Household-to-mains water connections

Definition and importance of the Household-to-mains water connection

With a drinking water network spanning 996,000 km, France has a vital public asset that is capable of distributing high-quality water to everyone. But how is water transported from the public to the private domain? To answer this question, we must first focus on one key point: the Household-to-mains water connection.

It plays a vital role in the distribution of drinking water. This is the installation used to connect to the drinking water distribution network to deliver the water to the end consumer, the household. To do this, the main pipe must be pierced to extend the network into the private domain.

Pipe clamp

First of all, a pipe clamp must be fitted around the main pipe. It is important to choose the right clamp for the task.

To begin with, the clamp must be compatible with the pipe material (plastic, cast iron, cement or steel).

Then, its size must match the diameter of the pipe. The user must systematically indicate the external diameter of the pipe concerned in order to choose the right clamp.

Sainte-Lizaigne, a long-standing subsidiary of the Claire Group, specialises in equipment for drinking water networks. It has a vast choice of clamps on offer (rigid, strap, electrofusion; small or large bosses; single or multi-diameter, etc.). Their characteristics make them the preferred choice for construction companies.

For example, the ALPHACLIC clamp from Sainte-Lizaigne, which carries the "Origine France Garantie" label certifying its French origin, is the fruit of a research and development process. This ingenious, innovative and patented pipe clamp is delivered ready to be fitted (with just one bolt to screw in) to both plastic and rigid pipes. It has a visual and audible indicator to show when the clamp has been tightened perfectly to ensure that the household-to-mains water connection is properly sealed. This is just one example of how our products are carefully conceived and engineered to be reliable and practical for installers. To get a clearer idea of how to fit an Alphaclic clamp to a pipe, check out our instructional video.

Connecting valve

We also have a wide range of connecting valves. With a variety of technologies, we can cater as closely as possible to customer requirements and connection configurations: Ball valves, multi-turn valves or tapered plug valves; with universal, remote or direct connection; with a bronze body to prolong network service life.

Bronze is the preferred material for a long-lasting network and is 100% inalterable (resistant to corrosion, deterioration and ageing). It is highly resistant to abrasion and is the only material that can completely withstand dezincification and stress cracking. Bronze is a tried-and-tested material that has always been used in drinking water networks.

For example, the GLOBALL 2038 valve can be adapted to the majority of worksites (top or side connection), thereby optimising stocks. It is easy to operate and its topside tapping procedure is very straightforward. Its integral outlet for connection to PE/PVC pipes features a gas thread that offers greater modularity on worksites. It is made of 4MS Bronze, a corrosion-proof material that complies with the latest health requirements. The GLOBALL 2038 valve has received the Origine France Garantie label: an annual audit is conducted by a certification body to verify its eligibility.

Advantages of Claire Group connection equipment

All our products comply with all current regulations and the latest health requirements (French Sanitary Compliance Certificate ACS, 4MS, etc.).
Our products are designed to last and are submitted to quality controls and individual leakage tests. Their proven quality and reliability mean that they are extremely hard-wearing and suitable for use in harsh conditions.
As part of the asset management of water networks, the connection can also be used to monitor networks.
Versatile/Adaptable: Our ranges span from the most universal connection solution (any configuration, any pipe diameter) to dedicated models designed for specific uses.
Easy to install: Quick-to-install products with markers, indicators or inspection marks to ensure perfect installation on all types of pipe.
Thanks to the magnetic insert fitted to the top of our valves, measuring and listening devices can be fitted to facilitate leak detection.

The Claire Group also offers smart instrumentation solutions for leak detection, with products from the brand names FAST, IJINUS and WAYVE.

Would you like to find out more about all the features of our household-to-mains water connections? Check out our dedicated page: solutions and services.

Case studies: Installation of household-to-mains water connections

Creation of an OMEGAFLEX hybrid connection on a Ø75 HDPE water pipe in Guéthary.

A Sainte-Lizaigne patented innovation, this OMEGAFLEX electrofusion multi-diameter clamp is designed specifically for HDPE plastic pipes. It is quick and easy to install, which means a faster response time on worksites.

This connection incorporates our GLOBALL 2038 connecting valve made from 4MS bronze, a corrosion-proof material that has been used since the earliest days of network construction and that complies with the latest health requirements.

The complete connection, which is certified under the Origine France Garantie label, is the ideal solution to manage PE network assets.

This type of connection has been installed on larger scale worksites, notably in conjunction with a water authority in the Dordogne region operating in 35 communes for 15,000 households. The water authority uses electrofusion for its new connections (a technique that involves heating the saddle of the clamp during installation), and therefore turned to Sainte-Lizaigne to improve the monitoring of its HDPE networks using a hybrid connection and to benefit from compact equipment that can be adapted to all types of worksite.

Thanks to the metal connection, which can be used for listening on PE pipes and over a wide range of diameters, this solution was the perfect answer to the initial problem.

The household-to-mains water connection at a glance

Once assembled, the clamp, valve and control devices used for the operation take the form of a connection.

This connection is an essential step in the supply of drinking water. It is used to carry the drinking water from the main pipe of the public network to the household.

Would you like to find out more about our household-to-mains water connection solutions? If so, please contact us using the contact form.

You can also browse our online catalogue on this page.