Retro-fit ball valves

[JonathanTaylor]

I need to fit some isolation valves to some existing copper pipes. I would prefer to use ball valves with handles to make isolation easier.

I have done a similar job before, cutting out a section of pipe and then using force to open the hole a bit wider, squeezing the new valve into the gap, then allowing the two ends of pipe to slot into place. But with the pipes I need to work on now, they are very tightly fitted and I am not sure there is enough play in the pipework to get the valve in.

Any tips on how to do this? Is forcing the two ends of pipe apart in order to fit the valve in place the answer, or is there a smarter way to do this?

 

[flameport]

Cut out enough for the valve, make another cut a few inches along, then fit the valve, join the other cut using a slip coupler.

 

[JonathanTaylor]

Excellent, thanks.