A device for a plumbing installation, the device, for example, may be a valve, such as valve (1), or a fluid flow meter (6), and has a casing (10) that is hydraulically formed from metal tubing so as to have a wall surrounding a void interior. The casing (10) is provided with one or more formations, such as shoulders (64) and (65) and at least one inlet opening (14) and at least one outlet opening (18). A cartridge (12) is at least partly located in the void interior of the casing (10). The cartridge (12) has at least two openings, being a first opening (20) and a second opening (22). Seals (46), (48) and (50) are provided between the casing (10) and the cartridge (12). The cartridge (12) is accommodated in the casing (10) by the one or more formations of the casing (10). The cartridge (12) is provided with the operational components of the device (1). The inlet opening (14) of the casing (10) and the first opening (20) of the cartridge (12) are in fluid communication. Similarly, the second opening (22), of the cartridge (12) and the outlet opening (18) of the casing (10) are in fluid communication. A fluid flow path is thereby created through the device (1) from the inlet opening (14) of the casing (10), through the cartridge (12), to the outlet opening (18) of the casing (10).

The system for forming a T-shaped tubular fitting is configured for forming a T-shaped tubular part from an unbranched tubular part. The system includes an upper portion and a lower portion below the upper portion. A pushing block is disposed above the upper portion of the system. Compressible first and second side punches, respectively, extend from opposing sides of the upper portion. The upper portion includes a flat plate with a horizontal channel extending therethrough. The lower portion includes a housing with a vertical channel extending therethrough. The vertical channel extends normal to the horizontal channel. An insert can be disposed in the tubular part in alignment with the vertical channel. The horizontal channel and the vertical channel together define a T-shaped cavity. The T-shaped tubular fitting can be formed upon application of pressure to the pushing block.

A punch for forming opposite ends of a copper tube into a T includes a tapered or shovel-nose such that the spacing between the ends of the opposed punches is reduced, thereby reducing the excess copper remaining in the T once formed. A method of forming the fitting employs the shovel-nose punches in a hydro-forming process to accommodate such results.

A punch for forming opposite ends of a copper tube into a T includes a tapered or shovel-nose such that the spacing between the ends of the opposed punches is reduced, thereby reducing the excess copper remaining in the T once formed. A method of forming the fitting employs the shovel-nose punches in a hydro-forming process to accommodate such results.