Al, I think there are others better qualified to answer your question here, but if you are cutting a Copper line, and want to install a shut-off valve, I think your options are a regular valve that has to be sweated on, a compression fitting, or a shark bite. I don't think that PEX comes into play at all here, other than the fact that I think shark bites can do both PEX and Copper.
When you go to the hardware store, just explain it like you did here. You are cutting a Copper line, and just installing a shut-off inline. I agree with Dale that you want a ball valve. I had most of the valves in my basement replaced with ball valves, including one just above the main shut-off. I haven't noticed any reduction in flow. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: (412) 268-9081
