Apparatus and method for tapping a valve of a host pipe lined with a liner

A method for reinforcing a coupling between a valve of a conduit pipe and a host pipe lined with a liner, the method comprising:

• installing a cork assembly into the valve, the cork assembly comprising:
• a service sleeve comprising:
• a first flange;
• an engaging end distal to the first flange;
• and
• a cylindrical housing extending from the first flange to the engaging end;
• and
• a cork disposed within the cylindrical housing of the service sleeve;
• installing the liner in the host pipe, wherein a layer of epoxy secures the liner to the host pipe, and the first flange of the service sleeve of the cork assembly rests between the liner and the host pipe;
• removing the cork from the cork assembly;
• installing a reinforcing sleeve into the service sleeve in the valve, the reinforcing sleeve comprising:
• a second flange;
• an engaging end distal to the second flange;
• and
• a cylindrical housing extending from the second flange to the engaging end, the cylindrical housing comprising:
• at least one cutout extending from the engaging end toward the second flange;
• and
• at least one annular ratchet formed on an outer surface of the reinforcing sleeve at the engaging end,
• wherein a radius of the cylindrical housing of the service sleeve is greater than a radius of the cylindrical housing of the reinforcing sleeve,
• wherein installing the reinforcing sleeve comprises:
• inserting the reinforcing sleeve into the service sleeve until at least one annular ratchet engages the engaging end of the service sleeve and until the first flange contacts an interior surface of the liner.