Folding Head Line Stopping
What is Folding Head Line Stopping?
A folding head line stop is lightweight and functionally designed to be used in situations in which limited space is available; or, when it’s necessary to drill a small hot tap in order for a pipe to maintain its strength and integrity. Under these circumstances, a folding head line stop is inserted through the reduced branch hot tap and then opens, to create a plug or bypass for system maintenance or repair, without any service disruption.
When to Use a Folding Head Line Stop
Not every pipeline situation allows for a standard line stop. Tight access conditions or a pipe wall that cannot support a full-size entry without weakening often point to the folding head approach. The reduced branch hot tap used in this method is smaller than a conventional tap, which helps protect the structural integrity of the host pipe while still giving us a reliable isolation point.
This method is designed for low-pressure and low-temperature conditions, working within parameters of approximately 200 psi and 200°F. Projects that fall within these limits and require a compact entry point are strong candidates for folding head pipeline plugging.
Common Applications for Folding Head Pipeline Plug
Mickie Service Company uses the folding head line stop for several applications including large diameter water or wastewater systems, and for lower pressure applications such as is required in the transmission of oil and gas and process piping markets.
Folding head pipeline plugging can be performed with nearly all material types including:
- Cast iron
- Ductile iron
- PVC
- Pre-stressed concrete cylinder
- Non-cylinder concrete
- Stainless steel
- Steel
- Asbestos cement (AC, or transite)
Ready To Start Your Project?
Leveraging our core capabilities in water main tapping – we now provide line stops, insertion valves, and private fire line installation.
Why Mickie Service Company for Folding Head Line Stops?
Large On-Hand Inventory
Large on-hand inventory of line stop fittings to enable rapid service installation (often critical for emergency repair situations).
Our Solutions
Line stops are one of many Water Main solutions; solutions are often paired (for example - provide permitting, excavation, line stops and water main offset, all turnkey
24/7 Assistance
Full-time PM and office staff to assist with the proper design of the overall solution and to ensure that all aspects of the service, not just the line stop itself, are effectively managed.
Long-Standing Relationships
Long standing relationships with key equipment and material suppliers as well as complementary service providers enable us to offer the best possible standard plug line stop solution for each job.
Highly Trained Experts
Highly trained, experienced installation technicians.
