Commercial, Industrial, & Municipal High Pressure Waterline Plugging Services
When standard line stopping methods aren't enough to handle elevated pressure or flow conditions, high-pressure bullet line stops provide the reliable isolation you need.
At Mickie Service Co., we provide commercial, industrial, and municipal high-pressure plugging services across Texas and the broader Gulf Coast region. Our high-pressure bullet line stop method allows work to be performed on pressurized mains without system shutdowns, protecting water service continuity and reducing the risk of infrastructure damage caused by depressurization.
What is High Pressure Bullet Line Stopping?
High-pressure bullet line stopping uses a hard Teflon "bullet" that is inserted through a hot tap made on the pipe. Once inside, the bullet is compressed into the line using a hydraulic ram while the pipe is supported externally by a sleeve. The Teflon conforms to the interior surface of the pipe, creating a tight seal that stops water flow.
Because the process is performed while the main remains under pressure, there is no need for a full system shutdown. This makes it a practical solution for situations where service interruption would cause significant operational or public impact. The bullet holds the seal for the duration of the work, and once the necessary repairs, modifications, or connections are complete, the stop is removed, and a blind flange is installed on the sleeve.
When to Use a High-Pressure Bullet Line Stop
Standard plug line stops are designed for routine applications, typically under 120 PSI with flow rates below 3 ft/sec. When conditions exceed those thresholds, a high-pressure bullet line stop is the appropriate solution.
High-pressure bullet line stops are suited for:
- Municipal high-pressure applications: Water distribution systems in municipalities often operate at pressures above 120 PSI, particularly in transmission mains and elevated-pressure zones. Municipal high-pressure bullet line stops allow repairs, tie-ins, and valve work to proceed without issuing boil-water notices or disrupting service to surrounding neighborhoods.
- Commercial high-pressure applications: Commercial facilities such as hospitals, data centers, and large retail complexes depend on uninterrupted water service. Commercial high-pressure bullet line stops enable isolated maintenance on pressurized supply lines without forcing a facility offline.
- Industrial high-pressure applications: Process piping in industrial environments often involves higher pressures, elevated flow rates, and stricter uptime requirements. Industrial high-pressure bullet line stops provide the isolation needed for repairs or system modifications while maintaining production continuity.
High-pressure bullet line stops can be performed on the primary water main types used for water distribution:
- Cast iron
- Ductile iron
- PVC
- Steel
- Asbestos cement (AC, or transite)
Pipe diameter capacity extends up to 16 inches. If you're unsure whether a high-pressure bullet line stop is the right fit for your application, our team can evaluate your system conditions and recommend the best approach.
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 High-Pressure Plugging Services?
High-pressure plugging services require precision, the right equipment, and crews who understand how pressurized systems behave. Our team has been performing line stops in the Gulf Coast region for over 50 years, and that experience directly informs how we approach high-pressure work.
Large On-Hand Inventory
We maintain a large stock of line stop fittings across standard sizes, which allows us to mobilize quickly. This is especially critical for emergency repair situations where delays can compound damage and service disruption.
Turnkey Solutions
Line stops are often just one piece of a larger project. We frequently pair high-pressure plugging services with permitting, excavation, water main offsets, and site restoration, all managed under a single scope of work. This reduces the coordination burden on your team and keeps the project moving.
Full-time Project Management and Office Support
Our PM staff works with you on solution design from the outset, ensuring that every aspect of the job is accounted for, not just the line stop itself. This includes coordinating with inspectors, managing permits, and aligning schedules across trades.
Established Supplier and Partner Relationships
Long-standing partnerships with key equipment and material suppliers, along with complementary service providers, allow us to source the right fittings and equipment for each job without delays.
Highly Trained Installation Technicians
Our crews are experienced in high-pressure line stopping across a range of pipe materials and system configurations. All technicians hold OSHA 10 and Confined Space certifications, and our safety record reflects the discipline they bring to every job site.
Frequently Asked Questions About High-Pressure Plugging Services
A standard plug line stop uses a rubber plug and is designed for routine applications under 120 PSI with flow rates below 3 ft/sec. A high-pressure bullet line stop uses a hard Teflon bullet that can handle elevated pressures and flow rates beyond those thresholds, making it the right choice for more demanding municipal, commercial, and industrial systems.
The bullet remains in place for the duration of the work being performed. These stops are designed as temporary isolation measures, typically lasting less than a few days. Once the job is complete, the stop is removed, and a blind flange is installed on the sleeve.
High-pressure bullet line stops can be performed on cast iron, ductile iron, PVC, steel, and asbestos cement (AC/transite) pipes, with a diameter capacity of up to 16 inches.