A saddle valve is a type of valve that does not require any special tools to install. This type of valve is designed to be installed on top of copper supply lines and has a 1/4″ feed for the supply. The saddle valve is most commonly installed to supply an ice maker or humidifier for a home.

Since most homes are now built with PEX supply lines the only copper may be right above the water heater, if the water heater is being replaced the valve should also be replaced. We typically replace this type of valve with a 1/4 turn stop valve.

A saddle valve taps into the water supply with a very small hole not much bigger than a toothpick. With such a narrow opening these valves are clogged very easily and may not be supplying any water to the fixture they are serving.