Copper work hardening risk in wobbly mains pipe?

[clivemason]

I have a client who refuses to let me improve access to his mains stopcock so that the valve handle turns............ simply cutting away some MDF board.
Instead he just lifts the pipework by half an inch.
I worry this is setting himself up for a major crack at a nearby stress-point.
Am I being over-cautious ?
c.

 

[MK Heating]

No. The stopcock was never designed to have to be lifted half an inch to be operated, and so, isn't correctly fitted. The main really should be supported, and so shouldn't be able to be lifted up half an inch. Obviously would be better overall to be sorted. Copper can crack, fittings are weak spots too. could be some dodgy compression fitting just out of sight that it waiting to go. Even worse if it breaks off at the positive side of the stoptap that can only be turned off in the street

 

[PlumbBobBob]

as MK said accident waiting to happen

 

[BLOD]

just get him to turn the water off when needed

 

[PlumbBobBob]

good idea, then when it goes it will be his fault.

 

[clivemason]

Thanks folks.
It sounds like the real solution here is to support the main in a position that seems to put it under the least stress , and only cut away MDF if that is still needed.
c.

 

[SimonJohns]

Fit a sure stop

Easier access and simple to use

 

[Gray0689]

Do nothing and if it even breaks then charge him a lot to fix it