Step 3 · Deburr and Clean the Pipe Ends

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

This is the most critical step for a successful repair. Take a deburring tool and insert it into the freshly cut pipe end, rotating it to remove any metal burrs from the inside edge. Then, use the outside portion of the tool to smooth the outer edge. If you don't have a deburring tool, a round file and a flat file can be used. Next, take a piece of sandpaper or emery cloth and thoroughly clean the outside of both pipe ends, polishing about 1 to 1.5 inches back from the cut. The surface must be perfectly smooth and free of any dirt, paint, or oxidation for the O-ring inside the fitting to create a watertight seal.