Can i drill into a copper pipe?

Question

my swamp cooler (evaporative cooler) needs water to get cool air. im trying to find a place to hook up a water line for it. the closest was the water heaters cold water intake(copper). but in order to connect it to the cold water intake, i need to drill a hole in it. is it okay to drill a hole into the cold water intake which is copper. I really dont want to have to make a T joint.

Answer 1

You can use a saddle like they use for an icemaker line.

Quick and easy

Answer 2

You may use a saddle valve to splice copper tubing. I don't know if you will have enough volume as saddle valves are usually used with small tubing. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

U need to buy a 1/4" tubing anyway...why not buy the refrig. water feed kit.  Comes with a self tap shut-off valve so u can just put the valve in and secure by two s***w and nuts.  It's a self-tap needle to copper and will make the connection safe.  Do it that way...I recommended.  Make sure u go connect at the point of after the w/h shut off valve and not behind the shut off valve.  (even if u have litte space to do it.)  U should do it there.

Answer 4

No, it's not ok to drill a hole into the pipe.  Water will spray out everywhere... you'll get shocked if you are using an electric drill... you'll have to put in a T anyhow after you clean up the water.

Do it right the first time; you'll never have to do it again.

Answer 5

There is 2 options

1 they make a product called a saddle valve which has a point that drives into the pipe once you attach it to the line

2 you can also buy tees that have mechanical fittings on the ends so no soldering is involved the only thing you need to do is turn the water off cut the pipe and install the tee I hope this helps

Answer 6

You never said what size of water line you need.. If you only need a 1/4" line...then go to any hardware, building supply, or appliance store and buy a ice maker kit.  Run the line backwards...1st ,.,,,,hook up the line at the cooler first and then back to the water line..   the kit comes with a 2 piece saddle.. take it apart....put the 2 pieces together  on the pipe .....tighten the screws... turn the "T" valve  until it pierces the pipe and then back the "T" off to open the valve...

Answer 7

Depending on the size of needed water line, you may install a saddle valve as you would for an ice maker for your refrigerator. When clamped over the existing copper tubing you simply s***w the valve clockwise to tap and then counter clockwise to turn the new line on.

Answer 8

Go to hardware store and buy a line tap valve for about $5.00.

Answer 9

i have this same setup on my evap cooler it works just fine ! so go ahead drill and saddle that copper pipe !