"neilsanner" wrote in message
The old main valve of my house doesn't stop the water flow very
tightly when shut off. I need to install a new main valve. It's on
3/4" copper pipe. I'll install the new valve just over the old one.
The problem is that the old pipe is now more oval in shape than round
and I'm afraid that the joint will leak. I planned to use a
compression fitting, since the old valve, when closed, lets pass
enough water to prevent us using soldering.

Is there a way to get the pipe round again?

Best regards,
NeilSanner

This is one of those jobs that can get you in trouble, especially on the
weekend.

First, I'd not want a compression fitting on my main valve. It may work, it
may not. You already know that a slightly misshapen tube will no solder
correctly. What is the backup plan if you have a problem? Calling the town
to shut of water at the street is not easily done on a weekend, same with
finding a plumber.

Unless you are 100% sure you have a solution, consider paying a plumber. At
least know of one that you can get on short notice. Putting in a valve
"should" be a simple job but . . . . . . .