Inspecting DWV Saddle Fittings

Inspecting DWV Saddle Fittings

Saddle fittings for DWV pipe are installed by drilling a hole in the accepting pipe and installing a clamp over the hole that delivers water (or air) from another drain pipe. Because the hole is considerably smaller and causes the waste to turn abruptly at the drilled hole, it is very susceptible to clogging and decreased water flow.    I think there is not a month that goes by that I do not see at least one saddle clamp drain fitting. There are “plumbers” using these fittings and they can easily be obtained at any home store. I also see them used for venting. Specifically, for a circuit vent connection. There are specialized applications where saddle fittings can be used, however they are not approved for most plumbing applications. Here is what the National Plumbing Code Section, 2.4.1 Fittings and Connections in Drainage Systems says about saddle fittings: 2.4.1 No running threads or saddles shall be used in the drainage or vent systems. No drainage or vent piping shall be drilled, tapped, burned, or welded.  Home inspectors should note saddle fittings for Drain, Waste, & Vent in their reports as a defect and recommend they are removed and replaced with proper fittings and connections. Some alternatives are to install a proper elastomeric transition.  National Plumbing Code 4.3.8 Special Joints and Couplings for Drainage Piping Section c, state; “Shielded couplings shall consist of a flexible elastomeric sealing sleeve, a protecting and supporting continuous metal shield or shear ring, and metal screw clamping bands. All metal parts shall be corrosion resistant. Shielded couplings shall be capable  of withstanding a shear test based on a load of 50 pounds per inch of nominal pipe diameter, and shall be permitted to partially support the pipe being joined when such installation is recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. Shielded couplings may be installed aboveground or underground, as intended by the manufacturer”. Saddle drain connections are almost certain to cause problems for your client. Explaining what these fittings are and the proper repair will give them clear direction and avoid future issues.