Can this copper tube be reliably pressed?

[Rossn]

Starting to re-plumb the interior, and am using viega propress. I discovered that the soft K copper coming into the home is oblong and also has a dent. An inch off the outer wall, it measures about 1.06" x 1.18", so it is oblong.

Can it reliably be pressed? I'd rather not excavate and core larger through the wall to prep for larger future supply with 1-1/4 or 1-1/2, but will do so if the connection won't be reliable.

Any advise on pressing this (cleanup, etc) welcomed.

 

[wwhitney]

Looks like this document addresses the basic idea of using Propress with soft copper:

https://www.viega.us/content/dam/vi...p_0220_propress_copper_tube_compatibility.pdf

There are rerounding tools to restore the soft copper to round after cutting it. The style I have used is an outer cylinder form and a tapered inner cylindrical plug you hammer into the pipe.

With new work, I infer that you could press a fitting onto the rerounded soft copper. Not sure about the complexities of dealing with the old work shown in your pictures.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

There might be specific sizes of soft copper that are excluded from being pressed.. I recall looking it up once, but forget which or whether that is true.

OK.. Found it. Limits the larger sizes of soft copper.

https://www.turtle.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/ITEMS/EN/ProPress_79130_Catalog.pdf

Viega® ProPress fittings are for use with type K, L and M hard copper tubing from ½" to 4" and soft copper tubing in ½" to 1¼" diameters. All tubing must comply with the ASTM B88 standard. ProPress fittings are approved for installations in both above- and below-ground applications. Per code, local inspector approval must be obtained prior to installation below ground.

 

[Rossn]

Thanks, guys. Good to know, the manufacturer certifies the fittings for below-grade use if the AHJ approves. I also called the tech line at Viega earlier, and they didn't see any issues; however, I fear without re-rounding the tubing, I won't be able to get the fitting on without damaging the o-ring.

Wayne - thanks for the tip on the re-rounding tool. I am going to find one of those, as it sounds perfect, and a better than using a crescent wrench - esp. in the tight space I am dealing with. I really only get one shot at this, before I'm having to dig on the exterior, one more headache I could stand to do without!

 

[Rossn]

Took forever, but finally located a re-rounding tool locally. For the most part, the plumbing supply houses didn't even know what I was referring to. The water meter/main companies were the ones that had them, though a lot more spendy than ordering online.