What is prohibited on water and drainage lines?

Saddle valves are prohibited on water and drainage lines primarily due to the potential for them to create leaks and their inadequate sealing ability. Unlike other types of valves, saddle valves can compromise the integrity of the piping system because they attach to existing pipes using a clamp and can lead to stress on the pipe they’re mounted to. They are often not permitted by plumbing codes because they can cause more harm than good, often failing over time and leading to leaks and water damage.

In addition to the functional issues, saddle valves can introduce sediment and other contaminants into the water supply since they create a small puncture in the main pipe, promoting the chances of corrosion and water quality issues. For these reasons, most plumbing codes, including Massachusetts regulations, discourage or outright ban their use in favor of more reliable and robust options like ball valves or standard shut-off valves that offer better performance and reliability in water and drainage systems.