Working Without Shutting Life Down: Hot Tapping with the REED DM Series

In modern city life, water and gas interruptions are not merely a comfort problem but operational crises that cause serious economic loss. Shutting down a main to make a service connection in an industrial zone, a hospital or a densely populated area means thousands of people go without. The American REED DM series of manual drilling machines and FEED TAP systems, offered with the assurance of Habib Makina for 15 years, solve this at the root and make safe, uninterrupted work possible on live, pressurised mains.

"The biggest cost in infrastructure repair is shutting the water off and refilling the line. Drilling a pressurised main with REED technology means operational independence for municipalities and facility managers."
— Yusuf Habib, Vice President, Habib Makina

What is hot tapping?

Known in the sector as hot tapping, this is the addition of a new connection (a service line) to an existing, live pipeline while the fluid inside it stays under pressure and continues to flow. Avoiding leakage and keeping the line safe during the operation is vital. With its sealing equipment and professional drilling bits, the REED DM series turns this complex operation into a standard that any operator on site can carry out with confidence.

The technical strength of REED DM and FEED TAP systems

REED drilling machines stand apart from competitors for their durability and precise control mechanism. Whether the pipe is PVC, cast iron or steel, with the right adapter and bit the operation is completed without loss of pressure.

REED DM series advantages

Maximum safety under pressure: Drilling and tapping on live mains without leakage.
Broad material compatibility: Designed for PVC, PE, cast iron, ductile iron and steel pipe.
Modular construction: Service connections from 3/4 inch to 2 inch with different adapter sets.
Compact design: A body that allows comfortable work even in narrow trenches and confined spaces.

Operational efficiency and speed

Draining a line, closing valves and then refilling and venting it afterwards takes hours, sometimes days. REED DM drilling machines remove all of that preparation. Used on site with Habib Makina's technical support, these systems let you complete a new service connection or valve installation in minutes.

Technological integration: cordless power units

On large-diameter or heavy-wall pipe where manual work is hard, REED POWER DRIVE units take over. Cordless or electric drive systems reduce the operator's physical load while increasing the speed and precision of the cut. This integration lets crews make far more connections in a day, especially during intensive infrastructure work.

Frequently asked questions

1. Does water spray out during hot tapping?

No. REED DM machines use special sealing gaskets and valve adapters. When the drill bit is withdrawn the valve is closed and the operation is completed without leakage.

2. Up to what pressure can it be used?

It varies with the model, but it works safely far above standard mains pressure (up to roughly 200-300 PSI).

3. Is a separate machine needed for plastic pipe?

No. REED DM machines are modular. You only need to change the cutting bit to suit the pipe type (a special bit for PVC, a different one for iron).

4. Do you provide training and technical support?

Yes. The Habib Makina technical team provides comprehensive training on using the equipment and on field applications.