Which valve is specifically designed for connecting a new water main to an existing pressurized main?

• A. Globe valve
• B. Ball valve
• C. Tapping valve
• D. Check valve

Answer: (C)

Connecting a new water main to an existing pressurized main is about creating a branch while the main stays in service. A tapping valve is built specifically for that purpose. It allows a controlled entry into the live pipe (often with a tapping sleeve and a cutter) so you can add a new service line without draining the system or shutting everything down. Once the branch is established, the valve provides a means to control or isolate the new line as needed.

The other valves aren’t designed for creating new connections on a live main. A globe valve mainly throttles or stops flow; a ball valve offers quick shutoff but isn’t intended for piercing or branching into a live line; a check valve prevents backflow but does not facilitate adding a new branch.