Can you use a saddle valve on PEX?

What Is Maximum Psi of a System?

Using a pressure gauge, water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, or psi. Water pressure above that can harm home plumbing; most residential water pressure systems should be between 45 and 80 psi.

What Is Saddle Valve?

You must attach a water supply tube to a water supply line in order to connect it to a device like an ice maker or humidifier. Special fittings known as saddle valves or needle valves can perform these functions on copper pipes. In general, a valve mounted on a pipe is referred to as having a saddle-like shape; the term “needle” refers to the hollow, pointed needle inside the valve that punctures the pipe after it has been mounted.

The sharp needle is then screwed into the pipe, puncturing its wall, allowing water to enter, with the valve attached to the water supply pipe through its saddle bracket. Saddle valves should not be used with PVC, CPVC, or PEX plastic pipes because they are typically made for use with rigid copper pipes. Additionally, they can manage water pressures of up to 125 psi.

Typically, a saddle valve is used to connect a new supply pipe to an existing water supply pipe. When a refrigerator with a water dispenser, an ice maker, or a water filtration system is installed in a location without one previously, this type of installation is typically used. A self-piercing saddle valve can be installed as an alternative to installing a T-fitting or T-valve on an existing water pipe without having to shut off the water supply or make any cuts to existing pipes. Self-saddle valves are frequently chosen by installers because they occasionally offer a more cost-effective alternative to major plumbing projects.

Here is a link that will provide you with more information about saddle valves. Looking for a Valve Installation Company?

Everything is available to you here at Linquip without charge.

Saddle Valve Maintenance

All plumbers and building inspectors will inform you that saddle valves leak quite frequently. They are primarily used because installing them doesn’t require any plumbing knowledge. Saddle valves have generally been dependable and leak-free for many years, but due to their inconsistent performance, they should only be used in areas where they are fully visible and can be checked on a regular basis. Never install a saddle valve inside a wall or floor cavity. Leaks in obscure areas are likely to cause serious damage before being found.

Potential points of leakage include:

In the rubber gasket area: the saddle valve clamp bolts need to be slightly tightened.

In the saddle valve packing nut region: use an adjustable wrench, channel locks, or players to retighten it.

At the saddle valve’s connection to your water line / plastic tube/copper tubing: this one might leak when pressure builds up inside the line after connecting the other end to the appliance. It is either necessary to tighten the compression nut on the saddle valve again or to remove it and examine whether the compression sleeve or insert are properly installed.

Installing a Saddle Valve on CPVC (whoops!)