Bellows, Clamps & Saddles

Bellows, clamps and saddles all play essential roles in maintaining, adapting, and protecting pipe systems. While they sit within the same broad category, each serves a distinct purpose:

• Bellows absorb movement, vibration, and thermal expansion in pipelines
• Clamps grip, join, secure, or repair pipework
• Saddles allow a new branch connection to be added onto an existing pipe without full replacement

This range provides solutions for everything from structural support and controlled flexibility to rapid repairs and safe branching of water, gas, or drainage lines.

• Manufactured to high standards using robust, long-lasting materials
• Maximum pressure typically 10-16 bar (depending on fitting), tested at 20°C
• Maximum working temperature varies by product
• Suitable for adding auxiliary equipment such as water meters, pressure gauges, or other accessories
• Approvals vary - please refer to individual product pages
• Designed to provide reliable, leak-free performance and long service life

Bellows

Bellows are flexible joints designed to absorb expansion, contraction and vibration in pipeline systems. By accommodating movement, they protect pipes, pumps and connected equipment from the stresses caused by temperature variations or mechanical forces.

Clamps

Clamps are used to secure a pipe, repair a damaged section, or join two components. Depending on the style, they can either provide structural support or form a sealing repair around a leaking or cracked pipe.

Saddles

Saddles create a branch connection directly onto an existing pipeline. They are ideal for adding new lines, tapping off an existing system, or installing equipment without cutting into or replacing large sections of pipe.

Mechanical saddle clamps allow you to connect a new branch line onto an existing pipe without fully cutting into it. They provide a secure mechanical seal around the pipe and are widely used for irrigation, water distribution and low-pressure applications.

Typical uses include:

• Adding a new spur or service line
• Connecting outlets for water supply systems
• Installing sampling points or auxiliary equipment

Repair clamps are designed to restore a leaking or damaged pipe quickly and safely. These repair clamps are manufactured by Plasson, offering a strong, reliable seal around cracks, pinholes or fractures.

Ideal for:

• Emergency repairs
• Permanent sealing of damaged sections
• Avoiding costly pipe replacement

Features:

• Strong, corrosion-resistant construction
• Creates leak-free joints
• Suitable for a wide range of pipe materials

Clamp saddles are used to branch off from an existing pipeline. They create a secure tapping point while maintaining the integrity of the host pipe.

Benefits:

• No need to cut out long sections of pipe
• Quick installation
• Suitable for adding meters, gauges and other equipment

Expansion bellows protect pipe systems from movement, temperature change, and vibration.

Key benefits:

• Reduce stress on pipework
• Compensate for expansion and contraction
• Improve system longevity
• Available in EPDM and NBR materials
• Working pressure typically between 10–16 bar

These are essential in heating, cooling, industrial, and pump systems where thermal movement is common.

Electrofusion saddles fuse directly onto PE pipe using built-in heating coils, providing a robust and permanent branching connection.

Common applications:

• Water and gas pipe systems
• Creating long-lasting branch connections
• High-integrity pressure applications

Advantages:

• Strong, homogeneous joint
• No mechanical fasteners
• Suitable for buried and pressurised systems

Norma repair clamps provide a high-quality steel-band sealing system for repairing leaking metal or plastic pipes. Made by Norma, they offer durable performance for industrial and utility networks.

Features include:

• Double-lip seal design
• Stainless steel construction (varies by model)
• Fast installation
• Suitable for high-pressure repairs

Drainage saddles allow lateral connections to be added to existing drainage pipes without major excavation, making them ideal for sewer and stormwater projects.

Typical uses:

• Adding new drainage lines
• Creating connections to existing concrete or plastic mains
• Upgrading or diverting drainage systems

Many models require only minimal surface preparation, making them a cost-effective alternative to replacing entire sections.