
How much pressure should a saddle valve have?
Most residential water pressure systems should be between 45 and 80 psi; water pressure above that can damage home plumbing. Any plumber or building inspector will tell you that saddle valves are prone to leaking, and it's true. They are popular because they are easy to use and require no plumbing skills to install.

Can you put a saddle valve on CPVC?
0:587:23Installing a Saddle Valve on CPVC (whoops!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe way that this thing works is as you tighten this valve this little nail basically extendsMoreThe way that this thing works is as you tighten this valve this little nail basically extends forward and pierces the piping my fear is that as it comes up against the CBBC.
How reliable are saddle valves?
They've proven to be reliable, but they're far more expensive than traditional copper fittings. The most commonly known push fittings are made by SharkBite®, but there are several other ones available, such as PDQ™ and Blue Hawk.
Are saddle valves against code?
Saddle valves are against plumbing code now because they are prone to leaks. Leaks create corrosion to the rest of the plumbing system. Leaks also cause extensive [read: expensive] damage to cabinets and flooring.
Can I use a saddle valve on hot water?
LM, Saddle valves are mounted on a cold supply line instead of a hot line because the heat of the water decreases the life of the rubber/fibrous gasket used to seal around the hole the valve pierces in the pipe. Any plumber will tell you that flexible parts always fail on the "hot" side of a faucet first.
Why you should never use a saddle valve?
3:399:02Why You Should Never Use A Saddle Valve on Your Plumbing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCan deform that pipe and take it out of round. That. Also could lead to turbulence of the waterMoreCan deform that pipe and take it out of round. That. Also could lead to turbulence of the water inside that pipe which could break down any nearby soldering connections on the pipe too.
What is wrong with saddle valves?
Because saddle valves are not permanently attached, they are prone to leaks and can potentially cause extensive property damage when they ultimately leak. Saddle valves tend to reduce water flow, causing them to become clogged and leak. Extensive property damage could result from these leaks.
What is better than a saddle valve?
A similarly DIY-friendly but more reliable alternative to a saddle valve is a push-fit tee connector designed for ice makers and water dispensers. You install these by cutting out a short section of pipe and installing the tee right into the water line, then adding the small supply line leading to the appliance.
How do you turn off water with a saddle valve?
Saddle valves are self-tapping devices. Once mounted on a line, with the included rubber seal in place, all that is required is to turn the valve clockwise until it pierces the water line. When the valve handle can no longer be turned, it is done tapping the pipe. Turning the handle counter-clockwise opens the valve.
How do you stop a saddle valve leak?
If the valve has a slight leakage around the valve stem, simply tightening the packing nut may stop it. If it won't tighten, or the valve handle doesn't turn, or the valve has corrosion around the stem from past seepage, then just replace it.
Should a saddle valve be opened all the way?
Self-tapping devices are called saddle valves. Once mounted on a line, all you need to do is turn the valve clockwise until it pierces the water line. tapping the pipe is done when the valve handle is not turned. The valve is opened by turning the handle counter-clockwise.
What is a self piercing saddle valve?
Self-piercing saddle valves are used primarily as a way to tap into an existing water pipe in order to connect another supply pipe. These are usually used when a refrigerator with a water dispenser, ice maker, or water filtration system is installed in a place where one did not previously exist.
How do you hook up a saddle valve?
2:463:45How to Install a Saddle Valve (Plumbing Tutorial) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe supply we then move it over. And insert it into our saddle valve and tighten it with ourMoreThe supply we then move it over. And insert it into our saddle valve and tighten it with our adjustable range after we make sure that the compression fitting connection you just made is good pierce.
What is better than a saddle valve?
A similarly DIY-friendly but more reliable alternative to a saddle valve is a push-fit tee connector designed for ice makers and water dispensers. You install these by cutting out a short section of pipe and installing the tee right into the water line, then adding the small supply line leading to the appliance.
How much does it cost to replace a saddle valve?
It typically costs between $375 and $600 to replace a water shut-off valve, but the cost can reach as high as $800 or more depending on where the valve is, what type you have, and whether you hire a professional to do it.
Can saddle valves be shut-off?
Saddle valves are self-tapping devices. Once mounted on a line, with the included rubber seal in place, all that is required is to turn the valve clockwise until it pierces the water line. When the valve handle can no longer be turned, it is done tapping the pipe.
How do you stop a saddle valve leak?
If the valve has a slight leakage around the valve stem, simply tightening the packing nut may stop it. If it won't tighten, or the valve handle doesn't turn, or the valve has corrosion around the stem from past seepage, then just replace it.
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Can saddle valves be used on any material?
Saddle valves of any type, used on any material are not allowed by the code.
Can you use a shark bite on a Pex Tee?
I wouldn't use one. You could use a shark-bite or get the proper pex tee.
Can PEX saddle valves collapse?
Absolutely not. The PEX would collapse from the pressure instead of the saddle sealing. A saddle valve is a VERY poor idea, even with copper.
What is saddle valve?
The term saddle derives from the shape of the valve as it sits atop a water pipe; the term needle refers to the sharp, hollow needle inside the valve that punctures the water pipe after the valve is mounted.
How to tighten saddle valves?
Insert the bolts down through the holes on the top bracket and thread them into the holes on the bottom bracket until they are hand-tight. Note: Some saddle valves have nuts that tighten against the bottom of the bottom bracket.
How to check if saddle valve is leaking?
With the saddle valve still in the off position (turned fully clockwise), turn on the water supply to the pipe, then check all around the saddle valve for leaks.
How to pierce copper pipe?
Pierce the Pipe. Turn the saddle valve handle clockwise slowly. This will force the needle in the valve to pierce the wall of the pipe. You should be able to feel the needle force its way into the copper pipe. Keep turning the handle until it stops.
How to relieve pressure in water lines?
Turn off the Water. Shut off the water supply to the water pipe being tapped. If there is no shutoff valve that can turn off the pipe locally , turn off the water to the entire house at the main shutoff valve, then relieve pressure in the water lines by opening the lowest faucet in the house.
Where to place rubber washer on saddle valve?
Place the rubber washer or gasket on the underside of the top bracket of the saddle valve so its opening is directly aligned with the needle on the valve. Fit the top and bottom brackets of the saddle valve around the water supply pipe and hold them in place.
Can saddle valves be used on PVC?
Most saddle valves are designed to work with standard rigid copper pipes —they are not recommended for PVC, CPVC, or PEX plastic pipe.
Do you need to cut the pex on an icemaker?
Me either. You'll need to cut the pex, add a tee and a valve to properly connect your icemaker.
Does exalted activity have good plumbing?
exalted activity will have neither good Plumbing nor good philosophy : neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water." -
