Sewer Line Tap-In Fact Sheet

Sanitary sewer service connections and sewer taps are subject to WES Sanitary Standards, Section 5.4, including but not limited to the following items:

• In the event that the installer fails to comply with all state and federal safety codes applicable to the work, the District shall not be required to make the tap or to perform any inspection.
• Pipe and joint materials permitted for service connection are listed on Table V of the District’s regulations.
• Prior to granting a permit for a service connection for which any part lies in a public road or street, the District shall require the installer to furnish evidence of permission, from the government agency having jurisdiction there, to enter the public road or street.
• Whenever excavation is necessary for tapping into existing sewer pipelines, precautions must be taken to protect both field personnel and the public from possible injury associated with the open excavation.
• In September 1990 OSHA's new regulations relating to excavations went into effect. Under Standard 29 CFR 1926.656-652 "Competent Person," OSHA requires a “Competent Person” to conduct soil analysis and determine the type of protective system appropriate for each open excavation. In addition the requirements, as related to shoring, ground loading, and accessibility, have been addressed as well.
• Excavations' -- five (5) feet deep or more -- shall be shored and/or sloped, and a ladder extending three (3) feet above the top of the trench must be provided.
• If shored, a minimum of three (3) pieces of shoring must be used to constitute a system. An approved trench box may also be used.
• NOTE, WES Field Operations personnel will only enter those work areas that are in compliance with the above standards.
• So that a chain for the tapping tool may be fitted around the pipe, the installer shall excavate to at least 18 inches -- not including the bell -- and completely expose the public sewer at the designated point of connection. PVC pipe needs to be exposed only on the side to be tapped. A minimum work zone of 24 inches is required for operation of the tapping equipment. Tap-ins will be made only between a 45-degree and 65-degree angle. A dry work area shall be provided. Installer will dewater using pumps if necessary. The District shall tap the sewer and install the service connection fitting at the owner's expense.
• All service connection pipes shall be laid on straight grades and alignment. The minimum grade for service connection pipes shall be one-fourth (1/4) inch per foot unless approved otherwise by the District.
• The minimum depth for the service connection pipe shall be five and a half (5 1/2) feet deep at the property line -- easement or road way.
• PVC pipe shall be bedded with a minimum of six (6) inches of 3/4 - 0 inch crushed rock or equivalent. All other pipe material shall be bedded with a minimum of four (4) inches of 3/4 - 0 inch crushed rock or equivalent.
• All turns in alignment of the pipe or changes in the grade of the pipe shall be made with manufactured fittings -- 90-degree bends WILL NOT be allowed. All materials, adapters, etc. used to connect dissimilar pipe materials shall be approved by the District
• A test tee shall be installed at the property line. The test tee shall be capped by the installer after inspection.
• WES Field Operations personnel must inspect the service lateral to the property line before the trench is back filled.
• All pipe shall be back filled with a minimum of six (6) inches of 3/4 - 0 inch crushed rock or equivalent above the crown of the pipe.
• Bedding and back fill requirements may be different for excavations made in roadways or special areas. Check with the government agency that has jurisdiction.

Revised 04/06/2023