Saddle valve

Last updated May 30, 2025

A saddle valve is a valve used in plumbing to supply liquid at a low volume and pressure. Its name refers to how the valve "saddles" the line from both sides when installed.

A saddle valve typically used for supplying cold water, via a 3/8 inch tube, to humidifiers ^{[ citation needed ]} and icemakers in freezers.^[1] It is mounted directly on to a pipe which is usually 1/2 inch copper tubing. Saddle valves are self-tapping devices. Once mounted on a line, with the included rubber seal in place, turning the valve fully clockwise initially pierces the water line. Turning the handle counter-clockwise opens the valve. These valves can be installed without shutting off the main water supply.

Plumbing codes, local or international, often do not allow use of a saddle valve;^[2] instead a tee and a conventional globe, gate, or ball valve can be installed.

References

↑ Miller, Rex; Miller, Mark Richard; Anderson, Edwin P. (1 October 2004). Audel Refrigeration Home and Commercial. John Wiley & Sons. p. 482. ISBN 978-0-7645-7117-6 . Retrieved 11 March 2025.
↑ Barnhart, Roy; Carey, James; Carey, Morris; Hamilton, Gene; Hamilton, Katie; Prestly, Donald R.; Strong, Jeff (18 April 2011). Home Improvement All-in-One For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. p. 441. ISBN 978-1-118-06986-8 . Retrieved 11 March 2025.

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[1] Miller, Rex; Miller, Mark Richard; Anderson, Edwin P. (1 October 2004). Audel Refrigeration Home and Commercial. John Wiley & Sons. p. 482. ISBN 978-0-7645-7117-6 . Retrieved 11 March 2025.

[2] Barnhart, Roy; Carey, James; Carey, Morris; Hamilton, Gene; Hamilton, Katie; Prestly, Donald R.; Strong, Jeff (18 April 2011). Home Improvement All-in-One For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. p. 441. ISBN 978-1-118-06986-8 . Retrieved 11 March 2025.

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