Hot tapping is one of the most critical processes in utility infrastructure work. Whether the task involves making live connections to water or gas mains, or accessing a pressurised line without shutting down the system, precision and safety are non-negotiable. However, for many utility teams, standard hot tapping equipment creates more challenges than solutions—especially in tight or obstructed workspaces.

That’s why Minitap was developed: to provide a safe, compact, and mobile hot tapping system engineered for the environments where contractors actually work.

Conventional hot tapping systems often rely on bulky setups and electrical components, requiring large clearances and power sources that are difficult to manage in the field. They’re designed with the assumption that crews will have plenty of space around the pipe and easy access to electricity. But utility crews know this isn’t always the case.

From narrow verges to roadside shoulders, modern installations are crowded, busy, and complicated by a growing web of underground services. Electrical cables, gas lines, water pipes, data conduits—they all share the same small trench space. In these scenarios, positioning a traditional hot tapping machine is not only impractical, but in many cases, unsafe.

Minitap removes these limitations by combining clever compact engineering with a hydraulically powered system that delivers performance where it’s needed most.

At its core, Minitap is designed to operate safely and effectively in a 1m² working area. This minimal footprint allows crews to work within confined spaces without disturbing surrounding services, reducing the risk of utility strikes and allowing faster, more confident installations. Whether you’re working in an older suburb with crowded legacy infrastructure or a high-density urban zone, Minitap fits where other systems simply can’t.

The unit runs on a standard hydraulic power pack that produces 20 litres per minute of flow—an ideal balance of power, reliability, and simplicity. By using hydraulic propulsion instead of electrical components, Minitap removes the added risks posed by electrical tools in wet or hazardous work zones. There are no cords, no batteries, and no generators to manage—just consistent hydraulic power from a compact, standalone unit that goes wherever your crew goes.

In addition to its safety and size advantages, Minitap delivers serious cutting performance. It’s compatible with diamond and tungsten carbide cutters, meaning it can handle a range of pipe materials with ease—from older cast iron and steel pipes to more modern PVC and poly systems. The result? Clean, reliable cuts every time, with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.

Built by contractors for contractors, Minitap is a response to years of jobsite frustration. It’s not a lab prototype or a repackaged machine—it’s a purpose-built solution that reflects the needs of today’s utility workers. Every design decision was made with field operations in mind: limited access, tight timelines, changing conditions, and safety above all else.

Recognised for its innovation, Minitap holds patents in Australia and the United States, and has been design registered in the UK and Europe. Its global protection reflects the uniqueness of the concept and its relevance to international markets facing similar infrastructure challenges.

For project managers and field crews alike, Minitap offers real value. It simplifies job planning, reduces setup times, and cuts down on the need for large excavations. Most importantly, it empowers utility teams to work confidently in even the most restricted sites—without compromising on quality or safety.

Make your next utility project safer, faster, and smarter.
Contact the Minitap team today to learn how our compact hydraulic hot tapping system can support your operations. Discover how mobility and safety can go hand-in-hand—only with Minitap.